Senior Human Resources Strategic Partner

Senior Human Resources Strategic Partner

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At McMaster University, we strive to attract, develop, and retain talented faculty and staff, and to foster inclusive excellence which values the strengths, perspectives, and contributions of each individual. McMaster is one of the Top 70 Universities in the World and is recognized as Canada’s Most Research-Intensive University. McMaster continues to be recognized as one of the top employers in the Hamilton/Niagara region and one of Canada’s Top Diversity employers.

Our Faculty and Culture of Excellence

The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), the largest Faculty within McMaster, is unique as the only Canadian university that combines in one Faculty, schools of medicine (including two regional campuses), nursing, rehabilitation science, and the programs of midwifery, Bachelor of Health Sciences, physician assistant and postgraduate health sciences education within one faculty. Our pioneering approaches to education and our reputation for world‑class research has consistently placed McMaster and the Faculty among the top 50 universities in the world for health and medicine.

Those who join FHS will find a community of 5,400 talented individuals who are inspired by the faculty’s commitment to our values of interprofessional collaboration, commitment to our communities, accountability, innovation, excellence, integrity, respect, and optimism.

Job Overview

McMaster University’s Faculty of Health Sciences is seeking a seasoned Senior Human Resources Strategic Partner (Senior HRSP) to work with multiple client groups, with at least eight years of related human resource business partner or generalist experience. The incumbent will have a proven track record as a senior HR business partner, with in depth knowledge of and experience with a broad range of human resource services. Reporting to the Associate Director, Health Sciences Human Resources, the Senior HRSP provides a full range of Human Resources management and consultative advice/counsel to designated internal client groups within the Faculty. Responsibilities include but are not limited to providing solutions and recommendations on recruitment/selection, employee and labour relations, performance management, organizational development, compensation/benefits, training and development and workforce planning. The successful incumbent will be responsible for the development and implementation of service‑oriented people strategies that are in line with best practices and current trends, anticipating and meeting current and forward‑looking needs of our internal clients within our Faculty while leveraging synergies with Central HR programs. You will also oversee the HR operational activities for a small team of HR professionals.

Key Responsibilities

• As a strategic partner, proactively contribute to the business strategy by helping leaders to identify, prioritize, and build organizational capabilities, behaviors, structures, and processes, both current and future state.
• Provide coaching and guidance to department leaders on key areas such as: performance management, recruitment, terminations, diversity and inclusion, compensation, employee development, employment equity, change management, succession planning, strategic workforce planning, and team effectiveness.
• Provide strategic input and support to client groups to grow bench strength; optimize organizational design through workforce and succession planning and champion change management across all levels of the Faculty.
• Identifies, assesses, and recommends strategies to improve HR services based on comprehensive knowledge of human resources, and research and analysis of best practices
• Coach managers and employees in the successful resolution of issues and conflicts
• Works in partnership with broader HR team to plan, develop, implement, and execute HR programs and projects that meet client needs, ensuring processes and activities are aligned with Faculty and Department priorities

Skills and Qualifications

• University degree preferably in Business, Psychology, or related field with a focus in Human Resources/Labour Relations
• CHRL designation strongly preferred
• Minimum 8 years HRBP or generalist experience, preferably in a large, unionized environment
• Demonstrated experience managing and coaching a team to achieve high performance, foster professional growth, accountability and engagement.
• Experience in an academic or health care setting an asset
• Experience in a unionized work environment an asset
• Strong Employee Labour Relations experience an asset
• Deep functional knowledge and broad experience in all areas of human resources policies, practices processes, and legislation
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and address complex employee and policy issues and exercise sound and experienced judgment in providing advice and guidance, often in ambiguous situations
• Early adopter of process enhancements and demonstrated agility in service design, delivery, and development of programs
• Strategic thinker with proven negotiation and influencing skills
• Ability to build strong relationships and act with integrity
• Demonstrated coaching, mentoring, and change management skills
• Excellent interpersonal and well‑developed communication skills
• Computer proficiency with high level of competence in Microsoft Office applications; knowledge and experience with PeopleSoft an asset

What We Offer

In addition to joining a top ranked university, McMaster offers a very competitive total compensation package that includes but is not limited to:

• Employer Paid benefits such as Extended Health, Dental, Emergency Out‑of‑Country Travel Coverage & Basic Life Insurance.
• Participation in a Group Retirement Savings Plan.
• Training, coaching and professional development opportunities
• Employee tuition assistance for continuous development and education
• Opportunity to be a part of an academic environment working alongside professionals who share a passion for learning
• Progressive paid annual vacation plan

How to Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Seniority Level

Associate

Employment Type

Contract

Job Function

Human Resources

Industries

Higher Education