Human Resources Director

Our Purpose is to help our Customers, our Associates, our Suppliers, our Communities and our Shareholders in Achieving Superior Performance! This is what Applied Canada stands for. Applied® is a leading value-added distributor of bearings, power transmission products, engineered fluid power components and systems, specialty flow control solutions, and other industrial supplies, serving MRO and OEM customers. With over 50 facilities located across Canada and 650 Associates, Applied® supports the steel, mining, forestry, agriculture, automotive, oil and gas, food processing, power generation, pulp and paper, and transportation industries, just to name a few. In addition, Applied provides engineering, design and systems integration for industrial, fluid power, and flow control applications, as well as customized mechanical, fabricated rubber, fluid power, and flow control shop services.

The ideal candidate for HR Director - Canada will possess a blend of strategic insight, operational excellence, and leadership acumen. Key competencies include the ability to set and execute strategy, lead teams, and influence relationships across the organization.

Setting Strategy

• Develop HR plans and strategies to support the achievement of overall Canadian business objectives.
• Provide leadership and guidance to Canadian HR functions; partner with Chief Human Resources Officer and Canadian HR Business Partners and HR Center of Excellence (COE) Leads (Talent Acquisition, HRIS and Payroll) to ensure efficient and effective HR services.
• Establish short and long-term HR strategies and service delivery models, communicating actionable plans aligned with the company’s vision.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to Canadian President and functional groups regarding organizational and management issues.
• Develop and implement DEI strategies and programs that foster an inclusive workplace and support recruitment, retention, and advancement of diverse talent, including Indigenous recruitment strategies in specific markets.
• Lead the development, localization, and implementation of HR policies, programs, and procedures that reflect Canadian employment legislation, and company standards. Ensure policies are clear, current, and effectively communicated to leaders and employees across all provinces.

Executing for Results

• Provide guidance to managers and associates in conflict and/or performance management situations and ensure appropriate communication and documentation is maintained. Coach and advise to successful resolution.
• Partner with Canadian leaders on M&A activities, including integration of new businesses and coordination with HR COEs.
• Work with recruiting to assist in approving requisitions for new positions, monitoring the status of requisitions and obtaining approval for verbal offers.
• Ensure consistent and fair application of policies across the organization, partnering with legal and business leaders to address complex issues and minimize legal exposure.
• Oversee compliance audits and reporting activities, ensuring timely and accurate responses to regulatory bodies, and maintain readiness for potential government inspections or investigations.
• Comply with all company security policies and procedures.
• Leverage data-driven insights and workforce analytics to forecast talent needs, identify capability gaps, and support strategic decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with Canadian employment laws, regulations, and company policies; proactively identify and mitigate HR-related risks.

Leading Teams

• Act as a change leader for developing and implementing strategic operating plans, championing the company’s culture and driving change within the division.
• Develop and execute leadership development and succession strategies to build future capabilities and ensure strong internal pipelines for critical roles.
• Lead Human Capital planning in conjunction with administering and supporting the annual performance evaluation process for the business.
• Serve as the single point of accountability for decision making and escalation within the Canadian HR organization.

Relationships and Influence

• Strong emotional intelligence; builds robust relationships and communicates persuasively.
• Inspires trust and followership through compelling influence and active engagement.
• Celebrates team success and encourages sharing the spotlight.
• Creates a sense of purpose for the team, engaging others in the organization’s greater mission.
• Design and implement programs to enhance the overall employee experience, ensuring alignment with company values and employee expectations.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years progressive leadership experience in Human Resources.
• At least 5 years in a global business or HR capacity, preferably within the industrial vertical and/or distribution model servicing industry, or equivalent education, training, or experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, Labor Relations, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, or a related field.
• Ability to operate at both tactical and strategic levels of HR.
• Extensive experience as an HR business partner with expertise in employee relations, change management, employee engagement, and recruitment.
• Strong fundamental HR skills in performance management, coaching, leadership development, compensation and benefits, organizational development, labor relations, and employment law.
• Proven record of integrating businesses, including organizational design, assessment and selection, rightsizing, retention, and HR systems/processes.
• Advanced SPHR Certification is a plus.

Additional Experience, Skills, And Acumen

• Global experience with U.S. companies is preferred.
• Strong business acumen; ability to anticipate human capital implications of business strategies.
• Experience with multiple business models and cross-functional organizations.
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing, and communication skills; capable of building trust-based relationships.
• Demonstrates strategic thinking and breadth of consideration.
• Ability to quickly establish credibility and influence senior leaders.
• Demonstrate cultural fluency and bilingual leadership to effectively engage employees and stakeholders across Canada, including Quebec’s unique legislative and cultural environment. The Director HR - Canada is a strategic partner and change champion, vital to driving organizational success through effective human capital management. This leader combines strategic vision, operational expertise, and people-centric leadership to ensure the division’s workforce is engaged, capable, and aligned with business objectives.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and bonus opportunities
• Health, vision, and dental coverage, RRSP w/ company match
• Paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays
• Tuition reimbursement and opportunities for development
• Company supported community involvement opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or any other characteristic prohibited by law.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Human Resources
• Wholesale

Location

Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Quebec, Canada