Business Partner

Overall Purpose

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Partner Resources, the Business Partner, People and Culture, is responsible for providing strategic consultation, advice, and guidance on various human resources (HR) matters to an assigned client group. This role serves as a resource to leaders and management staff, ensuring compliance with HR policies, practices, and regulations while driving strategic initiatives to enhance organizational success.

Summary of Duties

• Act as a strategic partner for business and workforce, identifying opportunities for change and driving strategic and tactical initiatives.
• Provide consultation, advice, and guidance on a range of workplace matters, including employee relations, labor relations, leadership coaching, strategic workforce planning, succession planning, conflict resolution, and performance support management.
• Partner with Communities of Expertise (CoE) to deliver cohesive and comprehensive HR support to client groups.
• Interpret and apply HR policies, practices, procedures, and collective agreements, ensuring compliance with legislation and adherence to best practices.
• Collaborate with leaders to identify program goals, evaluate client needs, and develop supporting strategies to mitigate risks.
• Contribute to the development of the People and Culture strategic business plan, focusing on key people issues, trends, and solutions.
• Provide functional guidance to Employee Relations Officers and other members of the People Relations Team.
• Analyze workforce requirements and develop strategies to address gaps, ensuring alignment with business goals and objectives.
• Facilitate conflict and dispute resolution, including mediation, coaching, and directing employees through appropriate programs and guidelines.
• Lead, coordinate, or actively participate in People and Culture projects aligned with key organizational priorities.
• Prepare reports, briefing materials, and presentations for senior staff in People and Culture, business leaders, and TDSB clients.
• Participate in legal proceedings, collective bargaining, workplace investigations, and provide support with research, strategy, approvals, and implementation of settlements and agreements.
• Participate in the development and delivery of educational programs pertaining to labour, employment, workplace harassment/discrimination, performance management, and attendance support.
• Liaise with Union/Association representatives to exchange information and resolve issues while cultivating professional relationships.
• Provide leadership in fostering equity and inclusiveness in the development and implementation of programs and services.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• University degree in a related discipline (e.g., Human Resources Management/Industrial Relations) and seven years of progressively responsible related experience in human resources working for a large, complex, multi-site and multi-unionized employer, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive experience and expertise in HR management, including recruitment, employee relations, labour relations, human rights, strategic workforce planning, succession planning, and collective agreement interpretation.
• Proven experience in conducting investigations and alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation and facilitated conversations.
• In-depth knowledge of employment and labour legislation/regulations, HR trends, programs, policies, processes, and best practices.
• Strong strategic planning, project management, change management, and organisational skills.
• Excellent negotiation skills to resolve complex complaints and conflicts between individuals or groups.
• Exceptional analytical, interpretative, critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to coach and advise leadership on engaging employees and building high‑performance teams.
• Strong client‑service orientation.
• Proven ability in promoting equitable practices which value inclusiveness and diversity.
• Holistic understanding of HR business partnership functions and key HR processes/policies.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present clear, well‑structured reports and briefs.
• Discretion, sound judgment, and the ability to handle highly confidential information, sensitive issues, and emotional situations.
• Proven ability to work effectively under pressure to meet frequent deadlines.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office, HRIS applications, and social media tools.

Special Requirements

• May require occasional travel.

Additional Information

• Advanced degree (e.g., Master of Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, or Business Administration)
• Experience participating in large-scale HR and organisational transformations.

Location

5050 Yonge Street, Wheelchair Accessible

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Applications will not be acknowledged in writing.

The Toronto District School Board is deeply committed to promoting Truth, Reconciliation and the rights of Indigenous peoples, Human Rights, Equity and Anti‑Racism, and the elimination of Oppressive Practices, in our schools, our workplace and in the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from all individuals including those with varied lived experiences that can contribute to the diversification of the workforce at TDSB.

We strive to meet the accommodation needs of persons with disabilities. Applications are encouraged to make their needs for accommodation known in advance during the hiring process.

The TDSB follows a hybrid work structure where some employees may be able to work remotely at times, based on operations requirements. Please refer to Policy P103, Flexible Working Arrangements for more information.

TDSB uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including the initial review of applications. These tools operate based on predefined criteria and do not make final hiring decisions. If you have questions or concerns about the use of AI in the recruitment process, please contact tdsbcareers@tdsb.on.ca.

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