Human Resources

Thunder Bay

Full-time

Permanent

##Overview

Help Shape the Future of People and Culture at Lakehead University

Lakehead University invites applications for the role of Senior Manager / Director, Human Resources (Title to be determined), a senior leadership opportunity for an accomplished HR executive who is passionate about building thriving, inclusive, and high-performing workplaces. Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, the Director plays a pivotal role in advancing Lakehead’s strategic priorities through progressive and innovative human resource leadership. This role provides oversight across Employee & Labour Relations, Health, Safety & Wellness, and Talent Acquisition, while serving as a trusted advisor on complex people, culture, and workforce matters. The successful candidate will bring a strategic mindset, exceptional leadership capability, and deep expertise in labour relations within complex unionized environments, helping the University navigate change while strengthening employee engagement, organizational resilience, and institutional effectiveness. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of HR in a mission-driven university community known for innovation, inclusion, and student success.

##Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership

• Provide strategic direction across HR services to support the University’s mission and institutional priorities.
• Lead HR transformation initiatives including digital HR systems, employee engagement initiatives, and equity-based hiring practices.

Employee & Labour Relations

• Provide leadership and oversight for employee and labour relations functions.
• Lead grievance resolution, arbitration strategy, and collective bargaining processes across multiple bargaining units.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with union representatives and key stakeholders.

Health, Safety & Wellness

• Champion a proactive and integrated approach to workplace health, safety, and employee wellness.
• Oversee disability management and return-to-work programs aligned with legislative requirements and best practices.
• Promote a culture that prioritizes psychological safety, well-being, and workplace respect.

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Provide leadership for strategic recruitment initiatives that support equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Provide leadership on executive and senior-level recruitment.
• Use workforce analytics and planning to support future talent needs and organizational growth.

Policy, Governance & Organizational Development

• Lead the development and implementation of HR policies and compliance frameworks.
• Support organizational change initiatives, workforce planning, and leadership development.
• Monitor HR metrics and budgets to ensure effective and responsible resource management.

##Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Human Resources, Labour Relations, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

• CHRE or CHRL designation required; additional certifications (e.g., SPHR, SHRM-SCP, PMP, ADR/mediation) are assets.

• Minimum 10 years of progressive HR experience, including 5+ years in senior leadership roles.

• Extensive experience in unionized, complex public-sector environments, preferably in post-secondary education.

• Proven expertise in labour relations, collective bargaining, grievance and arbitration strategy, conflict resolution, and employment law compliance.

• Demonstrated leadership in strategic talent planning, workforce development, and EDI initiatives.

• Experience leading multi-functional HR teams, managing budgets, and using data-driven decision-making.

• Strong knowledge of occupational health & safety, disability management, and return-to-work programs.

• Deep knowledge of Ontario employment legislation and collective bargaining frameworks.

• Strong understanding of HR best practices, including talent strategy, DEI, and organizational change.

• Exceptional strategic leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Skilled negotiator with the ability to influence, resolve conflict, and lead in complex environments.

• Sound judgment in handling sensitive, high-risk employee relations matters.

• Commitment to inclusion, psychological safety, and continuous improvement.

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

**We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment.**Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343-8010 ext. 8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements.

Benefits Information

Why Lakehead

Application Deadline:

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 - 11:59pm

Salary:

Band 11: $113,586.97 - $141,984.29 (Under Review)

Contact Information:

humanres@lakeheadu.ca

Reference Number:

SCHII-26-12

Application Deadline:

Wednesday, April 8, 2026 - 11:59pm

Salary:

Band 11: $113,586.97 - $141,984.29 (Under Review)

Yes, eligible for benefits

Contact Information:

humanres@lakeheadu.ca

Reference Number:

SCHII-26-12