Manager, People Operations & Total Rewards
Top Benefits
About the role
Starting Salary Range: $63,561 - $75,000 annually, commensurate with experience
Department: Association Services
Location: Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA with hybrid work options available
Work Hours: 40 Hours per week
Employment Type: Regular Full-Time Salaried with benefits and a complimentary YMCA Membership
Number of Vacancies: 1
Anticipated Start Date: September 2025
Deadline to Apply: August 04, 2025
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
In addition to working with an amazing team in an inclusive and collaborative working environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and celebrates success, we offer:
- Paid Vacation Entitlements that increase with seniority (subject to eligibility)
- Paid Personal days and sick days
- A generous employer-paid Group Health benefit plan starting from day 1, with 3 flexible options to choose from
- A Defined Contribution Pension Plan with up to 5% employer matching
- Mental Health on Demand (MHOD) Program
- Hybrid work arrangements with in-person office time to collaborate, innovate and build relationships with your colleagues
- Paid professional development opportunities
- Reduced rates for YMCA Child Care, Camp, and Child & Youth programs (subject to availability)
- Free staff YMCA Health & Fitness Memberships
Position Overview
We believe that it is through the power of our amazing people that the #YSavesLives. By joining the People, Leadership & Culture (PLC) team, you will contribute to making our Y the best place to work.
As Manager, People Operations & Total Rewards, you will lead strategic and operational HR initiatives that foster a high-performing, inclusive, and compliant workplace. Overseeing the People Partner, Total Rewards, and Analytics teams, you’ll guide complex employee relations, compensation, benefits, payroll, and compliance efforts—including volunteer and temporary worker programs.
You’ll also champion data-driven decision-making by leveraging HR data and analytics to optimize programs, identify trends, and support planning and performance.
This is an excellent opportunity for a collaborative and strategic HR leader with strong relationship-building and communication skills to drive meaningful changes and contribute to the continued success of the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford.
What You’ll Do
- Business Partnership & Employee Relations: Provide expert leadership on complex employee relations matters, including investigations, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation. Advise People Leaders on performance management and risk mitigation, while ensuring compliance with employment and human rights legislation.
- Total Rewards Strategy & Delivery: Develop and manage compensation, benefits, and payroll strategies that attract and retain top talent. Ensure internal equity, legislative compliance, and collaboration with Finance on accurate payroll operations.
- Employee Health & Well-being: Oversee health, safety, and wellness programs aligned with legislative requirements. Manage leaves, accommodations, and escalated incidents, and lead continuous improvement of related policies.
- Volunteer & Temporary Worker Programs: Ensure compliant and consistent administration of volunteer and temporary worker programs. Support engagement, safety, and risk management across all non-permanent staffing.
- People Leadership & Strategic Advisory: Lead and mentor a team of HR professionals, cultivating a culture of collaboration, high performance, and continuous growth. Provide strategic advice on rewards and workforce trends, manage stakeholder relationships, and leverage data and analytics to drive HR planning and program effectiveness.
What You’ll Bring
- Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in HR operations, employee and/or labor relations, and total rewards, including compensation and benefits with at least one (1) year of experience in a leadership or supervisory role.
- Professional designation in one or more of the following: Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP), Master of Industrial Relations (MIR), Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP), Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL).
- Strong knowledge of Canadian employment legislation, including the Human Rights Code, AODA, OHSA, WSIA, ESA, and pay equity requirements.
- HRIS Management experience required.
- Proven ability to lead compensation reviews, maintain pay equity, and manage benefits and pension programs.
- Proficiency in Canadian payroll practices, standards, and compliance reporting.
- Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking in dynamic environments, demonstrating innovative problem-solving skills and a systemic approach that balances strategic thought leadership with hands-on execution.
- Strong leadership skills with emphasis on coaching, teamwork, development and influencing others and build consensus.
- Excellent administrative and organizational skills with the demonstrated ability to take initiative and manage competing priorities in a high-volume environment.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to represent the Association professionally in interactions with internal stakeholders and/or external communities.
- Experience working with diverse teams and fostering inclusive workplace practices.
- Access to reliable transportation in order travel to various work locations.
A Major Asset If
- You have worked in non-profit, charity or public sector organizations.
- You have a proven track record of implementing successful total rewards strategies in a large organization.
- You have experience with advanced HR analytics tools and software.
- You have strong project management skills with experience in leading cross-functional teams.
- You are familiar with international compensation and benefits practices.
This position requires a commitment to the YMCA mission and core values of: Inclusion, Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility, as well as a commitment to building developmental assets in children and adults.
All offers of employment will be subject to the provision that the successful incumbent provides the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford with a current and satisfactory Police Records Check. Positions responsible for the direct supervision of children and/or vulnerable persons will be required, in addition to a Police Records Check, to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening Report at the time of hire. Police Records Checks are reviewed on an individual basis, and the offence(s), if any, is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children; therefore, not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position.
Organizational Overview
As one of the largest charitable community service organizations in Canada, the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford responds to critical social needs in the community and works to provide solutions. By nurturing the potential of children, youth and adults, the YMCA connects people to life-building opportunities, to each other and enhances their quality of life. We foster social responsibility and healthy living. The YMCA works collectively with community partners that share the YMCA’s determination in strengthening the foundations of community for all people.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility
The YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or neurodiversity.
We understand the social barriers preventing individuals from applying for open roles. We encourage those from the Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Disabled communities to apply.
If you need any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our People, Leadership and Culture Department at plc@ymcahbb.ca
Ready to Make a Difference? The YMCA is a charity that ignites the potential in people. #YSavesLives starts with building a strong community. If you’re passionate about people and excited to lead impactful initiatives, we want to hear from you!
Don’t meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet all qualifications. If you are excited about the role, but your resume doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the description, apply anyway. You may still be the right candidate for this or other roles!
Experience
Preferred
- 3 year(s): Minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in HR operations, employee and/or labor relations, and total rewards, including compensation and benefits with at least one (1) year of experience in a leadership or supervisory role.
Education
Preferred
- Some post college or better in Human Resources or related field
Behaviors
Preferred
- Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
- Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
- Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
- Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
Motivations
Preferred
- Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
- Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
- Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
About YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford
As one of the largest charitable community service organizations in Canada, the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford responds to critical social needs in the community and works to provide solutions. By nurturing the potential of children, youth and adults, the YMCA connects people to life-building opportunities, to each other and enhances their quality of life. We foster social responsibility and healthy living. The YMCA works collectively with community partners that share the YMCA’s determination in strengthening the foundations of community for all people
Manager, People Operations & Total Rewards
Top Benefits
About the role
Starting Salary Range: $63,561 - $75,000 annually, commensurate with experience
Department: Association Services
Location: Hamilton Downtown Family YMCA with hybrid work options available
Work Hours: 40 Hours per week
Employment Type: Regular Full-Time Salaried with benefits and a complimentary YMCA Membership
Number of Vacancies: 1
Anticipated Start Date: September 2025
Deadline to Apply: August 04, 2025
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
In addition to working with an amazing team in an inclusive and collaborative working environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and celebrates success, we offer:
- Paid Vacation Entitlements that increase with seniority (subject to eligibility)
- Paid Personal days and sick days
- A generous employer-paid Group Health benefit plan starting from day 1, with 3 flexible options to choose from
- A Defined Contribution Pension Plan with up to 5% employer matching
- Mental Health on Demand (MHOD) Program
- Hybrid work arrangements with in-person office time to collaborate, innovate and build relationships with your colleagues
- Paid professional development opportunities
- Reduced rates for YMCA Child Care, Camp, and Child & Youth programs (subject to availability)
- Free staff YMCA Health & Fitness Memberships
Position Overview
We believe that it is through the power of our amazing people that the #YSavesLives. By joining the People, Leadership & Culture (PLC) team, you will contribute to making our Y the best place to work.
As Manager, People Operations & Total Rewards, you will lead strategic and operational HR initiatives that foster a high-performing, inclusive, and compliant workplace. Overseeing the People Partner, Total Rewards, and Analytics teams, you’ll guide complex employee relations, compensation, benefits, payroll, and compliance efforts—including volunteer and temporary worker programs.
You’ll also champion data-driven decision-making by leveraging HR data and analytics to optimize programs, identify trends, and support planning and performance.
This is an excellent opportunity for a collaborative and strategic HR leader with strong relationship-building and communication skills to drive meaningful changes and contribute to the continued success of the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford.
What You’ll Do
- Business Partnership & Employee Relations: Provide expert leadership on complex employee relations matters, including investigations, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation. Advise People Leaders on performance management and risk mitigation, while ensuring compliance with employment and human rights legislation.
- Total Rewards Strategy & Delivery: Develop and manage compensation, benefits, and payroll strategies that attract and retain top talent. Ensure internal equity, legislative compliance, and collaboration with Finance on accurate payroll operations.
- Employee Health & Well-being: Oversee health, safety, and wellness programs aligned with legislative requirements. Manage leaves, accommodations, and escalated incidents, and lead continuous improvement of related policies.
- Volunteer & Temporary Worker Programs: Ensure compliant and consistent administration of volunteer and temporary worker programs. Support engagement, safety, and risk management across all non-permanent staffing.
- People Leadership & Strategic Advisory: Lead and mentor a team of HR professionals, cultivating a culture of collaboration, high performance, and continuous growth. Provide strategic advice on rewards and workforce trends, manage stakeholder relationships, and leverage data and analytics to drive HR planning and program effectiveness.
What You’ll Bring
- Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in HR operations, employee and/or labor relations, and total rewards, including compensation and benefits with at least one (1) year of experience in a leadership or supervisory role.
- Professional designation in one or more of the following: Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP), Master of Industrial Relations (MIR), Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP), Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL).
- Strong knowledge of Canadian employment legislation, including the Human Rights Code, AODA, OHSA, WSIA, ESA, and pay equity requirements.
- HRIS Management experience required.
- Proven ability to lead compensation reviews, maintain pay equity, and manage benefits and pension programs.
- Proficiency in Canadian payroll practices, standards, and compliance reporting.
- Demonstrated ability to apply critical thinking in dynamic environments, demonstrating innovative problem-solving skills and a systemic approach that balances strategic thought leadership with hands-on execution.
- Strong leadership skills with emphasis on coaching, teamwork, development and influencing others and build consensus.
- Excellent administrative and organizational skills with the demonstrated ability to take initiative and manage competing priorities in a high-volume environment.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to represent the Association professionally in interactions with internal stakeholders and/or external communities.
- Experience working with diverse teams and fostering inclusive workplace practices.
- Access to reliable transportation in order travel to various work locations.
A Major Asset If
- You have worked in non-profit, charity or public sector organizations.
- You have a proven track record of implementing successful total rewards strategies in a large organization.
- You have experience with advanced HR analytics tools and software.
- You have strong project management skills with experience in leading cross-functional teams.
- You are familiar with international compensation and benefits practices.
This position requires a commitment to the YMCA mission and core values of: Inclusion, Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility, as well as a commitment to building developmental assets in children and adults.
All offers of employment will be subject to the provision that the successful incumbent provides the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford with a current and satisfactory Police Records Check. Positions responsible for the direct supervision of children and/or vulnerable persons will be required, in addition to a Police Records Check, to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening Report at the time of hire. Police Records Checks are reviewed on an individual basis, and the offence(s), if any, is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children; therefore, not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position.
Organizational Overview
As one of the largest charitable community service organizations in Canada, the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford responds to critical social needs in the community and works to provide solutions. By nurturing the potential of children, youth and adults, the YMCA connects people to life-building opportunities, to each other and enhances their quality of life. We foster social responsibility and healthy living. The YMCA works collectively with community partners that share the YMCA’s determination in strengthening the foundations of community for all people.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility
The YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or neurodiversity.
We understand the social barriers preventing individuals from applying for open roles. We encourage those from the Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Disabled communities to apply.
If you need any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our People, Leadership and Culture Department at plc@ymcahbb.ca
Ready to Make a Difference? The YMCA is a charity that ignites the potential in people. #YSavesLives starts with building a strong community. If you’re passionate about people and excited to lead impactful initiatives, we want to hear from you!
Don’t meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet all qualifications. If you are excited about the role, but your resume doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the description, apply anyway. You may still be the right candidate for this or other roles!
Experience
Preferred
- 3 year(s): Minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in HR operations, employee and/or labor relations, and total rewards, including compensation and benefits with at least one (1) year of experience in a leadership or supervisory role.
Education
Preferred
- Some post college or better in Human Resources or related field
Behaviors
Preferred
- Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
- Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
- Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
- Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
Motivations
Preferred
- Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
- Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help
- Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
About YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford
As one of the largest charitable community service organizations in Canada, the YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford responds to critical social needs in the community and works to provide solutions. By nurturing the potential of children, youth and adults, the YMCA connects people to life-building opportunities, to each other and enhances their quality of life. We foster social responsibility and healthy living. The YMCA works collectively with community partners that share the YMCA’s determination in strengthening the foundations of community for all people