Human Resources

Orillia

Full-time

Permanent

Overview

The Human Resources Partner is the sole HR representative at Lakehead University’s Orillia campus and a key member of the broader HR team. This role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring sound judgment, strong relationship-building, and the ability to navigate ambiguity. While operating independently, the HR Partner works closely with the Associate Vice President of Human Resources to implement university-wide HR policies, initiatives, and compliance practices effectively and consistently across both campuses while also tailoring support to the unique needs of the Orillia campus

As the primary point of contact for all HR matters on the Orillia campus, this role requires an individual who can work with a high level of initiative and judgement, effectively balancing long-term strategic objectives with daily project demands, while demonstrating strong relationship-building and communication skills across diverse stakeholder groups.

Some travel to the Thunder Bay campus may be required for training or collaboration

Responsibilities

Campus HR Leadership

• Act as the face of HR on the Orillia campus, independently managing most HR issues with remote support from central HR.
• Provide local HR leadership, maintaining strong partnerships with faculty, staff, leadership, and union representatives.
• Proactively identify campus-specific HR risks and opportunities and collaborate on cross-campus HR strategies.

Talent Acquisition

• Recruitment Leadership: Manage end-to-end recruitment for assigned portfolios, ensuring compliance with university policies and legislation.
• Support for Hiring Managers: Provide strategic advice and training to hiring managers on effective recruitment, including unbiased assessment and retention strategies.
• Cross-Campus Collaboration: Work with the Thunder Bay HR team and the Talent Acquisition and Employee Development Advisor to ensure consistent recruitment practices and candidate experiences.
• Onboarding: Facilitate consistent and customized new employee onboarding, including HR Administration and timely completion of training, to support retention , engagement and smooth integration into the campus community.

Employee and Labor Relations

• Employee Relations: Serve as the initial contact for employee concerns. Address sensitive employee concerns, including conflict resolution and workplace investigations, as directed for the Orillia campus.
• Policy Guidance: Advise on employment standards, human rights legislation, and collective agreements to support compliance and best practices.
• Grievance and Discipline Management: Lead grievance processes and disciplinary actions, escalating to the Manager of Employee and Labor Relations when needed.
• Advisory Services: Coach managers on feedback, evaluations, progressive discipline, respectful workplace, among other people management matters.
• Labor Relations: Participate in union negotiations and labor strategy as required, aligning with university-wide labor relations initiatives.

Health and Safety

• Program Leadership: Ensure Orillia campus compliance with OHSA, WSIB, and other safety legislation.
• Emergency Preparedness: Develop the Orillia fire safety plan, conduct drills, and ensure fire code compliance, coordinating with local authorities and university teams.
• Lab and Biosafety Compliance: Manage lab safety, biosafety protocols, inspections, and training, and serve on the Biosafety Committee.
• Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC): Oversee JHSC operations, including member training and compliance with OHSA standards.
• Incident and WSIB Management: Handle critical incident reporting, WSIB claims, and coordination with regulatory bodies.
• Safety Training: Conduct campus-wide safety training and collaborate on emergency preparedness with security services.

HR Policy and University-Wide Projects

• Policy Development: Regularly review HR policies, recommending updates in line with legislative and organizational changes.
• University-Wide Projects: Support initiatives like induction programs, leadership development, and well-being, in collaboration with the AVP-HR and cross-campus HR teams.
• Committee Participation: Contribute HR expertise to university committees as required
• Process Improvement: Lead or support projects to enhance HR services, streamline onboarding, and develop talent programs.
• Data-Driven Insights: create reports, and use HR metrics to guide improvements in recruitment, retention, health and safety, and other HR operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial Relations, Business Administration, or a related field; CHRP designation required (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Minimum 5 years of progressive HR experience, ideally in a standalone role in a unionized, public sector, or academic environment, with expertise in recruitment, labour relations, employee relations, health and safety, and HR policy development.
• Proven ability to manage full-cycle recruitment, coach hiring managers, and apply inclusive hiring practices; familiarity with HRIS and applicant tracking systems.
• Strong understanding of employment legislation, collective agreements, and the application of equity, diversity, and inclusion in HR practices.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to work independently, handle confidential matters, and balance multiple priorities.

Benefits Information

Why Lakehead

Application Deadline:

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 - 11:59pm

Salary:

Band 8: $77,222.72 - 96,528.11

Working Conditions:

On Site - Office Environment

Contact Information:

humanres@lakeheadu.ca

Reference Number:

SCHII-25-43

Application Deadline:

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 - 11:59pm

Salary:

Band 8: $77,222.72 - 96,528.11

Working Conditions:

On Site - Office Environment

Yes, eligible for benefits

Contact Information:

humanres@lakeheadu.ca

Reference Number:

SCHII-25-43