People & Culture Specialist

People & Culture Specialist

Job Type: 15-month contract (beginning December 2026)
Location: Toronto (Hybrid role 3 days in office)
Reporting to: Manager, People & Culture or Designate
Role Type: Temporary

Goway Travel was founded in Toronto in 1970 by Bruce Hodge, a young Australian economist who moved to Canada to follow his dreams.

From there, we have established ourselves as a global influence with offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Sydney, and Manila. While the travel industry endured major challenges, our strong foundations allowed Goway to forge ahead. We continually innovated, invested in new technology, and challenged the status quo.

Still owned and operated by Bruce, with the support of his leadership board, our mission has always been to help our clients realize their travel dreams. Today, we are an industry-leading, global travel company with over 800 employees. Our team of experts utilizes cutting-edge technology to tailor-make 4 and 5-star travel experiences in over 100 countries around the world.

At Goway Travel, we're not just a company; we're a family of dreamers and doers, inspired by our founder’s incredible journey. He didn't just follow a career path; he followed his heart, and in doing so, he built a company that helps others follow theirs.

If you’re passionate about travel and innovation, we invite you to be a part of our exciting journey!

Job Purpose:

Join our Toronto team as a People & Culture Specialist, where you'll support employees and leaders, help drive key HR initiatives, and contribute to a positive and high-performing workplace culture. This hybrid role combines in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility and is ideal for a highly organized professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys delivering exceptional employee support

What will be your key responsibilities?

1. Drive People & Culture programs, policies, and change initiatives that support organizational growth and business objectives

2. Lead HR initiatives from strategy through execution, addressing a wide range of P&C and organizational needs, including policy development, organizational compliance, compensation analysis, UKG (HRIS implementation), audits, recruitment, performance management, employee relations, benefit administration & payroll collaboration

3. Partner with leaders to build a high-performing, engaged, and values-driven workforce.

4. Manage complex workplace issues, including disciplinary processes, attendance management, disability cases, and employee separations.

5. Support talent acquisition for recruitment activities; deliver onboarding, and employee experience initiatives that attract and retain top talent.

6. Provide coaching and guidance on employee relations, performance management, investigations, accommodations, and employment matters.

7. Build strong relationships with leaders and provide proactive guidance aligned to business objectives

8. Be a champion of employee engagement, inclusion, and culture by turning employee insights into impactful initiatives, promoting DEI across the organization, and helping shape a vibrant, empowering global employee experience.

9. Use data analytics to influence decision-making and improve organizational effectiveness.

10. Champion employee wellness, benefits, health and safety, and a positive workplace culture

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Human Resources diploma or certificate, or equivalent combination of education and experience, with a minimum of five (5) years of progressive Human Resources experience, with a focus and familiarity with UKG.

• Experience preparing employment documentation, onboarding and offboarding employees, and maintaining HR records.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong organizational, time-management, and administrative skills.

• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage competing deadlines effectively.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information with discretion.

What can you expect from Goway?
Imagine working for a company where your career feels like an adventure. At Goway, you’ll join a global community that supports one another:

• We offer a competitive salary accompanied by performance incentives, and we place real importance on time away from work, such as paid personal days for when life calls for them and your birthday off each year.
• Your future matters to us, so we match your RRSP contributions and provide comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Our commitment to professional growth means you’ll have access to continuous learning and industry-leading training that keeps you at the forefront of travel innovation.
• Travel is in our DNA, so you’ll enjoy exclusive perks and discounts on worldwide getaways.
• Since we operate across Toronto, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Manila, Sydney, and beyond, you’ll collaborate across cultures and shape a career path that reflects your ambitions.
• Goway is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate differences and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace for everyone. We appreciate every applicant’s interest. Please be advised that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

How to Apply:
If this role feels like your next step, click "Apply Now" to create your profile, upload your CV, and share a few details about yourself. Our talent team reviews every application, and if your experience aligns with our needs, we will reach out to set up the next step.

AI Screening Disclosure
To help us fairly and efficiently review applications, we use an automated screening process to assess responses to pre-determined questions. This initial step ensures all candidates are evaluated consistently. Qualified applicants will be reviewed by our recruitment team for further consideration.

Additional Notes
Goway Travel Ltd will retain applications, notifications, and records related to this posting for three years, reflecting our commitment to fair and equitable hiring practices.

Recruitment scams & fraud warning:
Please be aware of any suspicious emails or WhatsApp activity from individuals pretending to be recruiters or senior personnel at Goway Travel. We will never ask you to install an app during the recruitment process. If you receive a message of this nature, please ignore it and report it to Goway.

About Goway
Founded in Toronto in 1970 by Australian economist Bruce Hodge, Goway has evolved from a one-person dream into a family-owned global leader in tailor-made travel. With our headquarters in Toronto and hubs in Vancouver, Los Angeles, Sydney, and Manila, our team of over 700 talented employees designs travel experiences in more than 115 countries across all seven continents. We’re united by a passion for travel and are committed to doing the right thing: supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainable tourism that enriches local communities. Whether working remotely or side by side in one of our offices, we operate as one forward-thinking team, transforming wanderlust into life-changing adventures for our fellow Globetrotters. Discover more at goway.com.