Senior Director, People & Culture

Deadline to Apply: November 30

Non-Union, Permanent Full-Time, On-site, 37.5hrs/week

About the Assiniboine Park Conservancy

Creating the future vision for one of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada’s most prized treasures, Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) is the not-for-profit organization that oversees Assiniboine Park’s operations and ensures its ongoing redevelopment and financial viability. Our team is inspired to create and deliver extraordinary experiences for the people who visit and use the Park and Zoo including building friendly, supportive, effective relationships with stakeholders, community and the general public. We want to be a place where people share the wonders of nature in a way that inspires them to conserve it for the future.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Senior Director of People & Culture plays a key role in enhancing APC’s organizational work environment and people effectiveness. They are responsible for driving APC’s “People First” culture across the organization. The Senior Director will work collaboratively with various business units to identify and implement HR programs that support strategic goals, drive talent decisions, and ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion is supported across the organization. The Senior Director will ensure that HR philosophy, strategy, initiatives, and programs are clearly defined, understood and adopted within the organization to drive consistency, continual performance improvement, and a sustainable business competitive advantage.

The Senior Director, People & Culture will be responsible for leading a team of HR professionals and supporting all aspects of human resources management, including employee and labour relations, workforce planning, succession planning, compensation management, organizational design and development, workplace culture, employee engagement, performance management, and workplace health and safety. The Senior Director will work closely with business leaders, the HR Team, and other stakeholders to assess talent and organizational needs and build and refine a strategy to address them. The Senior Director will also lead initiatives and programs that create a clear growth pathway from first-line manager through executive level to address the organization's skill gaps, enhance employee capabilities, and promote employee growth and career development within APC. This includes succession planning for key positions at these levels.

In collaboration with the Leadership Team, the Senior Director will have a high-visibility role that will drive company-wide programs and initiatives that have a real impact on advancing APC’s success to foster a positive work culture and ensure the well-being and growth of our employees.

Organizational HR Leadership:

• Provide human resources leadership and determine the best HR solutions, including strategies, programs, and processes to address APC’s talent and workforce needs.
• Oversee the administration, interpretation, and consistent application of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), including CBA negotiations, interpretation, enforcement, grievances, labour relations and the resolution of disputes / arbitration, ensuring compliance with the agreement and maintaining effective and collaborative working relationships with union representatives.
• Serve as a member of the Leadership Team, supporting organization-wide initiatives and providing strategic insight into workforce and HR trends.
• Support APC’s business priorities, operational goals, values, and culture by leading organizational development, talent development, and performance strategies, initiatives, and programs.
• Partner with leaders and managers to develop and strengthen an organizational culture that creates an exceptional employee and guest experience.
• Lead the development and implementation of innovative HR policies, programs, and practices aligned with APC’s strategic priorities and applicable legislation.
• Lead the talent acquisition function, including innovative approaches to recruitment, selection, onboarding, and orientation.
• Lead workforce planning to ensure appropriate staffing, resource allocation, and employee development to achieve organizational and departmental priorities.
• Lead employee and labour relations matters, including workplace conflict management, complaints, investigations, and other complex employee issues.
• Lead the development and implementation of performance management programs aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
• Champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and a respectful workplace across APC.

HR Team Leadership

• Lead the entire HR function through oversight of the HR Department, providing expertise and guidance across employee relations, labour relations, compensation, leadership development, DEI, policy compliance, recruitment, and training.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, coaching, and support to the HR Team, developing a highly engaged and accountable HR function.
• Establish priorities, allocate resources, monitor performance, and provide ongoing feedback and coaching to direct reports.
• Develop the technical, behavioural, and leadership capabilities of HR Team members, supporting their professional growth, confidence, and independence.

Administration, Finance & Reporting

• Lead HR departmental budgeting and organization-wide labour forecasting, monitor variances, and identify mitigation strategies throughout the planning cycle.
• Act as a key liaison with Finance and Payroll on HR data management, workforce planning, compensation, benefits, position control, reporting, and related workforce initiatives.

Required Education, Training, and Experience

• University degree in business, human resources, or social science field with Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation is preferred.
• A Master’s Degree in Human Resources would be considered an asset.
• 10+ years of progressive human resources experience, including at least 5 years in a senior HR leadership role.
• Senior HR leadership experience within a complex organization; experience supporting both unionized and non-unionized employee groups.
• Proven ability to understand strategic business drivers and translate organizational priorities into effective talent and people strategies, programs, and initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of DEI principles, with a commitment to ongoing learning and applying that knowledge across talent and organizational strategies, programs, and initiatives.
• Strong experience in talent and organizational development, change management, project management, process improvement, and organizational transformation.
• Experience providing leadership and oversight of workplace health and safety programs and practices would be considered an asset.
• Strong knowledge of employment-related legislation and contemporary human resources practices.
• Strong understanding of HR analytics and performance metrics to support evidence-based decision-making.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

What We Have to Offer

• An Inclusive work environment
• Zoo & Leaf membership
• Free parking
• Park discounts
• Employee & Family Assistance Plan
• Comprehensive employer paid group benefits (health, dental, life, travel) and RRSP
• Beautiful Park setting and rich history

APC Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Assiniboine Park Conservancy is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. Employment equity may be a factor in selection for this competition. Consideration will be given to Indigenous people, racialized minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.

Accommodations are available upon request during the assessment and selection process.