Director, Talent and Culture

at  UTILASSIST

WHO WE ARE

Util-Assist is a leading consulting and services company to electric, water, and gas utilities, with customers throughout Canada and the United States. Utilities today are undergoing an exciting digital transformation; the widespread deployment of smart grid technologies and renewable energy sources is colliding with customer demand for electric vehicles, energy savings, and better customer experiences to produce a dramatic shift in how utilities do business. Util-Assist is at the forefront of that shift.
Our vision is to be the trusted partner in driving digital innovation that reshapes the utility landscape. To bring that vision to life, Util-Assist is leading the way in helping utilities take advantage of the latest developments in utility IT, with growing practices for data analytics consulting and systems integration building on our well-established metering infrastructure procurement and implementation management services. Our managed services division leverages advancements in technology to deliver a variety of services to utility customers, including outage communications management, managed billing, and AI-enabled substation security monitoring.
We offer a range of energizing, multi-disciplinary careers in a high-tech industry, with great potential for development and advancement as both the industry and our company continue to grow. Util-Assist’s “choose your own adventure” work environment lets you work in the way that suits you best. We will give you the tools and support to succeed in our business, wherever you are.

Teamwork is key to the success of the Util-Assist family; mutual respect, cooperation, and honesty are hallmarks of our principles. Our values drive us. Four core values define our company culture:

• Deliver Excellence – High-quality work sets us apart from our competition, so “good” isn’t nearly good enough. We work to the highest professional standards, delivering simplified solutions for our clients.
• Put People First – We look after each other, and together we look after our clients. We are committed to working as a team to maintain work/life balance and celebrate each other’s contributions.
• Do The Right Thing – We value integrity and honesty. We work hard to deliver what we promise, and never promise what we can’t deliver.
• Be Humble – We treat each other and our clients with respect, dignity, and compassion. We take responsibility, listen to others, and remember that there’s always something to learn from new perspectives.

We pride ourselves on cultivating a welcoming, positive, and inclusive workplace. Thanks to our outstanding culture, Util-Assist has received several national and local awards, most recently including our third straight year of certification as a Great Place to Work by Great Place to Work Institute® Canada. We were also declared one of the “Best Workplaces in Professional Services.” We have also received the Employee Recommended Workplace Award (three years in a row), the York Region Business of the Year award, and the Newmarket Large Business of the Year Award.
Util-Assist is an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to providing a barrier-free work environment and ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is demonstrated through our policies and practices, aligning with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. Join us to be a part of a team that values and celebrates diversity, and where your unique contributions can make a significant impact.
We’re excited to meet you! Learn more about Util-Assist at www.util-assist.com.

WHAT WE NEED:

The Director, Talent & Culture is a strategic business partner, responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive HR strategy that supports organizational goals, fosters a high-performance culture, and enhances employee experience. This role will lead the HR team and is responsible for providing operational and leadership support to the following areas: talent & performance management, learning & development, recruitment & selection, employee engagement, disability management, employee on-boarding & off-boarding, health & safety, and employee relations. Responsible for attracting, retaining and developing top talent while fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

SKILLS

• Proven experience in building and maintaining strong business relationships
• Demonstrated expertise in learning and development, talent management, and change management
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• In-depth knowledge of HR best practices, employment laws, and regulations
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to problem-solving
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate at all levels of the organization
• Advanced time management and multi-tasking skills
• Advanced MS Office skills
• Advanced ability to objectively deal with sensitive information and with a high degree of discretion

KNOWLEDGE/EDUCATION

• Advanced knowledge of the Employment Standards Act & Human Rights Act/Code
• Advanced knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Intermediate knowledge of the Pay Equity Act

EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Advanced degree or HR certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR) is a plus
• Minimum of 7-10 years of HR experience, with at least 3-5 years in a senior HR leadership role ideally within a professional services firm

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic HR Leadership: Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with the overall business strategy and organizational goals and values. Serve as a trusted advisor to senior management on all HR-related matters. Promote Util-Assist brand and People First culture throughout all responsibilities and tasks. Ensure consistent HR support across both Canadian and US operations. Act as a trusted advisor to executives and business leaders on complex HR matters, helping to drive organizational effectiveness and change management
• Business Partnership: Build strong relationships with business leaders to understand their business goals and provide strategic HR support. Act as a bridge between HR and other departments to foster a collaborative working environment. Analyze and interpret business data to identify HR priorities, recommend solutions, and measure the effectiveness of HR services
• Learning and Development: Develop and manage a comprehensive learning and development program aimed at fostering employee growth and career advancement. Assess training requirements and implement development strategies to improve employee competencies
• Team Management and Development: Lead, mentor, and develop the HR team, ensuring they have the skills and resources needed to support the organization effectively
• Recruitment and Talent Oversight: Oversee the recruitment process to attract, select, and retain top talent. Research and implement new and emerging talent sources and identify effective strategies for reaching and engaging top-tier candidates in a diverse and dynamic market to ensure a strong talent pipeline
• Payroll & Benefits Administration: Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing and benefits administration. Stay current with industry trends and legal requirements throughout North America to maintain competitive and compliant compensation and benefits programs
• Change Management: Lead HR initiatives to drive organizational change and transformation. Implement best practices and innovative solutions to improve HR processes and enhance employee engagement
• HR Compliance: Ensure compliance with all employment laws and regulations. Develop, maintain and update HR policies and procedures as needed

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support, guide and coach hiring managers/team members for the full-cycle recruitment (including drafting job postings, identifying recruitment strategies, advertising, screening, creating interview guides, scheduling and conducting interviews, extending offers, coordinating reference and criminal record checks, etc.), on-boarding (orientations, 30/60/90 day training plan, etc.) & off-boarding process (exit interviews) to ensure hiring and development of high-performing workforce.
• Act as a point of contact for employees regarding HR concerns. Plan, monitor, and appraise HR activities by resolving employee conflicts, training managers/supervisors to coach, counsel and discipline employees. Promote a positive work environment and ensure employee satisfaction
• Review / approve employee contracts, amendments, etc.
• Support current and future business needs by engaging in development, engagement, and motivation of workforce
• Create and review employment and workplace policies and procedures in accordance with relevant legislations
• Spearhead the administration of various HR programs, including Performance Management, Certification Process, Salary Review, etc.
• Oversee the Disability Management program, including workplace injury claims (WSIB) process, short-term disability (STD) process, long-term disability (LTD) process and workplace accommodation cases
• Participate as an active member in Joint Health and Safety Committee, Employee Engagement Committee and DEI council
• Manage HR/ corporate training budgets by partnering with Finance team
• Collaborate with Sun Life and People Corporation to maintain employee benefits programs, assess benefit needs and trends; evaluate benefit yearly results for further enhancement; design and conduct educational programs for financial planning
• Ongoing focus on operational efficiencies through process optimization and automation / optimal use of systems in place