Director, Human Resources and Labour Relations
The Director of Human Resources and Labour Relations provides strategic and operational leadership across all Human Resources functions. This role ensures that HR strategies and practices align with Ambrose’s mission, vision, values and institutional goals. The Director fosters a supportive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture while overseeing talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compensation and benefits, policy development, labour relations, and compliance with applicable employment legislation.
The Director plays a key role in both strategic planning and day-to-day operations, managing complex and sensitive employee matters with the highest level of confidentiality, discretion, and integrity.
Human Resources Leadership and Strategy
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the Executive Vice President and senior leadership on HR and LR matters.
- Develop and implement HR strategies that support institutional goals and reflect Ambrose’s values.
- Monitor and report on key HR performance indicators.
- Oversee the daily operations of the Human Resources function.
- Ensure HR objectives are met through effective planning and execution.
Talent Acquisition, Onboarding, and Retention
- Lead recruitment and hiring processes for all employee groups, including faculty, staff, and volunteers.
- Support hiring managers in screening, interviewing, and selecting candidates aligned with Ambrose’s mission.
- Design and manage onboarding and orientation programs to ensure a smooth integration of new employees.
- Collaborate with leadership to develop and implement employee retention strategies.
Employee Engagement and Development
- Promote a positive and inclusive workplace culture through engagement initiatives and leadership support.
- Oversee performance development systems to enhance employee growth and accountability.
- Provide coaching and guidance to supervisors on performance, morale, and conflict resolution.
- Develop and facilitate training programs and leadership development initiatives.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date job descriptions and classification structures.
- Oversee employee recognition and appreciation programs.
Labour Relations
- Manage all aspects of labour relations, including collective bargaining, grievance resolution, and union engagement.
- Serve as the primary liaison with union representatives and external legal counsel on labour matters.
- Ensure compliance with collective agreements and employment legislation.
Compensation, Benefits, and Budgeting
- Lead the design and administration of total compensation programs, including salary structures, benefits, pensions, and recognition.
- Evaluate and recommend changes to compensation practices to ensure fairness and competitiveness.
- Collaborate with the Payroll Manager to manage and assess benefits programs.
- Support the Director of Finance in preparing annual compensation and benefits budgets.
- Maintain and manage compensation grids and employee forecasting tools.
Policy Development and Legal Compliance
- Develop, update, and enforce HR policies and procedures in compliance with applicable labour laws.
- Maintain a current and comprehensive Employee Handbook.
- Provide guidance on the interpretation and application of HR policies.
- Ensure legal compliance and mitigate organizational risk through proactive policy management.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) designation or equivalent, or actively pursuing certification.
- Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership role.
- Direct experience in labour relations and collective bargaining.
- Experience in a post-secondary or unionized environment is an asset.
Skills
- Strong leadership, planning, and organizational skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
- Proven ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of an organization.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
- Skilled in negotiation and conflict resolution.
- High emotional intelligence and ability to build trust and rapport.
- Proficiency in HRIS systems and data-driven decision-making.
Personal Characteristics
- Be in agreement with Ambrose’s mission, vision, values and statements of faith.
- Must have a quality of spirit that will be reflected in a growing relationship with God and interpersonal relationships.
- Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups.
- Empathetic listener with a commitment to servant leadership.
- Ambrose Employees agree to uphold and sign the University’s Statement of Faith upon initial appointment and to govern the conduct of their work in accordance therewith.
- Employment is contingent upon satisfactory background criminal check and academic transcripts.
- In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
To apply, please forward a curriculum vitae and cover letter Attention to hr@ambrose.edu indicating Director of Human Resources & Labour Relations in the subject line. Salary expectations are available upon request. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.
Ambrose University is committed to employment diversity and encourages applications from all qualified men and women, members of visible minorities, aboriginal peoples, and persons with disabilities.
Ambrose University is a private Christian university located in Southwest Calgary. The Faculty of Arts and Science offers Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in Behavioural Science, Psychology, Christian Studies, English, General Studies, History, and Music, as well as a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Science in Biology. These programs are accredited by the Ministry of Advanced Education and overseen by Campus Alberta Quality Council (CAQC). The School of Education provides a Bachelor of Education (After Degree), and the School of Business offers both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a BA in Business. The Faculty of Theology offers an undergraduate Certificate in Christian Discipleship and a Diploma in Christian Ministry. The seminary offers graduate degrees including a Master of Divinity, Master of Leadership and Ministry, Master of Intercultural Ministry, Master of Theology, and Master of Christian Studies, along with diploma and certificate options. Graduate theological studies are also available in Chinese. Ambrose is committed to the integration of Christian faith with academic discipline, with a vision for academic excellence in the service of the church and the world. For more information visit us online at www.ambrose.edu.