Director of Human Resources

The Toronto Zoo has evolved into a progressive global leader in conservation efforts to save endangered species and their habitats. The Toronto Zoo continues to invest in its depth of conservation, scientific, wildlife care programs, and highly qualified staff talent. One of the world’s most honoured and acclaimed institutions, this Toronto centrepiece has 5,000 animals representing more than 450 species. Building on a base of approximately 1.3 million annual visitors, the Zoo is keen to maintain its public engagement and to continue to deliver a unique wildlife experience that inspires people to love, respect and protect wildlife and wild spaces.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Corporate Projects and Human Resources, as a member of senior management team, this position has overall responsibility for Human Resources, Payroll and labour relations matters.

Responsibilities

Oversees the administration of the human resource functions, including the application and negotiation of the collective agreements, the recruitment and selection process, staff evaluation, employee communications, training and development, and the administration of pay and benefits.

Directs the Human Resources branch, developing goals and objectives while ensuring the efficient utilization of human capital to achieve established performance objectives.

Develops, implements and maintains sound operating policies and procedures for the Human Resources branch and ensures that all such policies and procedures are uniformly understood and properly administered.

Identifies legal requirements and government reporting affecting the human resources function: directs the preparation of information requested for compliance; acts as primary contact with legal counsel and outside government agencies.

Establishes salary structure, performance appraisal programs, employee benefit and wellness programs; monitors the effectiveness and cost containments.

As a member of senior management, participates in the setting of organization wide objectives and priorities for inclusion in the annual operating and capital budgets, and reviews and makes recommendations on project proposals from internal and external sources.

Investigates workplace human resource issues, in accordance with Zoo policy, preparing the investigation report and recommendations.

Responsible for influencing/impacting/monitoring Organizational Culture through implementation of strategies to promote a positive, engaged and productive workplace. Oversees areas including engagement, succession planning, change management and other organizational development initiatives.

Represents the Zoo on various external/internal boards and committees.

Prepares and presents proposals, reports and recommendations within areas of responsibility to the Board of Management or other bodies as required.

Prepares and administers the annual budget for the Human Resources Branch.

Conducts special projects and assignments as required by the Senior Director of Corporate Projects and Human Resources.

Participates in the Duty Director program.

Qualifications

University degree in human resources, industrial relations or a related discipline. Must have a recognized professional certification in their field.  A law degree with experience in employment law/labour relations is an asset.   

Minimum ten (10) years human resources experience with five (5) years’ experience at a management level position in human resources or labour relations of a major private or public sector organization. Solid working knowledge of employment, labour, and human rights law is required.

CHRL designation as asset.

Demonstrated experience dealing with human resources related investigations.

Solid knowledge of related legislations.

Proven experience in organizational development and culture models and frameworks and able to apply creatively to the business.

An ability to effectively perform complex research and analysis assignments with respect to all operational areas.

A proven ability to develop and implement long range human resources plans.

A broad working knowledge of human resource management in a unionized environment.  Demonstrated experience in labour relations including collective bargaining.

A thorough knowledge human resources policy development, human resources related financial analysis, and program evaluation.

Experience conducting complex workplace investigations.

A proven ability to effectively direct and motivate staff and to lead work teams.

Strong experience with internal/external stakeholders development and building strong relations.

Possess experience in the preparation and administration of an operating budget.

Must be knowledgeable in the use of computerized programs and systems, including MS Word, Excel and E-mail.

Well-developed interpersonal skills, along with strong communications skills including excellent writing skills and the ability to speak confidently in public.

If interested in this position, please submit your resume and cover letter to*:

Email:  hr@torontozoo.ca

* Please state "Application for Director – Human Resources" in the subject line of your application.

While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Toronto Zoo provides accommodation for employees with disabilities, as defined under the Ontario Human Rights Code. If contacted for an interview, and you require specific accommodation for the interview process because of a disability or a medical need, then please advise the person contacting you of your requirements, so that arrangements can be made for the appropriate accommodations to be in place before you begin the interview process.