Senior Human Resources Advisor

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP is one of Canada’s leading business law firms. Advising many of Canada’s corporate leaders, as well as U.S. and international parties with extensive interest in Canada, our more than 1,000 firm members are based in offices in Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary and New York. 

Osler prides itself on attracting and maintaining some of the brightest talent in the legal arena. Our lawyers, students, management and staff have created a unique firm culture which nurtures mentoring and the exchange of ideas. Osler is a dynamic and exciting place to begin a career or carve out a new path.

Reporting to the Manager, Employee Relations & Talent Management, the Senior Human Resources Advisor will play an integral role in the Human Resources team. The successful candidate will be responsible delivering high quality client service and contributing expertise to various functional areas, with an emphasis on employee relations, talent acquisition, performance management and investigations for an assigned portfolio.

Major Responsibilities:

Recruitment

•  Actively participates in the portfolio’s recruitment strategies, including:
  • Partner with business leaders and/or hiring managers to understand current and future requirements, including strategic discussions regarding options for filling vacancies
  • Actively attract and qualify permanent, contract and future pipeline candidates
  • Foster relationships and develop networks of high caliber professionals
  • Develop actionable sourcing strategies which enable the attainment of business hiring plan requirements
  • Leverage internal talent sources to drive mobility, employee referrals, and alumni engagement
  • Act as a brand ambassador, building and communicating the Firm's employee value proposition
• Coordinates and manages all specific recruitment initiatives for both billing and non-billing employees, such as:
  • coordinate the development of job descriptions, job postings and target salaries in conjunction with the Compensation and Benefits and Talent Management teams
  • conduct market surveys to support the development of job descriptions
  • manage relationships with agencies for hard to fill roles
  • manage internal and external interview processes end to end, including drafting and extending offer letters, conducting required background checks

 Onboarding/Orientation

Provides an exceptional onboarding experience for new hires and acts as a point of contact for all new hires during the entire onboarding process

• Ensures all new hire documentation is complete; ensures that necessary training and orientation is scheduled and delivered

Talent Management and Employee Relations

•  Provides support and advice to business leaders, including engagement and career development, and supports the resolution of employee relations matters such as those related to performance, attendance, and other related issues 
• Advises business leaders regarding management of performance concerns.  Leads related activities.
• Administers, coordinates and tracks through the HCM system and other means, various personnel programs and policies including leaves, secondments, life events, transfers, overtime, vacations and departures, etc.
• Conducts and documents exit interviews with departing personnel

Performance Reviews and Compensation Management

•  Supports the business leaders in the development of annual salary increase and bonus recommendations
• Administers performance evaluation process using firm software and supports the preparation of annual performance reviews for personnel within the portfolio.  Provides coaching to those conducting review meetings
• Works with Compensation and Benefits team regarding new hire salaries and ongoing salary administration matters

Program Support and Related Responsibilities

• Participates in projects (e.g., policy research, diversity and inclusion matters) and other duties as assigned
• Backs up other Talent roles as required
• May delegate administrative support work to the Talent Coordinator or others

Position Requirements:

Education and Experience

The position requires a university degree in a related discipline (e.g., human resources, business administration, etc.,) with a minimum of five years of progressive experience in Human Resources, specifically in the areas of employee relations & performance management and investigations, coupled with three years experience in talent acquisition.  Experience in a professional services environment is considered an asset.

Knowledge and Skills

•  Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Human Resources practices in staffing, recruitment and employee relations
• Strong knowledge of all relevant provincial employment acts, such as the Human Rights Code, Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Act
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships including maintaining confidentiality, active listening, diplomacy and networking skills
• Excellent client service orientation and interpersonal skills; warm, inviting and engaging
• Well-developed organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and prioritize
• Strong writing and proofreading skills; research and report skills; accuracy and high attention to detail are required
• Proficiency with MS suite; experience with internet recruiting technology 

For the safety of firm members and visitors, Osler is committed to complying with the recommendations of public health authorities, including with respect to adopting mandatory vaccination policies. Employment at Osler is therefore conditional on complying with any vaccination policies that Osler may adopt from time to time in response to the recommendations of public health authorities

We are currently working in a hybrid work arrangement, with a requirement to work partially in the office and an opportunity to work remote.

Accessibility and Accommodation

We thank all applicants for their interest in Osler; however, only chosen applicants will be contacted.  Osler is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, and we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities and people with diverse backgrounds, identities, and cultures. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates in all phases of the selection process.

Background and Reference Checks

Please note that any offer of employment will be conditional upon background and reference checks, including a criminal record check, credit check, and employment and educational verifications.

If you have the required background with the ability to provide exceptional customer service and wish to work in one of Canada's leading law firms, please reply in confidence with a cover letter and résumé by the closing date.