Senior Human Resources Advisor

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This permanent position is based in the Faculty of Engineering.
Position Summary:
Provide a full range of human resources services in support of the University's mission and culture. Develop and implement human resources policies and programs to maximize faculty/department/unit effectiveness; integrate human resources strategy into policy and planning frameworks; promote organizational effectiveness and cultural change; implement effective recruitment strategies to attract top talent. Ensure competitive compensation, benefits and pension plans to retain top talent. Administer payroll, records, systems and shared services transactions, including regular government reporting and compliance. Develop training, succession planning and talent management programs, and other organizational development workshops, to motivate and develop staff to their full potential. Negotiate collective agreements and other human resources policies. Promote a positive work environment with a diverse workforce composed of academics, various occupational groups, unions and staff associations.
Primary Responsibilities:

• Provides senior-level human resources leadership for the Faculty of Engineering by advising leadership (Dean, Director of Administration, Associate Director Finance) and academic/unit leaders, and by guiding strategic planning, organizational change, labour relations, and HR operations while interpreting and implementing University HR policies and procedures in support of Faculty priorities
• Leads the team of HR professionals by developing, training, and motivating staff responsible for the daily operations of the HR unit
• Establishes Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure HR effectiveness and guides the strategic direction of HR services within the Faculty
• Leads and supports complex organizational change initiatives, determining restructuring requirements and implementing comprehensive change‑management strategies
• Conducts resource optimization assessments through staffing audits, interviews, needs analyses, and surveys; designs and implements projects and initiatives based on findings to enhance service delivery
• Manages grievance resolution, disputes, performance issues, and disciplinary matters in close collaboration with central HR units (Labour & Employee Relations, Total Compensation, Organizational Development). Represents the Faculty in grievance and disciplinary meetings and arbitration hearings
• Performs organizational reviews and workforce planning; assesses staffing needs, recommends position abolitions when required, and oversees employee placement processes
• Represents the Faculty and serves as a resource at internal meetings and before the Commission de Relation du Travail (CRT)
• Oversees compensation management for all employee groups, with the objective of achieving internal equity across the Faculty
• Advises on performance management and identifies training and development opportunities to support career growth for staff
• Ensures compliance with University policies, collective agreements, and legislative requirements
• Develops and promotes initiatives that foster a positive, healthy, and inclusive work environment, supporting staff well‑being and talent retention
• Ensures effective disability management practices across the Faculty

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Proven experience and commitment in coaching, motivating, and building trust, working collaboratively with colleagues and employees across all employment groups to help support shared success within a centralized/complex governance environment and collaborating effectively with central HR functions
• CRHA/CRIA (Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines et en relations industrielles agréés) member in good standing
• Excellent relationship‑building, facilitation, and conflict‑resolution skills. Proven ability to provide senior‑level leadership, professional expertise, and strategic planning   
• Strong labour relations background with extensive experience working in a unionized environment, ideally in Quebec.  Expertise in managing grievance, disciplinary, and performance‑improvement processes
• Demonstrated proficiency in change management, including advocating for, leading, and supporting the implementation of complex organizational changes in challenging conditions
• Experience conducting organizational reviews, workforce planning, and resource optimization
• Strong analytical and diagnostic skills; ability to translate data into decisions and improvements
• Inclusive leadership and commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Workday, and related systems
• Excellent English and strong French language skills required

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level 4 (qualifier) on a scale of 0-4.
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

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McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence,