HR Generalist

Are you ready to dive into the exciting and innovative world of Engineered Wood? Kadant Carmanah Design has a great opportunity in its Finance/Admin department for a well-rounded individual as an HR Generalist.

Kadant Carmanah Design, a division of Kadant Canada Corp., is a subsidiary of Kadant Inc. (NYSE:KAI). Kadant Carmanah Design is recognized as a global leader of innovation in the design and manufacture of equipment in the Engineered Wood products industry and is the largest supplier of Stranders used in the production of Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and other wood-based composites.

Reporting to the VP Finance, the successful candidate will provide HR generalist support across the organization, assisting with benefits and employee programs, policy administration, employee relations, and compliance. The role will support managers and employees by offering guidance on people practices, employment standards, and workplace matters, helping ensure HR policies are applied fairly, consistently, and in alignment with legislative requirements.

Benefits and Employee Programs

• Support the VP Finance with the administration and ongoing review of company benefit programs, ensuring they remain competitive, compliant, and cost-effective.
• Coordinate and support employee general wellness training.

Manager Enablement

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve a comprehensive Manager's Manual outlining HR policies, compliance requirements, and best practices
• Work alongside managers to support people processes such as hiring, onboarding, performance management, terminations, vacation management, and benefits administration.

HR Policies, Processes, and Communications

• Review, update, and enhance HR policies and procedures to ensure alignment with current legislation, organizational needs, and best practices.
• Ensure clear, timely, and consistent communication of HR policies, programs, and updates across the organization.
• Maintain accurate and accessible HR documentation and resources.

Employee Relations and Compliance

• Provide support to employees and managers on HR matters.
• Monitor and guide compliance with British Columbia employment standards, labor laws, and company policies.
• Support and participate in employee relations matters and investigations, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Assist in data gathering and external reporting to safety, compliance and contractor management systems (e.g. WorkSafeBC, OSHA, ISN, TVTC).
• Assist in Union and Non-Union (Salaried) contract review and provide guidance on HR items.

Provide vacation coverage support for hourly and salaried payroll.

HR & Employment Law Knowledge

• Strong working knowledge of British Columbia Employment Standards Act (ESA) and related regulations.
• Understanding of WorkSafeBC requirements, occupational health and safety standards, and return-to-work processes.
• Awareness of common law employment principles and termination best practices.

Core HR Functional Skills

• Hands-on experience supporting performance management, employee development, and succession planning.
• Strong understanding of recruitment and onboarding processes, including job postings, interviews, and offer administration.
• Ability to manage employee relations issues, including conflict resolution, performance concerns, and investigations.
• Experience developing, updating, and implementing HR policies, procedures, and employee handbooks.

Manager & Employee Support

• Proven ability to assist managers and employees on HR matters.
• Comfortable supporting managers through sensitive situations with professionalism and empathy

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to clearly explain HR policies, programs, and legal requirements to employees and managers.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust across all levels of the organization.
• Confident facilitator for training sessions and meetings.

Organizational & Administrative Competencies

• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong documentation and record-keeping skills.

Professional & Ethical Competencies

• Demonstrates a high level of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism.
• Sound judgment when handling sensitive or complex employee matters.
• Commitment to fairness, equity, and respectful workplace practices.
• Continuous improvement mindset and willingness to stay current with changing legislation and HR best practices.

Education & Professional Credentials

• Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• CPHR designation (or working toward) is considered a strong asset.

Must be legally eligible to work in Canada