Position Title: Human Resources Specialist – Employee Relations
Reports To: Manager, Employee Relations
Department: Employee Relations
Term: Permanent Full-Time

Work Arrangements: This is a hybrid role. You will work in our office in Waterloo, ON a minimum of two (2) assigned, consecutive days every other week, plus a fifth (5th) assigned day per month. You are welcome to work from the office more than the minimum requirement and there may be some roles that are required to work in our office more than the minimum requirement. In this role the HR Specialist will be required to attend on their hybrid days along with other assigned days, equaling approximately 50% of the time in office.

The Opportunity: Equitable is growing! We are looking for a HR Specialist – Employee Relations to join our Human Resources team! The HR Specialist supports the HR Vice President (HR VP) and Employee Relations (ER) Managers with ER functions such as exit interviews, investigations, leaves of absence, work outside of Canada requests and issues, performance and attendance management, and training. The role includes monitoring employment legislation changes and working with the HR management team to ensure policies and procedures meet current and upcoming requirements. The HR Specialist participates in, and in some cases leads, process improvement initiatives and projects that improve internal employee and manager experiences with HR services and that realize process efficiencies.

Now is an exciting time to join one of the Waterloo Area’s Top Employer for 2025 and Southwestern Ontario’s Top Employers for 2024!

What you will be doing:

Employee Relations:

• Monitor employment legislation changes and work in consultation the HR management team to update our policies and programs as required to remain in compliance. This includes comparing employment legislation requirements to company policies, updating policies as required, and communicating changes as appropriate
• Participate in the development and implementation of internal procedures and policies
• Lead exit interviews for employees and debrief feedback as required
• Analyze trends and metrics to develop solutions, programs, and policies in coordination with the HR team
• Participate with investigations and workplace complaints including research, preparing questions, leading employee meetings in less complex situations, documentation and communicating recommendations to the appropriate individuals
• Oversee leaves of absence
• Participate in performance and attendance management which includes preparing and distributing reporting along with consulting with/coaching managers on early best practices and documentation
• Calculate and prepare termination packages as required
• Manage daily email inquiries to the generic HR inbox, responding or delegating as required
• Research and resolve day-to-day business unit issues related to HR in a fair and consistent manner, demonstrating sound knowledge of company policies, programs and practices
• Support the ergonomic assessment process flow and act as a point of contact with the external vendor
• Identify opportunities for process improvements within ER
• Manage the working outside of Canada program in consultation with the ER Managers
• Draft and audit internal letters, including ensuring actuarial student letters meet all the requirements the Program for Actuarial Student Support
• Design and deliver presentations to employees, including the Equitable Orientation (EQO) Program, and provide presentation support to ER Managers, as required
• Oversee all aspects of the annual Flu and Covid vaccination clinics
• Responsible for handling employee requests and compliance requirements associated with the Immigration Program and referring matters to ER management as required
• Collaborate with the HR team on aspects of ER as assigned, acting as a trusted advisor to managers and employees, offering HR expertise and guidance on a range of HR issues
• Other duties as required

Projects and Initiatives:

• Assist the HR VP and HR management team with projects, policy development, and implementation of various HR initiatives, which will include lead or support roles depending on the assignment
• Work with the Data, Improvement, and Systems team to create and improve HR dashboards and other key metrics

What you will bring:

• Professional designation in Human Resources (CHRP/CHRL) certification or working towards designation is required
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience is required
• Minimum 3 years’ relevant experience within a related HR discipline
• Sound knowledge of Human Resources practices and legislation, including compensation, human rights, and employment standards
• Demonstrated ability to manage foundational ER issues with minimal oversight
• High level of integrity with a strong sense of confidentiality and privacy
• Multi-tasking and sound time management skills
• Adaptability, interpersonal and relationship building skills, both with prospective and current employees and managers
• Demonstrated client service experience with a drive to exceed expectations
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule
• Demonstrated resourcefulness and initiative in dealing with daily assumptions or when working in ambiguous situations, including escalating situations to the ER Manager as appropriate
• Microsoft Office knowledge, including Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Sharepoint
• Strong ability to perform data analysis and technical skills with data analysis tools, such as PowerBI, are considered an asset
• Experience with HR information systems is required (e.g. Ceridian Dayforce, Workday, etc.)

What’s in it for you:

• A healthy work-life balance with employee wellness top of mind
• Annual bonus program, annual vacation allowance, and company-paid benefits program
• An additional paid volunteer day each year so you can spend time giving back to the community
• Immediate enrollment in the company’s pension program with employer matching
• Employee resource groups that support an inclusive work environment
• Tuition support and specialized program assistance
• An onsite full-service cafeteria with a variety of daily options
• Discounts on company products and services, and access to exclusive employee perks
• Regular EQ Together events focused on company togetherness and collaboration

As part of the recruitment/offer process you will be required to:

• Provide two professional references (minimum one supervisor and above)

This role is open due to an existing vacancy.

To learn more about Equitable, we encourage you to explore our organization.

At Equitable, we are committed to providing equal access to employment opportunities across our organization. Please contact our HR team at careers@equitable.ca if you would like to receive our job postings in an alternative format or require an accommodation with the application process.

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