Under the general direction and guidance of the City Manager, is responsible for all aspects of Corporate Human Resources including developing, directing and administering policies and procedures, employee and labour relations, payroll, benefits, pension, recruitment, occupational health & safety and claims management (WSIB, STD, LTD) functions and responsible for the overall strategic development, and administration of the departmental policies and procedures. As a member of the Corporate Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Human Resources is required to participate in corporate initiatives not directly related to scope of responsibility.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:
HR Operations
- Develops, recommends, coordinates and administers strategic department policies, procedures and standards specific to the divisions/service areas within the Department.
- Ensures the maintenance of records and data necessary by law and useful in the planning and evaluation of departmental functions.
- Ensures the maintenance of technical, statistical and other pertinent data, necessary by law, and considered useful in the planning and evaluation of departmental functions.
- Ensures that up-to-date standard practices and procedures in relation to the functions of Human Resources are developed and maintained.
- Participates in the development and implementation of corporate strategic policies, procedures and standards as applicable.
- Directs the payroll function for the Corporation.
- Liaises and co-operates with the City Auditors in the execution of their payroll audit.
- Directs the maintenance of employee benefit programs, ensuring proper coverage and possible savings.
- Develops and maintains methods of disseminating and reviewing information on employee benefits (i.e. pensions, benefits, etc.), as applicable.
- Acts as a lead negotiator for the Corporation during contract negotiations and participates in conciliation, mediation and arbitration.
- Provides progress reports on the status of negotiations and recommends proposed settlements for ratification.
- Develops, recommends and following approval, implements and maintains contingency plans for possible labour disruptions.
- Directs the implementation of Collective Agreements ensuring proper interpretation, application and administration.
- Provides direction on and participates in the grievance procedures.
- Interprets and counsels all Human Resources policies to departments and ensures that they are carried out uniformly throughout the Corporation.
- Develops and directs the Pay Equity Plan. Maintains different job evaluation plans and classifications to ensure the maintenance of the Corporation's competitive position in the labour market. Recommends changes or amendments to Council.
- Develops and assists in the maintenance of the Occupational Health & Safety Policy in compliance with relevant legislation.
- Directs the processing of Workers Safety and Insurance Claims, reports any related material on behalf of employees and the Corporation.
- Directs the recruitment process for the Corporation in accordance with established policies and practices. Ensures all Departments staff complement control is maintained.
- Directs the maintenance of position descriptions and performance appraisals.
- Directs the maintenance of employee records.
- Performs such other duties necessary to maintain the continuity of the departmental functions for the Corporation.
Management of Human Resources Department and Health & Safety
- Prepares and administers within approved limits, the annual departmental operating and/or capital budgets.
- Develops and recommends short and long term departmental plans for all services that are provided by the department. Ensures that the delivery of service in the areas of responsibility meet regulatory requirements and internal quality control standards.
- Creates and maintains an environment oriented to trust, open communication, creative thinking, and cohesive team effort; including but not limited to, providing and communicating a vision, motivating, inspiring, coaching/mentoring and training and development of the departmental team, facilitating innovation, problem solving and collaboration, and maintaining healthy group dynamics.
- For all personnel holding authorized positions under the incumbent's direct supervision and subject to the Personnel Policy of the City:
- Selects and hires employees,
- Appraises the performance and conduct of employees,
- Promotes, demotes, disciplines and terminates employees,
- Schedules and/or grants sick and annual leave,
- Encourages and assists in maintaining a high standard of morale,
- Ensures operations and practices are consistent with the terms of any Collective Agreement and/or By-Law and that the administration of such Agreement and/or By-Law is carried out.
- Schedules regular staff meetings.
- Encourages staff to participate in corporate employee activities.
Administration
- Maintains effective working relationships with City Council, City Departments, related Boards and Commissions and relevant departments of the senior levels of government.
- Attends all Council meetings and prepares reports for all Council meetings that have topics related to the incumbent's jurisdiction.
- Acts as a resource for Council and City Departments on HR matters.
- Represents the City at relevant HR hearings.
- Actively participates in Corporate Senior Leadership Team meetings and activities.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education (degree/diploma/certifications)
- A minimum accredited 3-year University Degree in Human Resources, Labour Relations or a related discipline.
- A professional human resources designation [i.e. Certified Human Resources Leader and/or Certified Municipal Manager professional or specialist designation]
Experience
- Ten (10) years’ experience in a managerial capacity, and a proven ability in human resources administration and leadership, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
- An excellent working knowledge of all human resources and employment legislation and practices.
- A varied background in progressive labour and/or employee relations.
Knowledge/Skill/Ability
- Well-developed leadership and administrative abilities combined with excellent presentation, writing, negotiations, decision making and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent demonstrated collaborative working relationships with the senior management team, union/association leadership and Council.
- Ability to maintain excellent and detailed records, and communicate effectively with internal staff, employee unions/associations, provincial agencies, elected officials and the public.
- Excellent listening skills, empathy and understanding of personal issues of employees at all levels while demonstrating fairness and firmness in resolutions.
- Must be competent within the meaning of the Occupational Health & Safety Act and be capable of issuing clearly understandable written and verbal instructions.
- Organized, self-starter, possess strong interpersonal, communication and public relations skills and be capable of dealing effectively with staff/public/elected officials.
- Must have excellent computer skills using Microsoft applications.
Other
- Must possess a valid Class "G" Ontario Driver's Licence and access to reliable transportation.
- Satisfactory Police Record Check.
HOURS OF WORK:
The normal workweek consists of 35 hours; Monday to Friday; 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with a one (1) hour unpaid lunch. Required to work outside of the normal workweek to deal with emergency situations or quick turnaround times. Evenings and weekends are required for Council meetings or other events, as needed.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- Salary Range: $162,518 - $197,541 per annum
- Comprehensive Benefits
- OMERS Pension Plan
- Paid Vacation and Holidays
- Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
- Tuition Reimbursement Program (continuous learning)
How to Apply:
EMAIL your cover letter and resume to City Manager, Lisa Higgs at hrdirector-recruitment@stthomas.ca
*Please quote: Job Posting #1171-01-26 in the Email Subject Line.
Applications must be received no later than Tuesday February 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
The City of St. Thomas is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, you must provide your accommodation needs in advance. Questions may be directed to the Human Resources Department at 519-631-1680 ext. 4146.
Although we appreciate all applications received, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Personal Information on this application is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act., R.S.O. 2001, as amended, and will be used to determine eligibility and suitability for employment with the City of St. Thomas.
Our hiring process does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated decision‑making tools. Applications are reviewed and evaluated by our hiring team.
