Job Description

COMPETITION NUMBER: 1323

CLOSING DATE: AUGUST 24, 2025 @ 11:59PM

The Director, People & Talent Operations provides values-based, supportive, and inclusive leadership to the People & Talent Operations division (3 direct reports, 14 indirect reports) by providing clear direction while removing barriers to success and supporting the engagement, growth, and development of the division at individual and team levels. They will effectively communicate with their teams and prioritize the ongoing development of relationships, trust, and psychological safety across the division. In collaboration with the People, Culture & Equity leadership team, the Director is responsible for effectively managing the budget for the division as well as reporting and presenting on a variety of topics both internally and externally. They will also develop and maintain several policies and procedures that fall under the responsibility of the division.



As a member of the senior leadership team, this position plays an active role in developing and influencing strategy that spreads across the organization. The position supports the strategic direction and related business initiatives as a member of the Strategic Operations Committee and serves on other college-wide and external committees as a representative of People, Culture & Equity. The Director provides strategic leadership and consultative support to college leaders for setting goals, policy development, staffing allocation and management to ensure the needs of the College are met.



The Director serves as a key point of contact, support and advisor to the Executive Team and partners with the Vice-President, People, Culture & Equity on completing a variety of projects as required. They present to the Executive team on a variety of topics associated with the People Strategy and bring updates on legislative changes as required. The Director leads efforts surrounding the development of action plans based on employee feedback and data from a variety of sources (i.e. - people metrics, employee engagement and psychological safety surveys and stay and exit interviews). The Director presents on relevant themes that surface from employee feedback and offers recommendations to the Executive Team to consider. They support the President and CEO by assisting in developing the succession plan for both the executive team and supports this group with the development and implementation of organizational change plans in partnership with the Director, Organizational Development & Effectiveness as required.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Proactively managing organizational employee and labour relations and proactively working to maintain strong relationships with union and association partners. The Director will be involved in the collective bargaining process and will ensure accurate application and interpretation of collective agreements, initiating education sessions for leaders as required. They will oversee the handling of grievances and ensure compliance with relevant legislation. This position will represent the employer before external legislative bodies (i.e. - grievance arbitrations, human rights conciliations etc.) in partnership with people leaders and team members as required. Ensuring adherence to current principles of organizational design and advises on organizational design efforts and accompanying change plans. Leading in the development of innovative approaches to process challenges, leveraging technology and continually improving and streamlining processes wherever possible. Developing and executing on strategic plans that enable the achievement of short and long-term organizational goals. The Director will have a well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution and people management skills. They will thrive in a fast-paced environment, and bring strengths in critical and logical thinking, analysis, and reasoning as well as strong problem identification, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.

WHAT YOU BRING

Minimum of 10 years' experience in human resources with at least 5 years of leadership experience within a complex, multi-disciplinary and evolving organization. A university degree in Human Resources or equivalent and a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation is required. A combination of education and experience will be considered. Experience in labour relations, including collective bargaining, and managing the administration of collective agreements within a complex union environment is required. Experience working in a post-secondary environment and/or a complex public sector environment would be an asset. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills and have strengths in organizing information and developing and delivering strong presentations tailored to audiences. Strong leadership and relationship-development skills and have well-established approaches to driving employee engagement with those they have led. Ability to self-manage short-term priorities and longer-term projects focused on evolving employee experiences and people practices at the college, while monitoring the external environment and propose organizational approaches informed by data gathered both within and outside of the college.

WHAT MAKES YOU A DIFFERENCE MAKER?

As a difference maker you bring experience in:

Focus on the Future - anticipate how learner and employee needs will change over time, and proactively respond. Execute on Plans - drive key business processes to optimize business performance; demonstrate sound judgement, business and financial acumen in decision making; and empower and coach decision-making at the appropriate level. Innovate & Lead Change - Question current practices and the status quo and make changes to improve processes and systems across the organization; shift the thinking about how the College will operate in the future; and support a culture of research and inquiry which includes showing openness and building excitement around new possibilities and opportunities. Connect & Collaborate - Take the initiative to seek out and build strategic partnerships and key relationships with external stakeholders; demonstrate and maintain leadership presence throughout the entire organization; and listen to others and exchange information proactively, across teams to create cross-enterprise integration. Develop People & Culture - Demonstrate authenticity, vulnerability, and humility and receives feedback openly; demonstrates self-confidence, managerial courage and credibility as a leader; coach, mentor; lead with a focus on NorQuest's future leaders; create a culture where people embrace the learnings from both successes and failures.

SALARY

: $138,988 - $190,798annually, reflective upon what you bring AKA your education and experience. This is a full-time permanent position with immediate access to our great pension and benefit programs.

Application Instructions:

If this opportunity excites you, please send a resume and cover letter to connect@mullenleadership.com with the job title and organization name in the subject line of your email.



We offer flexible work options. We strive for balance between a flexible work environment, connectedness to the campus community, and ensuring NorQuesters are set up to succeed in their roles and responsibilities.

Additional Information:

Pre-Employment Checks will be completed to assess the candidate's suitability for a role. These checks may include (but are not limited to): references, criminal record check, academic verification, etc.



For applicants who have completed post-secondary studies from outside of Canada, it is recommended they obtain an assessment of their credentials from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator, such as:

International Qualifications Assessment Service https://www.alberta.ca/international-qualifications-assessment World Education Services https://www.wes.org/ca/


We encourage applicants to include the assessment certificate as part of their application.



This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across NorQuest College, at the same or lower classification level.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

We're on a journey to become an inclusive, anti-racist, and decolonized organization. NorQuesters are trailblazers - we are curious, creative, and innovative - our lived experiences are honoured, creating accessibility and a sense of belonging for everyone.



NorQuest 2030 We Are Who We Include shares our strength and difference comes from who is included, and along with our students we are learning and growing to listen deeply and say what we feel.


NorQuest College is committed to being an employer of choice for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people by recognizing, respecting, and supporting Indigenous people's self-determination through the institution's work in decolonization, reconciliation, and Indigenization.

Accessibility

: At NorQuest, we are who we include. We strive to provide access and accommodation throughout the recruitment, application, and selection process. We want to create opportunities for you to confidently be your authentic self. If you would like an accommodation at any stage of the process, please reach out to Careers@norquest.ca.

Apply to Become a NorQuester

: If this opportunity delights you and your expertise will shine in this role, we invite you to apply for this position online by uploading your resume and cover letter combined as one document.

PSST

: Only candidates shortlisted for an interview will be contacted and we'll make sure to do this within 28 days of the closing date.