Job Description

Overview:
At KPMG, youll join a team of diverse and dedicated problem solvers, connected by a common cause: turning insight into opportunity for clients and communities around the world.

As the Head, Human Resources Law (Employment & Partnership) within KPMG in Canada, you will serve as the primary senior legal advisor on all matters related to employment relationships and partner relationships across our diverse workforce within Canada. Reporting directly to the General Counsel and collaborating closely with the firms Human Resources team and Office of the Partner, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the firm's strategic objectives in the realms of employment law and partnership matters, ensuring legal compliance, and managing risks. What you will do:
Strategic Legal Advisory:

• Provide strategic leadership and expert legal counsel on Canadian employment law matters, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, human rights matters, and workplace investigations.
• Offer legal guidance on the human resources aspects of partnership matters, including in connection with acquisitions, admissions, performance management, withdrawals, restrictive covenants, related governance issues, and investigations.
• Provide advice and assistance regarding mobility within the KPMG global network of member firms, and in connection with gig workers.

Policy Development and Compliance:

• Lead the legal aspects of the development, review, and implementation of employment-related policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure compliance with Canadian laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Ensure partner agreements align with legal requirements and firm policies, and provide advice concerning compliance to partners, firm leadership, and the Board of Directors.

Employee Relations and Partner Management:

• Provide guidance and support to HR and management teams in the resolution of complex employee relations issues, including disciplinary actions, and legal disputes.
• Collaborate with Office of the Partner to address HR-related matters impacting partners, fostering effective partner relations, and resolving issues in accordance with legal and firm requirements.

Training and Education:

• Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs and workshops to educate HR professionals, managers, and partners on key employment law topics, compliance requirements, and best practices.

Legal Risk Management:

• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and reputational risks related to employment and partnership matters in Canada, providing proactive advice and guidance to mitigate potential liabilities, including in connection with the engagement of independent contractors.
• Oversee all legal disputes with employees and partners, working closely with HR, the Office of the Partner, and senior leadership.
• Stay abreast of developments in Canadian employment and partnership law, advising senior leadership on potential impacts and recommended actions.

What you bring to this role:

• Juris Doctor (JD) or Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from a Canadian accredited law school and active membership in good standing with a Canadian provincial law society.
• 15+ years of progressive experience practicing employment law in Canada and a demonstrated understanding of partnership structures and dynamics.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian federal and provincial employment laws and regulations, as well as the laws of partnerships and best practices.
• Deep experience with litigation, administrative tribunals, and arbitration.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and drive results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

As the Head, Human Resources Law (Employment & Partnerships) in Canada, you will play a critical role in shaping the firm's employment practices, ensuring compliance with Canadian legal requirements, and fostering positive partner relations. Your leadership and expertise will contribute to a legally sound and harmonious workplace environment conducive to the firm's success.

Providing you with the support you need to be at your best

For more information about KPMG in Canadas Benefits and well-being, click here. Our Values, The KPMG Way:
Integrity, we do what is right | Excellence, we never stop learning and improving | Courage, we think and act boldly | Together, we respect each other and draw strength from our differences | For Better, we do what matters

KPMG in Canada is a proud equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating a respectful, inclusive and barrier-free workplace that allows all of our people to reach their full potential. A diverse workforce is key to our success and we believe in bringing your whole self to work. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply and hope you will choose KPMG in Canada as your employer of choice. For more information about Inclusion, Diversity & Equity in Recruitment, please click here.

Adjustments and accommodations throughout the recruitment process

At KPMG, we strive for an inclusive recruitment process that allows all candidates to Come As You Are and Thrive with Us. We aim to provide a positive experience and are ready to offer adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best. Adjustments (an informal request), i.e. extra preparation time or the option for micro breaks during interviews, and accommodations (a formal request), i.e. accessible communication supports or technology aids are tailored to individual needs and role requirements.

To begin a confidential conversation about adjustments or accommodations at any point throughout the recruitment process, we encourage you to contact KPMGs Employee Relations Service team for support by emailing cdnersteam@kpmg.ca or by calling 1-888-466-4778, Option 3.

For information about accessible employment at KPMG, please visit our accessibility page.