Job Description

Location:

Guelph, Ontario

Reports To:

Regional Human Resource Manager

Facility Size:

~200 Employees

Role Type:

Individual Contributor



Job Summary

We are seeking a dynamic Human Resource Manager to support our fast-paced unionized manufacturing operations. This role serves as a strategic HR Business Partner to the Operations Management team and other key stakeholders. You will be the go-to expert in HR matters--fostering strong relationships, ensuring workforce alignment with business goals, and driving initiatives that shape a highly-performing and engaged workforce.

Key Responsibilities

Actively partner with Operations Management and leadership as a strategic HR advisor Cultivate strong relationships with Operations Management client groups and foster alignment of HR strategy with business goals Deliver coaching, training, and guidance to frontline leaders on people management best practices Promote harmonious industrial relations, working closely with employees, supervisors, their leaders, stewards and union representatives. Ability to partner with leaders and employees through thoughtful communication, credible guidance, and sound judgment Provide HR support across all shifts with occasional off-shift presence to maintain visibility and trust Coach and develop managers on employee engagement, performance, and conflict resolution Leverage workforce analytics to shape staffing, performance, and retention strategies Promote and ensure compliance with employment law and internal policies across all shifts Mediate employee relations matters with discretion and a solutions-focused approach Champion programs that improve engagement, safety, and morale in a 24/7 manufacturing environment Lead recruitment, onboarding, and succession planning tailored to operations Act as a culture ambassador--driving communication, feedback, and inclusion initiatives actively participate in Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. Projects as assigned by Management. Occasional business travel to other sites and corporate office as needed.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (Master's or HR certification preferred) Minimum 10 years of progressive HR experience, 3-5 years of HR management experience, ideally in a manufacturing setting Minimum 5+ years of HR experience in a unionized environment. Strong knowledge of labor laws, union contracts, and negotiation practices. Proven experience handling grievances, arbitrations, and labor disputes. Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills. Willingness to flex schedule to support off-shift operations as needed Strong influencing skills with proven success in advising leaders and driving change Confidence advising and influencing senior leaders on HR matters Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across diverse teams Organized and self-directed with the ability to prioritize independently Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced, complex work environment

Gay Lea Foods is a leading Canadian dairy co-operative renowned for producing high-quality, nutritious dairy products that Canadian families love and trust. From farm to table, our 1,200 farmer members in Ontario and Manitoba, and more than 1,200 employees across four provinces, work together to nourish communities through award-winning brands including Gay Lea, Nordica, Salerno, Bothwell Cheese, and more. As part of its deeply rooted, balanced commitment to people, profit, and planet, Gay Lea Foods proudly invests one percent of pre-tax earnings back into Canadian communities through a national food security partnership with Second Harvest, and the community-building efforts of the Gay Lea Foundation. To learn more, visit gayleafoods.com.



Gay Lea Foods is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in our workplace.

Reasonable accommodation is available upon request throughout our recruitment and selection process.



Thank you for your interest in Gay Lea Foods.

Wishing you all the best with your career search!