Job Description

Regular/Temporary

Regular

Job Title

HR Operations Consultant - Hybrid

Job ID

72743

Location

Central Campus

Open Date

11/03/2025

Job Type

Limited Term (>12 months)

Close Date

11/12/2025

Employee Group

TMG

Favorite Job

Department

HR Client Advisory Services

Salary Grade/Band

Band J

Salary Range

$69652.00 - $104478.00 (annual)

Contract Duration

12.1 Months

Hours per Week

35

HR Mission:

McMaster University's Human Resources strives to cultivate a community in which every employee's experience is that of acceptance, inclusion, belonging, and meaningful connection with the University's mission and institutional priorities by Championing our University People and Culture: Collaborating with our University and Community Partners; Advancing Service Delivery and Operational Excellence; and Promoting Learning, Development and a Growth Mindset.


McMaster University is multi-faceted with multiple locations and constituencies. As a result, Human Resources support and services have developed over time to meet a spectrum of partner needs. The HR team consists of functional units such as HR Operations (Payroll and Data Management, HR Client Services, HR Systems Strategy, Reporting and Analytics), Talent, Equity & Development, Total Compensation, Employee & Labour Relations, and Employee Health, Safety & Wellness, who enable the delivery of comprehensive Human Resources programs and services in collaboration with leaders, HR area offices and HR practitioners across our community.

The Role

The HR Operations Consultant works independently and collaboratively with Centres of Expertise (CoEs) and embedded HR teams to deliver a full range of HR services across the University. Reporting to the Program Manager, HR Client Services, this role combines broad HR knowledge with a deep understanding of institutional policies, procedures, and collective agreements impacting 16 employee groups (unionized and non-unionized) throughout the employee lifecycle. The Consultant ensures efficient HR program delivery and a seamless client experience for employees, managers, and administrators.

Key Accountabilities

Provide consultative support on HR policies, programs, and processes for assigned client groups, including recruitment, compensation, employee life cycle changes, benefits and retirement plans, training and development, organizational change, onboarding, and performance management. Partner with hiring managers, CoEs, and HR Embedded Partners to support recruitment, ensuring compliance with immigration regulations and collective agreements. Support and advance Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) processes and practices. Advise employees and managers on leaves of absence and administer related benefit, salary, and pension/RRSP options in accordance with agreements, pension plan texts, and the Employment Standards Act. Provide operational consultation to CoEs during collective agreement negotiations, policy updates, and program launches to streamline core HR processes and promote best practices. Serve as a change champion, acting as a subject matter expert or project lead for new HR initiatives and system enhancements while supporting client groups through change. Collaborate with departmental administrators, managers, and embedded HR teams to identify core HR process gaps; provides ongoing feedback to HR Leaders and CoEs to inform continuous improvement and resource development. Design, coordinate, and deliver general and customized HR operations training to faculty and staff in collaboration with HR Embedded Partners, the HR Project Team, and CoEs. Contribute to the central HR knowledge base to ensure consistent advice and solutions across the university.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

University degree in Human Resources or related field, or equivalent experience. CHRP designation strongly preferred. 4-5 years of HRBP/HR generalist experience, ideally in a large, unionized environment; experience in an academic setting is an asset. Broad functional knowledge of HR policies, practices, processes, and employment legislation. Ability to build strong client relationships and manage multiple priorities. Proven ability to analyze complex employee and policy issues and exercise sound judgment in providing advice and guidance. Early adopter of process enhancements and demonstrated agility in service delivery of programs Strong analytical, negotiation, and influencing skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Experience working with HRIS/Payroll systems.

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the "Dish With One Spoon" wampum agreement.


The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.


The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Metis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.


As part of McMaster's commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.


Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Hybrid Work Language

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.