Job Description

About McElhanney

Based in Western Canada for over 110 years, McElhanney offers innovative and practical engineering, surveying, mapping, planning, landscape architecture, and environmental services. As a 100% employee-owned and operated firm, with over 1,400 staff members in 30+ locations, we are proud to offer qualified staff with shareholding options in our company. At McElhanney, we work in teams to build strong connections with our staff, clients, and local communities. Our employees enjoy working here because of our varied projects, high levels of autonomy, opportunities for career development, excellent total compensation and benefits package, and collaborating with a team of great professionals.

The Opportunity:

At McElhanney, we care deeply about each other, our clients, and our communities. We are driven by grit, passion, and perseverance and we rally behind safety and respect, and inclusion for all. With our core values acting as guiding principles, our leaders show up each day with purpose-driven direction and genuine care for our people.

We are pleased to announce that we have an opportunity for a Vice President, People & Culture (VPPC) to join our executive leadership team. Reporting to the Executive Vice President, Strategy, Culture, and Governance, the VPPC will lead people and culture at McElhanney, shaping and advancing human capital strategies that align with our business goals and strategic vision. Working closely with our executive leadership team, operational leaders, and HR team, you will develop our HR strategy and execution of various programs within the strategy such as performance management, equity, diversity & inclusion, compensation/total rewards, organizational effectiveness, leadership development, talent management, and succession planning. You will also champion technology, process improvements, and data analytics to strengthen people systems and create an engaging, high-performance culture.



While our preference is for the successful candidate to be based in Vancouver, we are open to candidates located in any of our McElhanney offices across Western Canada and can accommodate a hybrid (remote/office) working arrangement. The candidate must have the flexibility to travel to other McElhanney locations as needed.

Who You Are:

A Leader, a Strategic Partner, and an Achiever

As a Leader, you create an environment where people feel valued, engaged, and supported. You foster trust, set clear direction, and lead a high-performing, collaborative HR team that is focused, accountable, and equipped to deliver pragmatic results. You work closely with business leaders and their teams, offering direct guidance on strategic human resources, workforce management, and people and culture initiatives. You also play a key role in supporting organizational design and transformation to support growth, while consistently promoting a culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion for all.

As a Strategic Partner, you work closely with the Executive Committee and operational leaders, bringing forward people-focused insights to shape company direction. You align HR strategy with enterprise strategic goals and HR initiatives with business needs, guide organizational change, and ensure solutions are both practical and innovative. Through clear, two-way communication, you translate vision into action, connecting insights across all levels of the organization so that strategies are embraced, supported, and delivered with measurable impact, strengthening both culture and business performance.



As an Achiever, you turn strategy into measurable results. You design people programs that help drive performance, improve retention, inspire commitment, and deliver lasting value. Your clarity keeps people aligned to the priorities that matter most, while your collaborative approach transforms ideas into outcomes embraced by those they impact. With persistence and discipline, you convert strategy into action, ensuring that every initiative is shaped by input and embraced by those it impacts, delivering meaningful results that advance both our people and our business.

What You'll Do:

Lead McElhanney's people and culture strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals Lead the design and implementation of programs and systems, including those related to performance management, compensation strategy, succession planning, talent management, recruitment and retention Drive organizational development, leadership growth, and workforce planning Effectively communicate the people and culture strategy, gaining alignment and support from executive leaders and key stakeholders Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion across all programs Strengthen HR technology, data, and processes to improve efficiency and impact Provide trusted counsel to CEO, senior executives and operational leaders on people strategies and matters Inspire, mentor and lead the HR team to deliver exceptional outcomes

What You'll Bring:

Bachelor's degree in human resources or related discipline; advanced degree and CPHR designation preferred A minimum of 15+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, all or in part ideally in the AEC or geomatics industry Proven ability to design and implement HR strategies and programs, including those related to talent management, performance management, employee retention, compensation, leadership development, and workforce planning Strong business acumen and ability to advise at all levels of the organization on confidential, complex and time-sensitive matters Skills in leveraging data and technology for workforce insights and decision-making Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills Ability to prioritize, delegate responsibilities and motivate others to produce high-level results

What Can We Offer You?

The salary range for this position is $200,000 - $240,000 per annum along with the opportunity to participate in our generous performance bonus plan and to become a shareholder in a proud employee-owned company.

McElhanney offers fair compensation that is commensurate with the individual's education, experience, skills, and professional qualifications which is representative of the required level of qualifications and experience for the position as noted in the job posting. The salary offered will be based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

In addition to a competitive salary, performance bonus, and shareholding opportunities, we also offer:

Flexible work arrangements: Balance your personal and professional commitments with flexible hours to fit your lifestyle including hybrid & remote options Comprehensive Benefits: Maternity and parental leave top up program, health and dental coverage, RRSP matching, and Employee & Family Assistance Program Safe & Inclusive Workplace: A workplace culture that is characterized by respect and inclusion for all Professional Development: Reimbursement for dues, educational assistance, mentorship program, internal committees, workshops, and Continuous support for your professional development and growth Relocation Support: Financial assistance for relocation, if applicable

Application Instructions:

Please include the following in your application:

An updated curriculum vitae that is relevant to the position A cover letter that includes your interest in the position and a description of the qualities and experience you have which will make you excel in this position

Application deadline:

October 3, 2025, 8:59pm PST



Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion



At McElhanney, our unwavering commitment lies in cultivating a culture that aligns with our core values and fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion. We celebrate the collective achievements of a team rich in expertise, experiences, and perspectives, and welcome applications from individuals of diverse ethnicities, religions, backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, aboriginal statuses, various age groups, and those with disabilities. Requests for accommodations can be made at any stage of the selection process. If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all of the requirements outlined. We're interested in getting to know you and explore the unique contributions you can bring to McElhanney!



If this is the opportunity for you, apply now or visit www.mcelhanney.com/careers to learn more. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.



To learn more about our recognition as Canada's Top 100 Employers (2025), visit Top Employer: McElhanney Ltd. (canadastop100.com).



Visit us on Glassdoor to learn more about our employee experience.

Our Purpose:

Amaze our clients. Care for our communities. Empower our people.



McElhanney is aware of activities where individuals have received fraudulent job offers. Please be advised that McElhanney will not ask applicants for any form of monetary exchange at any point in the recruitment process. To learn more visit: www.mcelhanney.com/careers/fraud-warning. The disclosure of your information in accordance with this Policy and applicable law, including to third party service providers may result in your personal information being transferred outside of Canada, including to the United States. Such transferred personal information may be subject to the laws of these other countries and the laws of other countries regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information may be different from the laws of Canada.