The Town of Cochrane is a vibrant and welcoming community in Northeastern Ontario, known for its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and a strong sense of community spirit.

Cochrane is not only a beautiful place to live but also a progressive municipality committed to sustainable growth and innovation. The Town fosters a collaborative environment where community engagement and citizen feedback are highly valued. As a potential candidate for a position with the Town, you’ll have the chance to make a meaningful impact in a town that prioritizes quality of life and community development.

Join us in shaping the future of Cochrane and be part of a community that truly cares.

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Town of Cochrane is looking for a full-time Human Resources Manager to serve as a key leader in shaping the Town’s workforce and organizational culture. Reporting to the CAO, you will oversee all aspects of Human Resources and Health & Safety Programs, ensuring that practices align with legislative requirements and municipal objectives.

In this vital role, you will be responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures that foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing workplace. Your expertise will guide recruitment, talent management, labour relations, health and safety and employee development, while supporting the well-being and professional growth of staff across the organization. You will work closely with management and staff to promote a culture of respect, engagement, and continuous improvement, ensuring that Cochrane remains an employer of choice.

If you are a strategic, people-focused leader passionate about community building and organizational excellence, with experience leading human resources and health and safety in a unionized environment, we encourage you to join our team and help drive the future of Human Resources for the Town of Cochrane.

Why Work with Us?

• Competitive Salary: annual range of $91,295 - $102,750. Reflective of experience and expertise.
• Health & Wellness Benefits: Comprehensive coverage package to support your well-being.
• Pension Security: Participation in the OMERS Defined Benefit Pension Plan, ensuring long-term financial stability.
• Overtime Flexibility: .
• Vacation Recognition: Vacation credit for relevant prior service, so you can start with the time off you deserve.
• Commitment to Growth: Support for professional development, helping you advance in your career.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Corporate Management & Leadership

• Lead and manage all Human Resources and Health & Safety programs, fostering collaboration and ensuring compliance with legislation.
• Contribute to business planning and budgeting related to HR and Health & Safety.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for Council, attend relevant meetings, and provide HR advice and legislative updates.
• Develop, implement, and update HR and Health & Safety policies and procedures.
• Interpret HR legislation and offer recommendations for compliance.
• Liaise with legal counsel and participate in legal proceedings as needed.

Human Resources Program Management

• Oversee full-cycle recruitment, job postings, and selection processes, including the development of interview tools and employment contracts.
• Develop onboarding programs and manage performance management tools and processes.
• Provide input on staff development, succession planning, and manage discipline and termination processes.
• Implement training and communication strategies for new or updated programs.
• Conduct exit interviews and manage related data.
• Maintain employee records in compliance with corporate policy.

Health & Safety Management

• Lead the development and implementation of the Town’s Health & Safety program.
• Ensure clear roles and responsibilities for health and safety across all staff levels.
• Ensure Town staff are trained in safety protocols and emergency response and oversee incident reporting and follow-up.
• Conduct investigations into incidents, accidents, and manage return to work and modified duties cases.

Compensation & Benefits Administration

• Advise on organizational structure, update job descriptions, and negotiate benefit plans.
• Manage group benefits and pension plans, coordinate with payroll, and address employee inquiries.
• Prepare reports and analyze compensation and benefits to ensure competitiveness and equity.

Absence and Disability Claims Management

• Manage workplace injury and disability claims processes, including WSIB and short-term disability.
• Liaise with external providers, support supervisors in disability programs, and develop/monitor return to work plans in compliance with policy and legislation.

Labour Relations, Conflict Management, and Investigations

• Provide training and support for progressive discipline and conflict management.
• Coordinate performance management, grievance processes, and participate in collective bargaining and labour management meetings.
• Administer workplace investigations and ensure confidentiality and compliance with agreements and legislation.
• Advise employees and managers throughout labour relations processes and interpret legislative and agreement provisions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma business administration, human resources, or related.
• Minimum of five (5) years experience in human resources and occupational health and safety in a unionized workplace; preferably in a municipal or public sector setting.
• Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) or Leader (CHRL) and/or Canadian Registered Professional (CSRP) certification is an asset.
• Level I and II Occupational Health & Safety Committee Certification is required or willingness to obtain within one year of date of hire.
• Solid understanding of human resources administrative principles, practices, and techniques as well as a comprehensive knowledge of relevant Ontario legislation, regulations and collective agreements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat Software at the intermediate level.
• Working knowledge of human resource information, time management and/or payroll and human resources software systems.
• Exhibit solid communication and relationship building skills; excellent interpersonal/relationship skills.
• Excellent problem solving, organizational and time management skills.
• Strong ability to research, analyze information and make recommendations.
• Proven analytical and decision-making skills to identify solutions to non-routine problems of a sometimes-complex nature based on factual data.
• Ability to act independently within own area and effectively plan, coordinate, prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Highly self-motivated/directed as position requires some original and independent thinking in developing methods, procedures or techniques to adjust or improve work processes.
• Demonstrated ability to respect the confidentiality of information and exercise tact and diplomacy.
• Team-oriented and skilled in working within a collaborative team
• Computer proficiency in related departmental software.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to deal effectively with rate payers.
• Minimum valid G driver’s license.

The Town of Cochrane values the unique skills and experiences each individual has to offer and we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation to participate fully in our recruitment processes, please let us know when we contact you.

The Town of Cochrane is an equal opportunity employer seeking to live its values in all we do. We are committed to taking proactive steps to provide and create opportunities for historically marginalized groups. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from Indigenous, Black, and other racialized persons, 2SLGBTQI+ people, individuals with disabilities, and other members of marginalized communities to consider working with and for the Town of Cochrane.

All applicants are thanked for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be further contacted. Information gathered is under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and shall only be used for candidate selection purposes.