Director, Employee Services and HR Strategy
Job Status: Permanent Full-Time
Union: Non-Union
Number of Positions: 1
Hours of Work: 35
Location: Civic Centre (Chatham)
Reason for Vacancy: Replacement
Closing Date: March 29, 2026, 11:59pm EST. Applications received after this deadline will not be accepted.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has an opening for a permanent full-time Director, Employee Services and HR Strategy in the Human Resources & Organization Development division.
Job description
The Director, Employee Services and HR Strategy reports to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and is a member of the senior management team. They are responsible for the strategic leadership, management, and administration of the corporate Human Resource (HR) function, including HR strategy, workplace culture, payroll, HRIS, total rewards, talent acquisition, and employee and organizational development.
Together with the Director, Employee Relations and Wellbeing, this position manages HR administration and consults on matters related to health, safety, wellbeing, and employee relations.
Essential responsibilities
- Demonstrate Chatham-Kent’s core values and competencies
- Partner with the Director, Employee Relations and Wellbeing to ensure cohesive delivery of all human resources (HR) strategies, programs, and services
- Work closely with the CAO, executive and senior management teams, supervisors, union leaders, Council, and applicable committees, to advise on HR matters
- Develop and execute HR strategies aligning with organizational vision, mission, and long-term strategic plans
- Drive culture initiatives that foster engagement, inclusion, creativity, innovation, and high performance
- Lead workforce planning and talent strategy by strategizing effective total rewards packages
- Oversee organizational development programs, including leadership development, change management, strategic planning, and team effectiveness
- Manage employer branding and employee lifecycle experience initiatives
- Manage, coach, and develop a team of HR professionals to ensure all policies, programs, procedures, projects, and services within this portfolio are effective and efficient in meeting the needs of the employees and the organization
- Prepare and deliver reports, recommendations, and presentations as required
- Attend Council, committee, and public meetings as required
- Conduct and/or review investigations, advise on policy violations, and make recommendations and/or decisions for corrective action
- Develop, implement, and track progress on HR strategies and budgets
- Liaise with various provincial ministries, boards, external lawyers, consultants, insurance brokers & carriers, and regional municipal groups as needed
- Maintain up to date knowledge and awareness of emerging trends, developments, and issues within labour relations and human resources
Essential qualifications
- University degree (preferably Business Administration, Labour Relations, Human Resource Management, or related), with six (6) to ten (10) years of related experience
- Senior management experience working in human resources, preferably in a municipal environment
- Demonstrated leadership abilities to build and maintain effective working relationships within a multi-unionized environment
- Experience managing a large, complex operating budget
- Extensive knowledge and understanding of effective human resource fundamentals, programs, policies, and practices as well as applicable legislation
- Experience with the following areas: HR administration, HR strategy, workplace culture, payroll, HRIS, total rewards, talent acquisition, employee and organizational development, employee and labour relations, and health, safety, and wellbeing
- Experience with key performance indicators (KPIs) and human resource metrics
- Strong skills in understanding, developing and motivating people
- Strong computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email, and internet (or other similar software programs)
- Ability to articulate thoughts and ideas clearly, presenting information in a straightforward and logical way
Certifications, memberships, licenses
- Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation preferred
Work environment/hours of work
- This position works weekday hours, with occasional evening and weekend hours
Working remotely
This position has been approved for remote working, at the discretion of the supervisor based on the Working Remotely Policy.
This position may be required to attend on-site meetings in order to complete essential responsibilities of the role. As per the Working Remotely Policy, employees scheduled to work remotely on a certain day may occasionally be called to a municipal onsite work location on short notice. Employees must remain flexible to accommodate municipal requirements and be prepared to be called in on short notice.
Background check requirements
Successful candidates will be required to complete a background check prior to commencement of employment. A background check may include the following: education/certification verification and employment reference check.
Essential physical and/or safety requirements
- Walking: frequent walking on level surface (frequently walking to/from printers, meetings, etc.)
- Sitting: frequent sitting in a chair (frequent sitting in primary office, meeting locations, etc.)
- Hands: constant fine finger dexterity (movement), mousing (frequent typing and mousing in office and meetings)
Benefits
This permanent full-time position has an annual salary of $160,679 to $189,235 and will receive benefits including: participation in the OMERS pension plan (mandatory) as well as sick and vacation entitlements. Following successful completion of a 3-month waiting period, candidates will also be entitled to a comprehensive group benefits package.
Applying for this opportunity
Resumes and cover letters must be received by 11:59pm (EST) on Sunday, March 29, 2026. To apply, please visit: www.ckcareers.ca.
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The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fair and accessible employment practices that attract and retain talented employees in a workplace that is inclusive, supportive, and reflective of the diverse community we serve.
The Municipality does not use artificial intelligence or automated decision‑making tools in its recruitment or selection processes; all hiring decisions are made by people.
Should you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources & Organizational Development (HROD) at 519-360-1998. Applicant information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation and will be used strictly for the purpose of candidate selection.
