Director of People and Belonging Save job Remove saved job

As a leader in modernization, innovation, and creativity, East Gwillimbury is proud to be selected as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2025. Located along Highway 404 in northern York Region, East Gwillimbury is a premier centre for growth within the GTA. EG offers competitive wages and benefits and prioritizes the mental and physical well-being of its employees. Employees also have access to more than 50 kms of trails to enjoy the beauty of EG while at work.

The Town of East Gwillimbury is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process and as we grow, it is important our workforce reflects the citizens we serve. We respect, encourage, and celebrate our diversity. Join our team and see the EG difference!     

Reporting to the General Manager of Corporate Services, the Director of People and Belonging is responsible for the strategic development and day-to-day administration of the corporate human resources function including organizational development, recruitment, staff training and development, employee and labour relations, compensation and health and safety administration, and equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. In addition, the Director of People and Belonging will:

• Lead the branch with an entrepreneurial and transformational approach and with the vision to implement, update, and report on the EG – You Belong, Employee Experience Strategy.
• Recruit, train, motivate, evaluate, and support People and Belonging staff.
• Position East Gwillimbury as an employer of choice by delivering on policies and programs for staff that contribute to a culture of belonging.
• Provide input into the corporate annual business planning and budget process on matters related to human resources such as cost-of-living contingencies, benefits cost changes, and staff training.
• Make recommendations on the selection of consultants, trainers, or other external resources to assist with/undertake major projects, surveys and/or training initiatives; prepare Request for Proposals and evaluate bids; establish project charters, monitor vendor performance and administer agreements in accordance with Town policies/procedures.
• Provide strategic leadership for the municipality’s compensation programs, including the evaluation of salary, wage, and benefits programs to ensure internal equity, market competitiveness, and fiscal responsibility; conduct compensation and benefits surveys, administer job evaluation and classification processes, and implement ongoing maintenance programs to ensure position descriptions remain accurate and current; coordinate periodic reviews of group benefits plans and carrier performance to ensure compliance, cost effectiveness, and service quality
• Provide leadership and advice relating to all employee and labour relations matters including grievance decisions, arbitrations, human rights, Ontario Labour Relations Board proceedings, and collective
• Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and policies and oversee incident investigations.
• Establish and execute People and Belonging related policies and procedures.
• Assess and monitor corporate training needs and develop a corporate training strategy, in consultation with departments.
• Oversee staff engagement initiatives through employee engagement surveys and focus groups.
• With input from the Senior Management Team and People and Belonging staff, oversee the development, implementation and maintenance of a range of initiatives that support the entire employment lifecycle.
• Provide strategic client services to operating departments including recruitment, HR policy interpretation, resource planning, departmental restructuring initiatives, performance coaching, and investigating and resolving employee concerns.

The ideal candidate will have:

• University degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations, or related disciplines.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in a broad Human Resources portfolio in a public sector unionized environment, preferably in a municipal urban growth environment with proven experience in a leadership role
• Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) Designation from the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA) is considered an asset.

As part of the extended management team, the ideal candidate would embody and lead in a manner consistent with the Town’s Leadership Commitments:

• Lead for Results – Inspire staff to be their best, provide direction, feedback and coaching to contribute to individual and team development.
• Think and Act Strategically – Create a clear vision and strategy and see the big picture
• Build Positive and Influential Relationships – Build constructive and effective relationships with Town staff

Other requirements include:

• Proven ability to communicate effectively in visual, written, and verbal form. Able to adapt and tailor the conversation/presentation to a variety of audiences and contexts.
• Excellent time management, analytical, problem solving, and research skills.
• Ability to align programs/ services with corporate strategic direction; to foster corporate thinking and a consultative, cooperative team approach and positive attitude amongst staff.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, capable of relating effectively to a diverse range of people, personalities and styles (both internal and external).
• General knowledge of provincial and federal legislation impacting municipalities.
• Advanced knowledge of Council/staff relations and the role of the CAO.
• Political acuity.
• Highly adaptable and flexible to changing systems, conditions and/or priorities.
• Computer literacy utilizing the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, SharePoint, Teams) as well as Adobe, ADP Workforce Now, and Internet.
• Thorough working knowledge of Human Resources policies, programs, and guidelines, the applicable Employment Standards Act, and other applicable employment-related legislation.

Salary Range: $151,060 – $177,708 (Band 11)

Deadline for applications is March 1, 2026.

For more information and to apply, please visit: www.eastgwillimbury.ca/careers

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.

The Town of East Gwillimbury is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and welcomes applications from qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Town of East Gwillimbury will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. If selected to participate in the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please inform the Town’s People and Belonging staff of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your equal participation. In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information & Protection of Personal Privacy Act, personal information collected will only be used for candidate selection.