Director of Human Resources

About the Role

A partner company based in Canada is seeking a Director of Human Resources to establish and lead a contemporary people function within a rapidly expanding, mission-focused organization. You will collaborate directly with the executive team to shape the culture, talent strategy, and implement scalable HR practices that facilitate business growth.

This role requires strategic leadership combined with active involvement across all aspects of the employee lifecycle—from workforce planning to enhancing employee experience. You will create systems, procedures, and programs that empower teams to excel while fostering an inclusive work environment.

Operating in a dynamic startup setting, you will have substantial ownership and influence in organizational development and overall people operations. This opportunity suits a seasoned HR leader driven to build impactful programs from the ground up and significantly contribute to company success.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement comprehensive people strategies including workforce planning, organizational structure, talent management, and initiatives enhancing employee experience.
• Serve as a strategic consultant to executives and managers on leadership development, performance assessment, compensation, employee relations, and organizational decision-making.
• Develop and refine compensation models, salary frameworks, promotion guidelines, equity policies, and incentive programs.
• Oversee and improve performance management processes such as goal setting, feedback mechanisms, reviews, development plans, and performance improvement efforts.
• Manage essential HR operations including benefits administration, payroll collaboration, HR system management, policy compliance, and employee records maintenance.
• Collaborate with legal advisors on employee relations cases, investigations, accommodations, leave management, policy matters, and related employment concerns.
• Enhance internal communications, employee engagement, recognition programs, and foster connection within a distributed workforce.
• Identify and implement improvements in HR processes, systems, and organizational practices to support scaling needs.
• Balance employee needs with organizational priorities through thoughtful, data-informed advice.
• Cultivate a high-performance culture emphasizing accountability, collaboration, transparency, and continuous enhancement.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of eight years of progressive experience in human resources, people operations, or organizational leadership roles.
• At least three years in a leadership role managing HR or People functions, preferably in high-growth startups or rapidly changing environments.
• Experience managing distributed or multi-location teams effectively.
• Proven capacity to act as both an executive partner and a hands-on HR practitioner.
• Strong expertise in employee lifecycle management, compensation, benefits, performance management, and organizational development.
• Exceptional judgment, discretion, emotional intelligence, and capability to handle confidential information.
• Excellent communication abilities with a talent for delivering direct yet compassionate feedback.
• Data-driven approach with the ability to analyze organizational patterns and provide informed recommendations.
• Proficient project management skills to balance multiple priorities amid a changing environment.
• Adept at challenging existing assumptions, identifying issues, and crafting effective solutions.
• Comfortable with entrepreneurial settings where processes evolve and improve over time.
• Strong passion for enhancing access to healthcare and supporting mission-driven organizations.
• Experience in healthcare, telehealth, technology, regulated sectors, subscription models, or consumer services considered an advantage.
• Familiarity with implementing HRIS, payroll, benefits, applicant tracking, performance management, or engagement systems preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive base salary ranging from 150000 to 180000 CAD annually, plus equity options and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Flexible paid time off policy promoting work-life balance.
• Remote-first workplace culture with adaptable working arrangements.
• Opportunity to create and shape a growing HR function from inception.
• Direct engagement with executive leadership on broad company initiatives.
• Significant influence over culture, talent strategy, and organizational growth.
• Chance to contribute towards improving access to veterinary healthcare services.
• Vibrant environment offering substantial career growth and development possibilities.