Human Resources Manager - Environmental and Emulsions

About Walker

Walker Industries, a fifth-generation, family-owned company founded in 1887, operates from its base in the Niagara Region with facilities across Canada and the United States. We employ more than 1,200 people in environmental waste management and recovery, renewable energy, paving and construction, aggregates, and emulsions chemistries.

Walker's vision is to build a sustainable future. For Walker that means working together with neighbours, customers, regulatory authorities and of course employees to safely build and service communities across Canada and the U.S. while investing in their health, educational and cultural well-being.

Walker's environmental division, spanning across Canada, provides critical services and infrastructure for communities to manage waste, recover resources and contribute to a circular economy through Walker Waste Services, Walker Organics Recovery, Walker Grease Trap Services and product brands N-Rich®, All Treat Farms® and Gro-Bark®.

The Walker Emulsions division uses advanced chemistries and technologies, and creates innovative and sustainable wax, oil, bio-based and asphalt emulsions used across a variety of industries. The emulsions division services both Canadian and U.S. markets out of its operating locations in Ontario, South Carolina and Oregon.

The Opportunity

The Human Resources Divisional Manager for the Environmental and Emulsions Divisions will be able to blend strategy with hands-on execution and foster trusting partnerships across two Walker divisions. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned leader who knows how to drive impactful talent strategies aligned with company objectives. This role provides leadership to a team of five HR Business partners and ensures consistent standards are established and met in the delivery of services, advice and solutions. Based out of our Niagara head office this role will offer the flexibility to be in the office for three days a week and work remotely. Our Oakville regional office will be a secondary office and some travel to other Walker sites will be required from time to time.

Who you are

You are an experienced HR Business Partner eager for the next career growth opportunity to manage and execute the people strategy for the divisions while taking ownership of a broad range of people-focused responsibilities. You enjoy being hands-on, developing and coaching a team of HR professionals, and being part of an evolving HR function that will support the future growth of the organization. You are experienced in delivering talent strategies for hourly and salaried employees and are skilled at overseeing productive union relationships and participating in collective bargaining, grievance meetings and arbitrations.

What you will be doing

• Work hand in hand with business leaders to evaluate workforce needs and develop relevant talent strategies
• Lead the labour relations strategy for the division and provide expert counsel and advice on maintaining a harmonious and supportive work environment. Support grievances and investigations
• Lead, develop and coach a team of HR Business partners supporting an hourly, unionized workforce
• Provide guidance on compensation reviews and planning, and the performance management process
• Provide direction to the Talent Acquisition Specialist and ensure the talent acquisition needs of the business are met
• Provide hands-on support with the recruitment of senior leadership roles
• Develop and lead the succession management process for the division
• Champion the imperative of health, safety and compliance practices

What you will bring

• You have a minimum of six years of experience in the HR business partner role, and at least two years in a people leadership role
• You are great at leading, developing and coaching a team of professionals
• You have deep expertise in supporting an hourly unionized workforce, and are skilled at managing the complexity of relationships with a range of unions
• You are skilled at compiling workforce data and creating reports to generate insights for business leaders
• You are a strategic thinker with the ability to develop creative solutions and talent strategies
• You take a proactive approach to supporting your clients
• Experience supporting a US-based business unit will be considered a strong asset
• Experience in heavy industry, construction, manufacturing or related sectors will be considered a strong asset
• Post secondary education in business or Human Resources, and/or CHRP
• Vehicle for transportation and the ability to travel to Walker sites

What's in it for you

• You'll part of an evolving HR function supporting a growing organization
• Education reimbursement and professional development opportunities
• Wellness subsidy and employee assistance program
• Support your community with two paid volunteer days per year
• Social and networking events
• Retirement programs including pension, RRSP and TFSA

At Walker, your contribution matters. If you share our commitment to giving back to your community and caring about the environment we'd love to hear from you. Our workplaces reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all ethnicities, race, religions, LGBTQ+ status, Indigenous communities, and persons with disabilities.

Should you require any accommodation in applying for this role, or throughout the interview process, please let us know when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.