Human Resources Advisor

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION Our client is a global, privately held organization operating in the life sciences sector, driven by innovation and a strong commitment to improving patient outcomes. With a solid scientific foundation and a focus on developing specialized therapies for unmet medical needs, the organization combines scientific rigor with a people-centered culture. This represents a key phase of growth and offers a unique opportunity to join a foundational team, contribute to the setup of local operations, and help shape the culture and long-term success of the Canadian organization. Core values include a strong focus on people, quality, integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. JOB PURPOSE The HR Advisor will provide comprehensive HR support for employees and leaders related to the full spectrum of the employee life cycle, including payroll, benefits, talent acquisition, employee engagement, performance management, HR compliance, HR systems, and administrative processes. This role ensures excellence in HR service delivery while helping drive strategic HR initiatives that support a high-performing and inclusive work culture. This is an office-based role reporting to the Senior Director, Human Resources. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Employee Life Cycle Support Serve as a primary point of contact for employee and manager HR inquiries. Support onboarding and offboarding processes, in partnership with the Office Coordinator, ensuring a positive and seamless employee experience. Assist with maintaining employee files, HR systems, and data integrity. HRIS administrator for Canada, in partnership with Global HR Recruitment & Talent Acquisition Support full-cycle recruitment, including job description creation, postings, resume screening, scheduling interviews, and coordinating offers, with support from the Office Coordinator. Partner with the Senior Director, HR and hiring managers to ensure timely and effective hiring processes. Partner with external recruitment firms, as applicable Performance & Talent Management Support annual and mid-year performance review cycles, including communications, tracking, and follow-up. Assist with objective-setting processes and provide administrative support to facilitate manager and employee participation. Policy Development & Interpretation Support the creation, review, and updating of HR policies, guidelines, and procedures. Provide guidance to employees and managers on policy interpretation and application. Deliver training related to policies when required. Payroll Coordination Partner with an external payroll vendor to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing. Collect, review, and validate changes such as new hires, terminations, compensation adjustments, leaves, and benefit updates. Review and approve bi-weekly pay runs. Respond to employee questions regarding payroll and liaise with the vendor to resolve discrepancies. Benefits Administration Serve as the primary benefits administrator for the organization. Manage new hire enrollments, terminations, life event changes, and annual renewals. Maintain accurate records of benefits eligibility and coverage. Respond to employee inquiries about benefits plans, coverage, claims procedures, and provider tools. Partner with benefits providers and brokers to resolve employee issues and ensure high-quality service delivery. Support benefits reporting and audit processes, including reconciling invoices and ensuring plan accuracy. Employee Engagement Contribute to planning and execution of employee engagement initiatives and culture-building activities. Collect employee feedback and support programs that foster a positive, inclusive workplace. Support the Global engagement survey administration and deployment Other Demonstrate the company’s Values and Way of Working, as well as comply with company policies, procedures, and codes of conduct, all applicable Canadian laws and industry regulations governing pharmaceutical operations, including but not limited to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Clinical Practices (GCP), health and safety requirements, ethical standards, data privacy legislation, and any relevant Health Canada guidelines. Maintain the highest standards of integrity, documentation accuracy, and regulatory compliance in all activities. QUALIFICATIONS Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field required. Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) or Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) preferred. Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in Human Resources including payroll, benefits administration, and generalist responsibilities, preferably in pharmaceuticals, biotech or a start-up environment. Proficiency in HRIS systems an asset and Microsoft Office suite required. Strong coordination and HR operational experience Payroll/benefits support experience Recruitment coordination or full-cycle recruitment an asset Some policy or compliance exposure preferred Skills / Competencies: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Exceptional interpersonal and conflict resolution skills. Adaptable in a fast-paced environment Strong attention to detail Strong analytical problem-solving capability. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple HR projects independently. Customer-focused attitude, with high level of professionalism and discretion Solid understanding of HR compliance, compensation, and employment law. Collaborative team player with the ability to work independently. OTHER REQUIREMENTS Requires discretion with confidential data Occasional travel may be required Languages: English required, French an Asset Thank you in advance for your interest, only individuals deemed to have the skill set and experience to fit the role will be contacted. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada without sponsorship. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers that do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, provincial or federal laws, rules, or regulations. Our policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities upon request. Follow us on LinkedIn