HR Advisor

**HR Advisor**

**About McMaster**

At McMaster University, our people are our most valuable asset. We strive to attract, develop, and retain the talented faculty and staff, and to foster inclusive excellence which values the strengths, perspectives, and contributions of everyone. McMaster’s profile and stature has evolved to one of the Top 70 Universities in the World and recognition as Canada’s Most Research Intense University. McMaster is recognized as one of the top employers in the Hamilton/Niagara region, and has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top Diversity employers in each of 2019, 2020 and 2021.

The **Human Resource Service Centre** (HRSC) is the initial point of contact for professional human resources and pay related support to McMaster managers, faculty, staff, and retirees. The HRSC team is dedicated to our customers and our strategic objective is to deliver core services in a timely, accurate and uninterrupted manner. Our **team culture** is to promote a positive, productive working and learning environment through the delivery of expert, consultative human resource programs and services in support of the University’s mission. As trusted advisers, we facilitate a culture of engagement encourage continuous improvement and foster collaborative relationships.

**About the Position**

Reporting to the Senior HR Advisor, and working under the leadership of the Manager, HR Operations, the **Human Resources Advisors (HR Advisors)** provide a full range of advice and services to the McMaster University community. The HR Advisors work closely with potential hires, employees both academic and non-academic, administrators, managers, and retirees.

Utilizing a customer-focused approach to human resources, the HR Advisors work both independently and collaboratively to provide advice and service regarding a broad range of HR topics including recruitment, onboarding, benefits, pensions, Group RRSP, payroll, policy and collective agreement administration, operational aspects of compensation and HRIS support.

The role requires **exceptional attention to detail** and the ability to change direction quickly as the volume and complexity is high while the importance of answering client inquiries is a top priority. As the first point of contact for the University’s HR needs, the HR Advisor is will be responsible for:

- Coordinating comprehensive full-cycle recruitment(s) for non-faculty vacancies, including preparation of job postings, offer management process in accordance with salary administration and collective agreement guidelines, and conducting on-boarding with new hires.
- Coordinating payroll administration by ensuring timely and accurate pay processing in accordance with Canadian Payroll Association, Employment Standards, Canada Revenue Agency, various collective agreements, and University policies.
- Providing coaching and support to new and current administrators regarding time capture, time exceptions and special premium payments.
- Supporting the administration of the McMaster University retirement plans, specifically three defined benefit pension plans and a Group RRSP Plan.
- Administering the benefits for employees and retirees which include more than forty-five individual benefit plans. Details include determining eligibility, enrolment, entitlement inquiries and implementation of changes to the individual’s personal circumstances.
- Processing all approved leaves and administer the benefit, salary, and pension/RRSP options of each in accordance with the applicable collective agreement, McMaster University Faculty Association (MUFA) handbook, Pension Plan texts, and Employment Standards Act.
- Provide general HR support with emphasis on achieving HR operational excellence standards set forth from the HRSC and improving HR standard operating procedures/ employee relations and engagement through best practices.
- Act as the primary point of contact for employees and provide timely responses and/or action to their inquiries; Provide support and guidance to employees on HR related matters.

**What we are looking for**

To be **successful** in this role, you must have a passion for service excellence, continuous improvement and building strong and positive relationships with diverse stakeholders. You are a top performer in your current role with a proven track record of:

- Superior communication, influencing and interpersonal skills.
- Sound analytical, problem solving, and negotiation skills.
- A broad understand of human resources issues with the ability to resolve complex situations in a diplomatic manner.
- Being results driven and able to demonstrate creativity and sound judgment in a fast-paced environment.
- Building strong client relationships with clients and managers.
- Tact in dealing with difficult or sensitive situations across a broad range of clients.
- Prioritizing and being able to manage multiple priorities.
- Embodying McMaster’s **core leadership capabilities**