Associate Vice President, People Relations

Employee Group:
**Administration/Management**
- Hours of Work (BCGEU):
- # of openings:
**1**
- Hours Per Week (BCGEU):
- Pay Level:
**16 - Administrative Salary Grid**
- Days of Work (BCGEU):
- Employment Type:
**Permanent Full Time**
- Internal Closing Date:
**Open Until Filled**
- Travel Frequency:
- External Closing Date:
**Open Until Filled**
- Competition ID:
**2594**

**Kwantlen Polytechnic University**

KPU offers all learners opportunities to achieve success in a diverse range of programs that blend theory and practice, critical understanding, and social and ethical awareness necessary for good citizenship and rewarding careers. KPU strives to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU’s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning.

**JOB OVERVIEW**:
This role reports to the Vice President, Human Resources. Reporting directly to this role are the Manager, HR Administration, Manager, HR Business Partners, Manager, Talent Acquisition and Recruitment and the Senior Manager, Labour Relations.

As a senior leader within the Human Resources team, the Associate Vice President (AVP), People Relations is accountable for leading Human Resources initiatives, programs and processes in support of a diverse and inclusive People First culture. As a trusted senior advisor across the institution, this role is accountable for leading the organizational wide strategies and operational aspects of Labour Relations, Recruitment and Talent Acquisition, HR Administration and HR Business Partnership. This includes developing and maintaining HR related policies and procedures ensuring compliance and governance in support of Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) goals. In collaboration with the HR Leadership team, this role designs, implements and maintains the People Relations strategic initiatives in support of Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) vision, mission and values. This position develops and maintains strong partnerships with key parties internal and external to KPU.

As AVP, People Relations, the position provides leadership, direction and support to a team of Human Resources professionals. The AVP ensures alignment of Human Resources initiatives, legislative compliance and people plans with university wide goals, departmental plans, tactical activities and individual contributions in support of a People First culture to maximize individual and organizational performance.

**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE**
- Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources Management or a related field;
- A minimum of 7 years progressively senior human resources experience, including at least 5 years’ in a management capacity with a focus on labour relations;
- Experience working and leading in a complex unionized environment;
- CPHR designation is considered and asset;
- Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Demonstrated people leadership skills, possesses the ability to engage and motivate employees
- High customer service orientation, with the ability to create a positive and meaningful customer experience.
- In-depth knowledge of principles, best practices and strategies to effectively lead Human Resources teams and practice.
- In-depth knowledge and experience with labour relations, HR business partnership, HR process improvement, change management and compliance practices, programs and policies
- Possesses strategic and critical thinking abilities
- Ability to diagnose and resolve complex employee relations and organizational issues
- Proactive approach to human resource management solutions and employee engagement
- Demonstrated ability to manage change and create innovative solutions for complex and diverse issues
- Exceptional organizational skills, recognizes priorities and changing approaches
- High degree of business acumen with a passion and commitment for business partnership and service orientation
- Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated people-centric leadership approach
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Demonstrated ability to establish credibility and interact at all levels within the institution, as well as with external agencies
- Ability to travel between campuses is required.

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**Does this role sound like it was made for you, yet you don’t check every box?**

We at KPU understand that experiences and qualifications may look differently for everyone and, if this job description is of interest to you, we encourage you to apply.

**Note to Applicants**:
We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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