Human Resources Advisor

Smart & Biggar has been at the forefront of intellectual property (IP) and technology law for over 100 years. We practice in every area of IP on behalf of an exceptional international clientele, and we are consistently ranked as Canada’s leading IP firm. We are committed to hiring people with different backgrounds and experience, who represent the best talent in their field.

This opportunity is available full time, or at a reduced workweek (80-90%)

Responsibilities.
- Act as a strategic business advisor providing advice/guidance to Managers and recommending innovative solutions, customized to meet business needs
- Acts as the single point of contact for business leaders and delivers the full range of HR services and programs including employee relations, total rewards, compensation, pay equity, performance and coaching, wellness and disability management, talent acquisition and talent development
- Implements national talent strategies
- Lead clients through the annual compensation cycle
- Participate in market surveys, collect, analyze, and review benchmark compensation data annually to ensure competitiveness
- Evaluate talent trends and team member feedback pulse surveys and open dialogue sessions to develop recommendations for improving engagement, productivity, and retention
- Ensure that top talent is identified, and plans are created to address their professional development and career aspirations
- Ensure that underperforming people are identified and that plans are created to return them to acceptable performance
- Manage disability claims from first day of absence through to return-to-work
- Ensure talent learning and development needs are identified and addressed
- Work with clients to develop plans to address current and future talent resource requirements
- Collaborate with national Talent team

Aptitudes.

Role Expertise
Demonstrates critical technical or professional knowledge/skills related to the role. Expands technical knowledge/skills and keeps up-to-date in own area of expertise.

Setting a Positive Example
Encourages others by creating enthusiasm, a feeling of inclusion and a desire to achieve. Inspires a positive attitude and recognizes positive contributions.

Results Orientation
Focuses strongly on achieving agreed upon outcomes and ensures that key goals are met. Conveys a sense of urgency and drives issues to closure. Aims to improve upon past performance. Establishes personal targets and strives to achieve them.

Influence
Articulates the key points of an argument persuasively. Negotiates skillfully and convinces others to consider own point of view. Directly and indirectly impacts the perspective of others. Builds trust and mobilizes people into collaborative action.

Innovating
Recognizes when change is necessary. Questions the status quo and pursues new initiatives. Acts as a catalyst to change and stimulates others to change. Develops an effective action plan to implement change and monitors results.

Impact
Makes an immediate positive impression upon others. Has presence, earns respect and quickly establishes credibility with clients.

Qualifications and experience.
- 5 years of relevant experience in human resources, with at least 2 in an advisory role
- University degree in a related discipline
- Professional HR designation is an asset
- Ability to communicate in both English and French would be an asset
- Demonstrated knowledge of all functions of HR
- Proven track record of providing guidance/advice to business leaders to assist with decisions that impact people
- Exceptional written communication skills
- Ability and motivation to question the status quo, influence senior leaders, develop innovative solutions, and drive change
- Excellent communication and leadership skills with an ability to form strong relationships at all organizational levels.
- Capable and comfortable leveraging technology to work together with people even when you’re apart (ex: you prefer a Zoom video call over a phone call)
- Strong project management and planning skills, and an ability to implement complex programs
- A skilled facilitator, comfortable delivering presentations and workshops in both French and English, as well as on-line using Zoom
- Excellent MS Excel and PowerPoint skills
- Ability to deliver results in a complex, matrix organization

Smart & Biggar offers a comprehensive total rewards package including:

- A competitive compensation structure based on transparency, clarity and fairness;
- A flexible benefits program;
- Personal days to help balance personal and professional commitments;
- Employee referral program.

Smart & Biggar is a proud member of the Law Firm Diversity and Inclusion Network (LFDIN), working to promote diversity and encourage a culture of inclusion in our Firm and the broader legal profession.