Director, People and Culture

Our Company

BrandActive specializes in the financial analysis, strategy, and logistics of rebranding implementation and marketing and brand operations. Whether our client is striving to optimize the implementation of a brand change, or identify opportunities to save money, time, and resources managing your brand and marketing dollars, BrandActive has what it takes to get the job done.

Since 1998, BrandActive has scoped, budgeted, planned, and executed brand change for many of the world's most valuable brands. Our services combine industry-leading analytics with a unique and proven methodology that provides the information clients need to make sound financial decisions, save time and money and operate more efficiently. Whether our clients are going through a one-time corporate rebrand or want to get the most out of the everyday management of their existing brand, we help them achieve more, spend less, and build a better brand.

For BrandActive team members, our goal is to be an inclusive, supportive workplace where great people do great work and have a great time doing it. We are committed to trust, agility, growth, equity, diversity, inclusion, humanity, and wellbeing.

This is a
14–16 month contract
role covering a parental leave. Both full-time contract and part-time contractor applications are welcome.

The Role

Reporting to the Managing Partner, the Director of People & Culture leads people strategy, operations, and partnership across the organization while delivering an exceptional BrandActive Experience (BAX).

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Operations

• Develop and deliver the annual HR plan and People roadmap aligned to strategic priorities.
• Lead and oversee People & Experience operations, including HR process execution, recruitment, AI integration, and compliance.
• Own all People programs: recruitment, onboarding, compensation, benefits, performance, learning, engagement, EDI, and coaching.
• Manage HR systems and vendors (e.g., BambooHR, Northpass, Small Improvements), ensuring data accuracy, compliance, and effective administration.
• Maintain and evolve HR policies, procedures, and documentation, including the Team Member Handbook.
• Lead investigations and employee relations matters with fairness, consistency, and risk mitigation.
• Own the People Team budget, including learning, wellbeing, and internal events.
• Lead the pulse survey program, including analysis, action planning, and follow-through.
• Monitor legislative requirements across jurisdictions and proactively flag risks and trends.
• Support and contribute to BrandActive's Equity, Diversity & Inclusion initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Managing Partner.

People Partnership

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on performance management, compensation, development, employee relations, workforce planning, and recruiting.
• Oversee employee lifecycle processes for senior leaders and department leads.
• Build strong cross-functional partnerships (e.g., Finance, Administration) to ensure compliance and seamless employee experience.
• Lead and support the Manager, People & OE in recruitment and people partnership delivery.

Leadership and Development

• Lead, coach, and develop the People Team, ensuring high-quality delivery and professional growth.
• Manage performance, provide regular feedback, and conduct annual reviews and development planning.
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance of sensitive HR documentation.
• Model inclusive leadership and contribute to internal committees and initiatives.
• Continuously identify smarter, faster, better ways of working.

Qualifications and Experience

• 10+ years of progressive People & Culture experience, ideally in a small-to-medium entrepreneurial environment, including people leadership.
• Deep knowledge of employment legislation and People and Culture best practices.
• Proven experience leading high-performing teams and full-cycle recruitment.
• Experience managing compensation and benefits programs.
• Strong project management, coaching, and employee relations experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion and culture-building.
• Excellent communication, presentation, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
• Highly organized, adaptable, results-oriented, and tech-savvy (BambooHR experience preferred).

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive compensation:
  $130,000–$175,000 CAD (based on experience, skills, and education).
• Comprehensive health and dental coverage from day one.
• Mental health resources (EAP, Headspace).
• Generous paid time off, Flex Fridays, summer long weekends, and office closures.
• Wellbeing allowance and flexible additional time off.
• Parental leave benefits.
• $2,000 annual professional and personal development support.
• Home office and communications reimbursement.
• Charitable donation matching.
• Flexible and remote-first work options, including up to four weeks working abroad (eligible countries).
• Two annual Toronto town halls and ongoing coaching, feedback, and development support.

Start Date

As soon as possible.

Location

Toronto area preferred.

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

BrandActive is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workforce. We provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Accommodation requests will be kept confidential.

Interview Process

BrandActive uses AI in recruitment for applicant screening and interview transcription. Candidates will be informed and may opt out.

Steps include:

1. Initial prescreen call with Talent Manager
2. Virtual interview with hiring manager
3. Case study and presentation

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for interviews will be contacted.