Human Resources Specialist

Paterson & Cooke is seeking an experienced
Human Resources Professional
to support our growing operations across North America. The successful candidate will have
10+ years
of progressive HR experience, ideally spanning both Canadian and U.S. jurisdictions, and will bring a practical, hands-on approach to developing and implementing HR strategies that align with our business objectives and company culture.

This is a
full-time position
based in either our
Sudbury, ON (Canada)
or
Golden, CO (USA)
office. Given the nature of the role, partial remote work arrangements may be considered; however, regular in-office presence and collaboration with local leadership teams will be required. Occasional travel between offices is expected. The salary range is 120,000 to 160,000 CAD per annum, depending on qualifications, experience, and the preferred work location.

Paterson & Cooke is an employee-owned, international engineering firm specializing in the design and implementation of long-distance pipelines, tailings and waste management, mineral processing, and mine backfill systems for the global mining industry. Our affiliate companies share our offices and overheads and will require the same HR support aligned with our engineering staff. Our success is built on technical excellence, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to quality and client satisfaction. With offices spanning five continents, we maintain a dynamic, innovative culture while providing employees with opportunities for professional growth and international collaboration.

Tasks

• Serve as the primary HR contact for the North American operations (Canada and USA) providing day-to-day support to staff and management.
• Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies and programs consistent with local employment laws and company standards and in line with the company's short, medium, and long-term goals.
• Coordinate and manage recruitment, onboarding, and employee engagement activities.
• Advise on compensation, benefits, and total rewards structures to ensure internal equity and external competitiveness.
• Lead the coordination of performance management processes, including career development reviews, constructive feedback, and performance improvement plans.
• Assist with training and professional development programs to align with business goals.
• Collaborate with Office Managers to administer HR systems and maintain accurate and confidential employee records.
• Manage compliance with employment standards, labor laws, and workplace safety regulations across both jurisdictions.
• Provide guidance on sensitive employee relations matters, investigations, and disciplinary processes while upholding Company policies and legal compliance.
• Contribute to organizational development initiatives, including workforce planning and succession strategies.
• Occasional travel to office locations throughout the year.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to leadership on HR strategy, policies, and employee relations.
• Ensure compliance with Canadian (Ontario) and U.S. (Colorado) employment legislation and practices. Note that we have remote employees residing in other Provinces and States, so knowledge or investigation of applicable employment legislation and practices will be required at times.
• Maintain a thorough understanding of evolving labor standards, tax implications, and reporting requirements in both jurisdictions.
• Lead continuous improvement of HR processes to enhance efficiency, consistency, and employee experience.
• Foster a positive workplace culture aligned with Paterson & Cooke's values of respect, collaboration, and excellence.
• Coordinate HR support across offices to ensure consistency in company standards, communication, and employee engagement.
• Lead our biennial employee engagement survey, providing workforce metrics to the management team and actionable guidance to improve employee satisfaction.
• Champion professional development initiatives to support employee growth and career progression.
• Represent HR in North America on our Global Committee, contributing to the development of policies, guidelines, and company-wide initiatives.
• Ensure confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism in all HR activities and communications.

Minimum Requirements and Competencies

• Bachelor's degree in
  Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
  ; advanced HR certification (CHRL, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP) is preferred.
• 10+ years
  of progressive HR experience in a professional or technical business environment.
• Demonstrated experience in both Canadian and U.S. employment law, particularly in Ontario and Colorado.
• Proven ability to develop and implement HR policies and programs that align with organizational goals.
• Experience managing recruitment, employee relations, compensation, and performance management processes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust at all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency with HR information systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrated discretion, integrity, and sound judgment when handling confidential information.
• Fluent in English, both written and oral. Fluency in French and/or Spanish is considered an asset.
• A valid passport and willingness to travel as required.
• Eligible to work in either
  Canada or the United States
  .

Personal Characteristics

• Professional, approachable, and highly organized.
• Strong communicator with excellent listening, coaching, and conflict resolution skills.
• Adaptable and comfortable working with cross-border teams across multiple jurisdictions.
• Analytical, detail-oriented, and proactive in identifying process improvements.
• Passionate about building and sustaining a positive, people-focused workplace.
• Able to balance strategic thinking with hands-on implementation.
• Committed to integrity, confidentiality, and collaboration.

A Career with Paterson & Cooke

Paterson & Cooke is an employee-owned, international specialist engineering firm known for high quality work and exceeding client expectations, often with innovative solutions. Our team enjoy the challenge of living up to this reputation daily, in a workplace that allows each employee to thrive and grow. In North America, we maintain offices in Sudbury, ON (Canada) and Golden, CO (USA), where our teams collaborate closely across our business lines. We follow a unique work schedule that provides, on average, every other Friday off, with dates set in advance to align with long weekends for the benefit of our team. We enjoy the opportunity to connect outside the office through summer BBQ's, sports, and spontaneous gatherings to celebrate milestones – or just the end of the week. We encourage employees to expand their knowledge through employer supported training courses and on-site experience. With offices covering five continents and an international clientele, P&C provides opportunities for our employees to travel the world. Our size enables our employees to make a difference in the company and fosters opportunities for career growth and advancement. Our aim is to create an environment in which everyone is technically challenged and eager to come to work.