Interim Director, People

Recognized as one of Canada's top startups two years in a row — climbing from #4 in 2024 to #2 in 2025 — Hiive is a fintech/marketplace startup connecting buyers and sellers of stock in venture-backed pre-IPO companies. Thanks to our industry-leading technology and best-in-class sales and trading team, we are home to the fastest-growing marketplace for the stock of "unicorns" on the planet. As a profitable and rapidly growing business backed by US venture capital investors, we are seeking to scale our high-performing team.

Interested in learning more about life at Hiive? Check out our careers page to see how you can grow with us

As an Interim Director, People & Culture (1-year contract) at Hiive, you will lead Hiive's People & Culture function through an exciting year of growth and transformation. Reporting to the COO and managing a team of four, this role will oversee all facets of People & Culture—including talent acquisition, employee experience, development, and people strategy.

You'll play a key role in executing our People strategy across 2026, driving engagement, and building scalable programs that align with Hiive's business goals.

This is a one-year fixed-term contract (expected start date January 2026), ideal for an experienced People/HR leader who thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments and is eager to make a meaningful impact. Depending on the growth and trajectory of the team and organization, there may be an opportunity to transition into an HRBP or employee experience role at the conclusion of the contract.

In this role, your responsibilities would include:

• Leading the People & Culture team, providing coaching, mentorship, and professional development to ensure high performance and engagement.

• Driving the execution of People strategies that support workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, and business objectives.

• Partnering with the COO and leadership team as a trusted advisor on all people-related matters, including organizational design, change management, and talent strategy.

• Managing daily People & Culture operations while driving key strategic initiatives across the company.

• Providing strategic guidance on complex employee relations matters, including disciplinary actions, terminations, and compliance with federal and provincial employment laws.

• Fostering a positive and collaborative work environment through proactive strategies and conflict resolution programs.

• Championing Hiive's culture and values by embedding them into everyday people practices and decision-making.

• Designing and execute employee engagement initiatives, including surveys, recognition programs, and internal communications.

• Managing the offboarding process, including conducting exit interviews and analyzing trends.

• Overseeing core HR functions including compensation, benefits, HRIS, immigration, and payroll (in partnership with Finance).

• Leading the design and scaling of People programs in performance management, employee engagement, and organizational development.

• Collaborating with leadership to refine policies, handbooks, and People frameworks to support business growth.

• Supporting organizational initiatives with clear communication, transparency, and alignment across teams.

• Leading by example in driving inclusivity, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.

Required Skills:

• 5+ years of experience in People & Culture or Human Resources, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.

• Proven success in leading and developing People teams in fast-paced or scaling organizations.

• Strong knowledge of employment legislation, HR best practices, and employee relations in Canada and US.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and influence at all levels.

• Demonstrated experience leading change management, culture-building, and employee engagement initiatives.

• CHRP or equivalent designation preferred but not required.

Compensation, Benefits, & Perks:

• Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience and contribution.

• Opportunity to participate in ownership of a rapidly growing early-stage startup through our employee stock option plan.

• Comprehensive 100% employer-paid health and dental premiums, a health and personal spending account.

• A dedicated desk in our Vancouver, BC HQ, in the heart of downtown, with a fridge stocked with healthy snacks and drinks, an onsite gym, and a gorgeous rooftop amenity.

• Enjoy a $20-per-day commuter benefit for every day you work in our Vancouver HQ.

• An engaging social calendar, including bi-weekly catered lunches, bi-weekly "Friday bar," team workouts, annual summer party, and holiday party, two "onsite" all-team retreats each year, semi-annual team-building events, and Hiive Womens' Network events.

• Significant opportunities for growth into team leadership and management roles.

• Entrepreneurial culture and a small and dynamic team.

• Sponsorship, immigration, and relocation for exceptional candidates.

Hiive is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all individuals have an opportunity to succeed.