Director, Talent Strategy

Explore the North West Company

This is an exciting opportunity to join an organization with a rich enterprising legacy as one of the longest continuing retail enterprises in the world. The company traces its roots back to 1668 with many of their store locations in Northern Canada and Alaska having been in operation for over 200 years.

The organization continues in its journey to build a legacy for the next 100 years with a cultural shift, driven by a renewed focus on people, engagement, and long-term talent strategy. In recent years, North West Company has made significant strides under the leadership of a visionary CEO committed to building a positive, people-first culture. With the addition of a highly regarded Chief People Officer and a well-respected VP of Human Resources, the organization is now positioned as an employer of choice in the local market.

Headquartered in Winnipeg, the Director, Talent Strategy & Acquisition, is a senior leadership level position that reflects the company’s new vision for talent acquisition—focused on attracting, developing, and retaining talent—and plays a pivotal role in shaping the workforce of the future. The scope and scale of this role are unique in the local Winnipeg market, representing one of the most senior talent acquisition opportunities to arise in recent years. It offers a significant compensation package that reflects the importance of this strategic leadership role.

For the right candidate, this position presents an exceptional opportunity to build a best-in-class talent acquisition function that will further the organization’s commitment to employee engagement, diversity, and cultural excellence.

North West Company is seeking a seasoned, strategic leader with a passion for transformation and people development to drive their Talent Acquisition (TA) strategy into a new era. With over 6,000 employees operating across Northern Canada, Alaska, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific, they are on a journey of innovation, building a culture of excellence, and looking for a Director of Talent Strategy & Acquisition who can help take them there.

As a key contributor to the company’s talent, you will lead the transformation of the recruitment function, developing cutting-edge recruitment strategies to attract talent. You’ll be instrumental in building a progressive, inclusive, and people-centered culture while providing strategic leadership to a dedicated team. This role gives you the opportunity to truly make your mark by redefining how they attract, engage, and retain talent across their global operations.

You’ll be a visible leader and ambassador, shaping not just the TA function but influencing the company’s broader cultural shift. You’ll lead the charge in revitalizing recruitment efforts internationally and in remote and Indigenous communities, where the company is deeply integrated and committed to growth and community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead Talent Strategy: Develop and execute a modern, strategic vision for talent acquisition that aligns with North West’s growth trajectory. You’ll be responsible for building a forward-thinking approach that enhances how they recruit throughout remote northern Canada and internationally.
• Champion Change: Drive the adoption of innovative recruitment technologies and methodologies, incorporating solutions and advanced strategies and processes to enhance effectiveness. Your leadership will transform traditional practices into modern, efficient, and impactful recruitment strategies.
• Cultural Transformation: Lead a cultural shift within the talent acquisition team, fostering a proactive, inclusive, and results-driven environment. You will act as a mentor and coach to a large and dedicated team of TA professionals, instilling a mindset focused on growth, development, and collaboration.
• Strategic Partnerships: Develop inclusive recruitment partnerships, with a focus on Indigenous communities, by building meaningful relationships and engagement strategies. This will be key in ensuring that the company continues to foster diversity and attract talent in alignment with core values.
• Community Impact: The stores serve as lifelines in remote communities, and you’ll be recruiting individuals who are not just managers but pillars of their communities. You’ll identify and attract individuals who want to make a difference, people who thrive in hands-on environments.
• Talent Development: Collaborate closely with senior leaders to ensure the talent acquisition team is equipped with the skills, tools, and vision needed to tackle future challenges. Mentor and develop your team to be thought leaders in the recruitment space.

Qualifications:

• Proven Leadership Experience: You’re a seasoned talent acquisition expert with a strategic mindset and extensive experience in large-scale, complex environments. You’ve led teams through transformational change and have a proven track record of driving innovation and operational excellence.
• Change Agent: You thrive in environments that require cultural transformation. You understand how to guide teams through shifts in mindset, technology, and processes.
• Indigenous and Community Engagement: Ideally you have built strong relationships with Indigenous groups and communities and have experience developing recruitment strategies that support these partnerships. You’re passionate about inclusive hiring and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups.
• Strategic Thinker and Executor: You’re not just a visionary; you’re someone who can execute a strategy from start to finish. You know how to build and implement forward-thinking talent acquisition initiatives and can roll up your sleeves to get things done when needed.
• Mentorship and Team Building: You’re a natural leader who can inspire, mentor, and develop a team of professionals. You have a genuine passion for coaching others, building a collaborative, supportive environment, and setting a high standard of excellence.
• Resilient and Adaptable: You’ve worked in challenging environments, and you understand the importance of community and thrive on building meaningful relationships in these settings.

Why North West Company?

The North West Company is a leading retailer serving underserved rural communities and urban neighborhood markets across Northern and Western Canada, rural Alaska, the South Pacific islands, and the Caribbean. Specializing in providing essential products with a focus on food, North West prides itself on being the best local shopping choice for everyday household and lifestyle needs. With a rich history dating back to 1668, many of their northern stores have been operating for over 200 years, serving communities ranging from 500 to 8,000 residents.

North West’s core strengths lie in its ability to adapt product offerings to meet the unique needs of each market. With roots spanning multiple industries—retail, aviation, financial services, and logistics—North West Company operates globally. They provide essential services and goods to communities that rely on them, and their people are the heart of their operations.

Their mission is to be a trusted community store, with a vision to bring products and services that help people live better, driven by their core principles of customer focus, passion, accountability, and trust.