Director, People and Culture

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

Since 1978, Lee Valley has recognized that for many, woodworking and gardening are more than just hobbies. Lee Valley Tools enjoys a proud history of providing high-quality woodworking, gardening, hobby, hardware, gift and seasonal merchandise to customers worldwide. We pride ourselves on providing quality products and renowned customer service.

Lee Valley has been honored with many prestigious awards, including being recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies by Deloitte. Additionally, we ranked #1 for In-Store Experience in Ontario by Leger Marketing Inc.

A position at Lee Valley is more than just a job – we honor the time and dedication that our people give by providing sustained and meaningful employment while striving to provide an environment where learning and development are encouraged.

The Director, People and Culture leads the Human Resources function and is responsible for developing and delivering people strategies, programs and practices that support the organization’s objectives. As a trusted advisor to senior leaders, the Director brings an organization-wide perspective to workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, talent, employee relations.

Most importantly, the Director is responsible for cultivating a positive and deliberate culture. The organization views its culture as an important market differentiator and a key component of its reputation among employees, customers and the broader business community.

The Director leads a lean HR team and is accountable for the quality, consistency and timely delivery of HR services. The role combines strategic thinking and functional leadership with practical execution. The Director will both manage the work of the function and personally deliver key HR activities. The successful candidate will establish priorities, strengthen processes and build organizational capability while remaining directly involved in employee matters and important operational deliverables.

With a strong understanding of employment legislation and best practices, the Director ensures that people-related decisions are thoughtful, practical, compliant and aligned with the needs and values of the organization.

• Develop and implement HR priorities that support the organization’s strategy and evolving business needs and support employees throughout the employee life cycle. Advise the organization on initiatives that strengthen leadership capability, employee engagement, retention and organizational culture.
• Advise, coach and challenge all people managers on organizational structure, workforce planning, employee relations, performance, development and team and leadership effectiveness.
• Establish strong relationships across the organization through credibility, sound judgment, discretion and consistent follow-through.
• Consider the organization-wide implications of people decisions and recommend practical, sustainable solutions. Provide thoughtful, balanced advice that considers business requirements, employee needs, organizational values, risk and legislative obligations.
• Identify workforce trends, risks and opportunities using HR data, business insight and employee feedback.
• Lead and develop the HR team, setting clear priorities, accountabilities, compliance expectations and service standards, while actively contributing to the day-to-time delivery of HR services.

• Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related discipline; a CHRP, CHRL or equivalent designation is preferred.
• At least seven years of progressive HR experience, including advising senior leaders and leading an HR function or team.
• Broad HR leadership experience across employee relations, talent management, compensation, benefits, organizational effectiveness and HR operations.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of employment legislation across multiple Canadian jurisdictions.
• Experience in a multi-site organization and improving HR processes and systems is preferred.

• Strategic and systems thinker who can translate organizational objectives into practical people priorities.
• Credible advisor and people leader who influences, coaches, sets clear direction and builds accountability.
• Sound judgment and discretion in complex, sensitive and confidential matters.
• Organized and responsive, with the ability to balance competing priorities, strategic…