Job Description

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP is one of Canada’s leading business law firms. Advising many of Canada’s corporate leaders, as well as U.S. and international parties with extensive interest in Canada, our more than 1,400 firm members are based in offices in Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary and New York.

Osler prides itself on attracting and maintaining some of the brightest talent in the legal arena. Our lawyers, students, management and staff have created a unique firm culture which nurtures mentoring and the exchange of ideas. Osler is a dynamic and exciting place to begin a career or carve out a new path.

We are seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager to join our Vancouver Support Services department in our Vancouver office. The Human Resources Manager plays a key role in supporting the Vancouver office’s people, culture and strategic objectives. This role works closely with the Vancouver Director, Talent & Operations and manages the delivery of human resource policies and procedures as they relate to support staff. This role directly manages the Vancouver Legal Assistant team (around 28 including float LA's).

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Strategic HR Leadership

• Implement and administer, within the Vancouver office, Firm-wide human resource philosophies, policies, plans and programs and, where appropriate, develop and implement local policy, programs and procedures and work in compliance with HR legislation. Work with HR in Toronto to ensure consistency with Firm-wide practice and One Firm Model.
• Provide strategic advice and coaching to LPs with respect to Legal Assistant performance management, talent resources and hiring decisions.
• Provide HR support and advice to local people leaders (Paralegal Managers, IT Manager, Hospitality Supervisor).

Talent Acquisition and Retention

• Manage and oversee the full-cycle recruitment process for support staff, which includes Legal Assistants, business professionals and paralegals, in a cost-effective manner and within HR legislation standards. Screen and test candidates and make final recommendations for all legal departmental support openings as well as directly recruit for all office administrative positions. If required, assist with the recruitment process for positions that report to a Toronto department but reside in Vancouver. Generate and provide offers of employment for all staff positions within Firm standards.
• Collaborate with practice groups and people leaders to identify staffing needs and ensure timely hiring to meet client demands.
• Develop and implement strategies to attract and retain top talent. Build and maintain relationships with local colleges and universities.

Employee Relations and Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee concerns, ensuring timely resolution of workplace issues in a confidential and professional manner
• Design and implement employee engagement initiatives to foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture (Staff Appreciation, welcome lunches, team building activities)
• Direct and participate in various Firm and office-related projects and events, including Staff Appreciation; Student Achievement Awards; Employee Awards etc.

Performance Management

• Oversee the annual performance review process ensuring consistency and alignment with the Firm’s goals
• Provide guidance to LPs and people leaders on setting performance expectations, delivering feedback and managing underperformance
• Conduct regular check-ins and deliver timely feedback to direct reports (LAs) and coach and advise other people leaders on same
• Create and execute performance improvement plans and make recommendations for terminations if necessary
• Assist the Director, Talent & Operations with associate issues as necessary, including drafting termination letters and packages

Compensation and Benefits

• Participate in regular local market salary surveys to ensure that the Vancouver Office compensation and benefits packages remain competitive
• Be the local on the ground go to person for benefits related queries
• Oversee leaves (maternity, paid medically supported and unpaid) in conjunction with the C&B Team in Toronto
• Participate in the Firm’s annual salary review process
• Help prepare annual budget and optimizes the assistant to legal professional ratio within the Vancouver office, and ensures headcount for legal assistant staff is optimal.

HR Operations

• Maintain and update accurate and confidential employee records
• Onboard and offboard employees, including delivery of the HR Orientation for new hires
• Update HR onboarding documents on a regular basis
• Manage the Legal Assistants team, including workload assignment, staff relations, and performance management; co-ordination of overtime support, coverage for legal assistant vacation and absences
• As a member of the senior administration team within Vancouver, contribute to the overall effectiveness of the office’s operations. Act a back-up for the Director, Talent & Operations Manager in his/her absence and make decisions as needed in this role.

Education and Experience:

This position requires a degree or diploma in Human Resources and a minimum of five years of experience in Human Resources, plus experience in people management, ideally in a professional services environment. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of HR legislation (e.g., Employment Standards, Human Rights, etc.) and best practices and procedures with respect to areas of responsibility.
• Strong oral and written communication skills to deal with a variety of internal and external contacts, as well as interpersonal skills including diplomacy and active listening, to handle sensitive staff issues. Effective presentation style.
• Judgement and problem-solving skills in order to resolve issues effectively, including knowing when to confer with others in problem resolution.
• Time management and organizational skills to continually multi-task and reprioritize.
• Research, writing and analytical skills necessary to complete projects, analyze reports, etc.
• Proficient in MS Office suite; comfortable using HR related software such as application tracking systems.

Accessibility and Accommodation:

We thank all applicants for their interest in Osler; however, only chosen applicants will be contacted. Osler is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, and we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities and people with diverse backgrounds, identities, and cultures. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates in all phases of the selection process.

Compensation:

The typical hiring salary range for this position in British Columbia is $95,000 - $120,000 annually; the base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, internal and market equity.

For the safety of firm members and visitors, Osler is committed to complying with the recommendations of public health authorities, including with respect to adopting mandatory vaccination policies. Employment at Osler is therefore conditional on complying with any vaccination policies that Osler may adopt from time to time in response to the recommendations of public health authorities.

We are currently working in a hybrid work arrangement, which includes a requirement to work primarily in the office and flexibility to work remotely up to 2 days per week.

Background and Reference Checks:

Please note that any offer of employment will be conditional upon background and reference checks, including a criminal record check, credit check, and employment and educational verifications.

If you have the required background with the ability to provide exceptional customer service and wish to work in one of Canada's leading law firms, please reply in confidence with a cover letter and résumé by the closing date.