Admin & HR | Director, People and Culture - FT

The City of Victoria is a vibrant, innovative and rapidly evolving organization committed to excellence in serving the diverse needs of our community. The Capital City of B.C., Victoria is home to a dynamic, thriving economy and vibrant arts and culture scene, with an unparalleled natural environment enjoyed by residents and visitors. Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island on the homelands of the Songhees Nation and the Xwsepsum Nation, it’s a place where sustainability, health and well-being are the cornerstones of creating a prosperous and inclusive future.

We are seeking a values-driven and people-centered leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as the Director, People and Culture. This is a pivotal role in shaping employee experience, strengthening organizational culture, and ensuring our workforce is supported, empowered and aligned with our values and mission to serve residents and community with integrity and innovation.

This is a unique opportunity for a visionary and emotionally intelligent leader who believes people are at the heart of any successful organization. You bring strategic insight paired with operational excellence, and you thrive in complex environments where collaboration and innovation drive meaningful outcomes.

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the City Manager, the Director, People and Culture is responsible for leading, planning, organizing and delivering effective strategic human resources, health and safety, and learning and development programs for the City of Victoria, ensuring workplace culture reflects organizational values and supports excellence in service to the community. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Director is a strategic and collaborative leader responsible for advising and acting on issues, strategies and plans affecting the City as a corporation, and for leading a team of professionals providing expertise on all employee-related matters including: employment, compensation and classification, labour relations, performance management, abilities management, occupational health and safety, employee learning and development, organizational development, policy development and administration, and HRIS management.

Major Accountabilities

• Provides leadership, mentorship and guidance for a multi-disciplinary team of professionals, building capacity, capability and effectiveness while promoting a culture of collaboration, innovation, empowerment and accountability.
• In consultation with senior leaders, pro-actively develops and leads the City’s people strategies, programs and practices in support of corporate priorities and objectives, ensuring best practices and legislative requirements are adhered to.
• Leads and directs the planning, development and implementation of comprehensive human resources, health and safety and learning and development programs including planning and reporting, recruitment, compensation, classification and job evaluation, labour relations, performance management, abilities management, occupational health and safety, wellness and benefits, training and development, organizational development and internal communications.
• Provides expert strategic advice and leadership on all aspects of employment related matters to the City Manager, senior leaders and Council; includes high-level issues management, directing and influencing the resolution of complex and usual problems in alignment with organizational values.
• Provides leadership and expertise in labour and employee relations, representing the City in collective agreement negotiations, administrative tribunals and other third-party matters; identifies, influences and directs the resolution of complex labour and employee relations matters.
• Prepares and monitors the department budget and strategic and operational plans.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a related discipline
• Minimum of 10 years of related experience including leadership at a similar level of responsibility in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment, preferably in the public sector
• An equivalent combination of education and experience

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Comprehensive expertise in human resources, labour relations, human rights and occupational health and safety, including expert knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations
• Proven ability to develop credible, effective working relationships with employees, unions, elected officials and other stakeholders, and influence others to reach mutually beneficial outcomes
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and experience presenting to and interacting with an elected Council or Board
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to develop innovative solutions to complex or unique problems
• Ability to deliver on workplans while remaining agile and adaptable to changes in priorities
• Technically proficient and committed to innovation and process improvement to implement efficiencies and improve employee experience
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and reconciliation
• Commitment to ongoing learning and knowledge development

To apply for this opportunity, please submit your resume and cover letter in confidence to Kelly Erickson, City Manager’s Office, at [email protected].

Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. on the closing date noted in the posting.
Only emailed submissions will be considered. Please be prepared to provide proof of qualifications as outlined in your resume.

The City of Victoria is committed to integrating equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility into our programs, policies, spaces, and services. Our goal is to cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the community we serve and aim to become. Individuals who are Indigenous, racialized, immigrants, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, or facing any additional barriers are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be available upon request throughout the application and selection process.