Assistant Director of Human Resources

Description:

The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), one of Canada’s largest and most influential unions representing over 230,000 workers, is seeking a dedicated and visionary Assistant Director of Human Resources to join its Human Resources Branch at the Ottawa Headquarters.

This indeterminate (permanent), full-time position plays a pivotal role in directing internal HR operations, supporting PSAC’s broader mission to enhance quality of life for workers across Canada. As a bilingual role (B2 level), the ideal candidate will be capable of working seamlessly in both official languages and in accordance with PSAC’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the internal Human Resources Branch operations at PSAC.

• Plan, coordinate, and deliver HR programs and services in the areas of:

  • Recruitment and Staffing

  • Compensation and Benefits

  • Organizational Development

  • Job Design and Evaluation

  • Payroll

  • Training and HR Management Systems (HRMS)

• Ensure all HR practices comply with multiple collective agreements and relevant federal, provincial, and territorial legislation.

• Provide strategic leadership in the development and execution of HR initiatives that align with the union’s operational goals.

• Support union-management partnerships and uphold PSAC’s social justice mission through equitable HR policies and labour relations strategies.

Required Qualifications:

Education & Certifications:

• Graduate degree in Human Resources, or equivalent combination of education and extensive experience.

• Designations such as CHRL, CEBS, or Payroll Management strongly preferred.

Professional Experience:

• At least 10 years in a senior-level HR leadership role within unionized environments.

• Broad technical expertise in HR domains including recruitment, compensation, job evaluation, benefits, training, payroll, and HRMS (preferably SAP).

• Experience leading diverse HR teams and overseeing major HR projects, such as HRMS implementation.

Knowledge Requirements:

• In-depth knowledge of contemporary HR trends and initiatives in unionized and public sector contexts.

• Strong understanding of internal union relations and labour-management frameworks.

• Familiarity with the structure, mandate, and political environment in which PSAC operates.

• Specialized knowledge of SAP HRMS tools and platforms.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong leadership and management capabilities including team coordination, budgeting, and workforce planning.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

• Proven project management skills with a hands-on approach.

• Strong analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively in a politically sensitive environment.

• Bilingual (English/French) at B2 CEFR level; federal government SLE results are acceptable.

• High proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard HR technologies.

• Availability for occasional travel as required.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary Range: CAD 137213 – 154436 annually

• Monthly Equivalent: CAD 11434 – 12869

• Bilingual Allowance: CAD 1798.58 annually (CAD 149.88 per month)

• Union Status: UNIFOR 2025 Excluded

• Comprehensive Benefits Package:

  • 100% employer-paid health, dental, life, and disability insurance

  • $7,500 mental health coverage

  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan (50/50 contribution)

  • 3 weeks’ starting vacation, with additional wellness leave

  • $800/year recreation allowance

  • Support for ongoing training and professional development

  • Flexible hybrid work arrangements with a dedicated workstation