Senior Manager

Description:

CN is seeking a Senior Manager, HR Management & Program Delivery to join their team in Montreal, QC. This high-impact, full-time, on-site role is a critical leadership position responsible for driving the people strategy and ensuring successful HR program execution across the organization. The ideal candidate will serve as a trusted advisor, overseeing HR program implementation, managing employee relations, supporting people managers, and aligning HR practices with CN’s operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Advisory Support Oversight:

• Supervise the advisory support and coaching provided by HR program delivery experts.

• Handle escalated or complex employee issues and guide resolution strategies.

• Maintain governance frameworks and promote consistency across HR practices.

• Monitor HR-related metrics and KPIs to inform decision-making and identify workforce trends or risks.

• Collaborate with Business HR and HR Centers of Expertise (CoEs) to ensure alignment.

HR Program Delivery:

• Oversee and ensure successful implementation of enterprise-wide HR programs (e.g., performance management, succession planning, compensation, talent review).

• Adapt corporate HR strategies to suit business unit needs without compromising alignment with standards.

• Support training of people managers and gather feedback to improve program design and delivery.

Priority Alignment & Governance:

• Guide experts on executing strategic HR roadmaps and aligning priorities.

• Coordinate with strategic HR partners and CoEs to ensure proper resourcing and integration.

• Track progress and provide regular updates on HR initiatives across all business units.

Team Management:

• Lead workforce planning and hiring in collaboration with Talent Acquisition.

• Oversee onboarding, performance management, and succession planning.

• Foster a collaborative and engaging work culture focused on growth, recognition, and career development.

• Promote knowledge sharing and cross-training to retain critical skills within the team.

Working Conditions:

• Office-based, Monday to Friday schedule.

• Must manage deadlines, stress, and occasional travel (~15%) to CN properties.

Requirements:

Experience:

• Minimum 8+ years of generalist HR experience in industrial or field settings.

• At least 3–5 years in an HR leadership role.

Education/Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.

• Certified Human Resources Professional (CPHR) preferred.

• Master’s degree considered an asset.

Competencies & Technical Skills:

• Strong critical thinking, change management, and solution-oriented mindset.

• Fluency in English and French (written and spoken) is preferred.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiar with HR technologies and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Skilled in negotiation, process optimization, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional leadership.

About the Company:
CN (Canadian National Railway) is a top-tier North American railroad connecting Canada's coasts with the southern United States through a 20,000-mile rail network. CN plays a vital role in the continent’s economy, transporting over 300 million tons of goods annually. The company is deeply committed to safety, sustainability, inclusion, and service excellence.

CN values diversity and inclusiveness in its workforce and is an equal opportunity employer. It welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, even if they don’t meet 100% of listed requirements. The company is also dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations during the recruitment process.