Human Resources Director

Human Resources Director
woodwardandcompany.com

Woodward & Co. Lawyers LLP is a national law firm that primarily serves Indigenous groups and organizations. Our mission is to provide innovative, excellent legal services guided by the laws, values, languages, and voices of the Indigenous peoples we serve.

We have a strong commitment to a work environment that prioritizes meaningful work and values of collaboration, excellence, respect, accountability, trust, and ethics. We are seeking a Human Resources Director to oversee our HR department, lead our people strategy, and drive organizational success across our main offices in Victoria and Toronto, including our numerous remote workers. This role requires a leader who will align HR initiatives with business objectives and foster a culture of engagement and excellence across the firm.

What You’ll Do

• Shape and execute HR strategy that supports the firm’s strategic plan and growth objectives.
• Review and update HR-related policies and protocols (e.g., hiring, compensation, anti-harassment, performance reviews, etc.).
• Oversee the recruitment, selection, onboarding, and retention of top talent to meet the firm’s staffing needs.
• Manage performance appraisal systems, compensation, and benefits’ administration.
• Handle complex employee relations issues, investigations, and conflict resolution.
• Advise and report to senior leadership on all aspects of the HR department, including organizational design, workforce planning, and employee relations.
• Lead firm-wide programs that strengthen leadership skills, build a robust succession pipeline, and guide the organization through major change initiatives.
• Leverage HR analytics to provide insights that inform executive decision-making and measure organizational effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws across multiple jurisdictions while proactively mitigating risk.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion as core organizational values.

What You’ll Bring

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, Labour Relations, Organizational Development, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 3 years in a senior leadership role, directing initiatives and staff (as previous HR Director or Manager).
• CPHR, SPHR, or SHRM-SCP designation.
• Proven ability to lead a team and develop and implement strategic and operational HR initiatives in a fast-paced, complex environment (across multiple offices, preferred).
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office and Microsoft 365 applications; experience with enterprise systems, including HRIS, Payroll and Practice Management, is an asset (BambooHR, PGI, Elite 3E).
• Experience working with Indigenous nations, communities, businesses or organizations
  (preferred).

Key Competencies

• Visionary leadership with the ability to drive strategic decisions and build alignment at all levels.
• Expertise in organizational design, change leadership, and strategic workforce planning for multi-site operations.
• Experience leading and developing HR teams, coaching senior leaders and managers, and
  building credibility and trust with all staff.
• Strong business acumen (e.g., understands budgets, tying workforce planning to business
  forecasts), and negotiation and business writing skills.
• Expert knowledge of employment standards and laws, human rights and accommodations, workplace investigations and disciplinary processes, and policy governance and compliance.
• Fair, ethical and consistent decision-maker, while exercising a high degree of confidentiality and discretion.
• Clear and transparent communicator who builds alignment and trust across diverse groups.

Why Woodward?

We offer meaningful work, with people who are passionate about making the world a better place, and a work environment that values our people and relationships.

We provide:

• Salary range: $100,000–$130,000 (commensurate with experience and education).
• Comprehensive benefits: health, dental, vacation, RRSP contributions, wellness, and professional development.
• We offer a hybrid work model after demonstrated integration with the firm; however, we ask that our senior leaders attend the office close to full-time (Victoria or Toronto).

How to Apply
Send your cover letter and resume to [email protected]. This posting will remain open until filled. Applications received by Friday, January 23, 2026, will be given first consideration.

Woodward is committed to equity, inclusion, belonging, and human rights. We know that our diversity strengthens our values and shared responsibility in creating a respectful and collaborative workplace. Indigenous ancestry is considered directly relevant to the skills and knowledge preferred, and Indigenous applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. We thank all applicants for their time and interest; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.