Chief Human Resources Officer

Organization Overview / Background

A great career is closer than you think. Come work for the City of Burlington, where you’ll be joining an innovative and progressive workplace focused on building a 21st century city that respects the diversity of our residents, visitors, and employees; and prioritizes continuous opportunities for you to learn and grow.

We don't just spend time attracting the best talent. We spend time and resources to keep the best talent. This may include: flexible working hours, mobile and hybrid working arrangements, a great pension and benefits package, as well as programs to foster innovation and leadership.

Message from the CAO:

"It's a fantastic time to join the City of Burlington. If you're a visionary Chief Human Resources Officer with executive-level experience transforming organizations for growth, consider Ontario's most livable city. You'll be part of a high-performing team focused on an ambitious future for our community. See the posting for more details and get in touch."

- Hassaan Basit, CAO, City of Burlington

Position / Responsibilities

The Chief Human Resources Officer provides strategic leadership and advocacy for human resources policies, programs and practices that support the City's strategic and corporate work plans and ensures compliance with all applicable legislation. As part of the senior leadership team, this position also provides counsel, guidance, and advice on corporate initiatives and challenges. This position will also drive the identification of the City’s long- term HR requirements, establish strategic HR initiatives, and cultivate a culture of innovative amongst City staff.

This position has the privilege of leading a high-performing team that delivers services in talent acquisition, employee & labour relations, compensation & benefits, organizational development, health, safety and wellness, disability, total rewards, analytics, performance management, diversity, equity, and inclusion and workplace culture.

Reporting directly to the City Manager/CAO, you will be joining an inspired senior leadership team committed to achieving the City’s overall goals. More specifically, you will be responsible for:

Strategic corporate human resources management: Oversee the development and execution of human resources strategies that cultivate trust, promote employee engagement, and contribute to a positive and inclusive workplace culture. Advocate for balance between employee needs and the needs of the organization. Accountable for the achievement of corporate strategic plan objectives, department business plan objectives, and the efficient and effective utilization of resources.

Leadership of the Human Resources (“HR”) Department: Create a common vision and purpose for the department and work with staff to transform strategies into tactics, business processes and policies. Continue to grow the department to address the increased scope in all functional areas. Foster a sense of belonging by supporting a collegial atmosphere that creates opportunities for staff to develop their talents. Ensure that staff have the resources, mentoring, and development they need to support a diverse client base, corporate initiatives, issues, and legislative requirements.

Build partnerships: Develop partnerships across the organization to understand business needs as they relate to the City’s overall goals. Provide expert advice to Council and to the senior leadership team on both HR and non-HR related initiatives and issues. Work with the executive teams from three CUPE unions and a Fire Association. Collaborates with regional counterparts, HRPA, and OMHRA to ensure that the City understands and anticipates trends, issues and motivations.

Innovation and change: Encourage and create an environment that promotes innovation while addressing risk. Manage the scope and pace of change in HR policies and programs. Guide the organization in optimizing a new Human Capital Management system (Workday).

Financial management: Lead the development of short and long-range compensation strategies. Manage contracts that have significant financial impact (e.g., group benefits, employee/family assistance plan). Function as a member of the Operational Budget review team.

Non-Union

Full Time Permanent Position

35 Hours per week

$201,392 - $251,740 (Grade Q) Salary Range

Candidate Requirements

Required: A university degree in human resources management or a related field, such as business administration, labour studies, industrial relations, or psychology.

Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation is preferred.

A minimum of ten years’ progressive experience in the human resources field, preferably within the municipal or broader public sector or related industry, including a minimum of five years' experience at a senior level leading and coaching a diverse group of Human Resource professionals.

Comprehensive experience in many of the following key areas: talent acquisition, labour relations, compensation and benefits, organizational development, health, safety and wellness, disability and attendance management, total rewards, analytics, performance management, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and workplace culture.

Holds self and the organization to the highest ethical and professional standards.

Search & Application Process

If you wish to be considered for the role, please forward a cover letter and your resume in PDF format by email addressed to Kartik Kumar at by May 28, 2024 @ 11:59pm.

To view the full Position Profile, please click here (Download PDF).

We thank all applicants and advise that only those to be interviewed will be contacted.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the City of Burlington accommodates the individual needs of applicants with disabilities within the recruitment process. Please call us at or email us at: if you require accommodation to ensure your equal participation in the recruitment and selection process.