ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.
Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Provides strategic leadership for the planning, optimization, and long‑term sustainability of People, Equity & Culture’s HR technology and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms to enable a modern, efficient, and employee‑centred digital HR experience. Lead the strategic direction and implementation of talent management and HR technology programs—including succession planning, leadership and career development, recognition, performance management, and workforce analytics. Provide oversight of Talent Acquisition to ensure effective governance and aligned recruitment strategies that attract, high‑quality talent through a consistent, positive candidate experience. Champion employee experience initiatives across York Region to attract, engage, and retain high‑performing talent.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

- Oversees the development and delivery of talent acquisition strategies and strategic leadership development programs supporting talent attraction, selection, and retention of high-caliber and diverse candidates to York Region; aligning to PEC practices, Regional corporate direction and the Region’s Corporate Strategic Plan.
- Champions and provides strategic vision to leverage and brand York Region as an employer of choice and partners with internal teams to execute and ensure robust talent pipelines are in place, internally and externally.
- Leads the development and delivery of coaching and mentoring capability within the Region.
- Leads the Region’s leadership development strategy to ensure staff engagement through career and personal development. Providing career progression guidance, and career pathways accessible to all staff.
- Leads the development of succession planning practices, talent management and development programs across the Region to enable it to fully utilize the potential of its people and meet future and changing business needs and build a sustainable talent pipeline.
- Provides strategic leadership and oversight of PEC technology, workforce analytics and HR diagnostic services, programs and initiatives.
- Ensures alignment between the organization's PEC strategy and the functionality of the ERP system's HR modules, including talent management, succession planning, recognition, engagement and performance evaluation.
- Researches, prepares, and presents reports for Senior Management, and for Council and Committees as required. Responds to inquiries from SMT members.
- Develops and monitors annual capital and/or operating budgets for the Division.
- Responsible for management, administration, quality assurance and other activities for the Division.
- Ensures adherence to all legislative requirements governing or pertinent to the delivery of programs.
- Ensures quality assurance activities to monitor program effectiveness and support continuous improvement attitudes within the areas of responsibility.
- Oversees the development of procedures, guidelines and templates; develops policies related to the services offered and ensures adherence to the Region’s policies, guidelines and bylaws.
- Develops effective and innovative program delivery methodologies to meet Regional service requirements and manages process improvements and special projects.
- Works with management staff to develop relevant performance metrics and manages performance to meet or exceed targets.
- Coordinates business planning functions with other Branches and Divisions to develop business improvements and best practices for the Department.
- Manages staff, including recruitment, selection, hiring, assigning work, determining training and development needs, coaching, and mentoring, conducting performance appraisals and determining/recommending disciplinary action up to and including dismissal in accordance with collective agreements, Regional policies and practices.
- Provides broad leadership to management staff, who are accountable for implementing the plans, through a process of planning and developing long-range objectives.
- Develops, implements customer service strategies, and evaluates against benchmarks for best practices to ensure quality of service to customers.
- Provides effective relationship management with all external partners, Regional and local municipal politicians/staff, government and non-governmental agencies, and the communities served.
- Represents the Division on negotiations with consultants, contractors, external agencies/groups, local municipalities, etc., as required/assigned.
- Chairs and/or participates on committees, task forces, work groups and special projects; represents the Region on external committees, meetings, as required.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

- Successful completion of a University Degree in Human Resources Management, Business, Education, or related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum ten (10) years of successful leadership and progressive managerial experience leading people leaders in a multi-disciplinary environment; preferably in a multi-union workplace.
- Demonstrated experience providing talent management strategies including workforce planning, strategic talent acquisition, succession planning, change management, engagement, learning and development and/or HR technology at a senior level.
- Previous experience leading large scale and/or complex projects and technology solutions.
- Demonstrated knowledge of applicable legislation, municipal and Regional government organization and structure, industry standards, issues and communities served.
- Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in strategic planning, change management design, process and implementation strategies to optimize both quality and cost-effectiveness of services.
- Demonstrated ability in the Region’s corporate core and leadership competencies.
- Demonstrated political acumen and ability to negotiate, mediate, facilitate and present information to a varied audience.
- Intermediate skills in virtual platforms and MS Office Suite including the use of virtual platforms for conducting meetings and/or presentations (if required).
- Informed and active leadership to confront bias and systemic barriers and comply with or build inclusive practices in business processes, recruitment practices, team management, etc. to ensure inclusive and equitable workplace.
- Ability to travel to off-site locations in a timely and efficient manner, as required.
- Ability to work outside regular business hours, as required.

York Region (The Regional Municipality of York) jobs

Director, Talent Strategy and People Systems