EC is a Toronto-based HR outsourcing firm providing comprehensive HR services to small business clients across Ontario. We are seeking an Intermediate Human Resources (HR) Generalist to function as a fractional HR specialist for multiple client organizations. In this full-time role, you will work primarily remotely (with 1-2 in-office days per month in Toronto) and deliver a wide range of HR support. This position requires broad HR knowledge, especially in Ontario employment law , and the ability to handle everything from daily HR tasks to complex escalations for our small business clients. If you are a proactive HR professional with strong interpersonal skills and a passion for helping businesses thrive through effective HR practices, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities
Policy Development & Documentation: Draft, customize, and update HR policies, employee handbooks, and templates to meet each client's needs and ensure compliance with Ontario labor laws and regulations.
HR Advisory & Compliance: Serve as the go-to HR advisor for clients, providing guidance on Ontario employment (e.g. Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code, OHSA) and HR best practices. Ensure clients' HR practices remain compliant with provincial legislation and advise on necessary policy changes or updates.
Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution: Handle complex HR escalations and sensitive employee relations issues for clients. This includes mediating workplace conflicts, conducting workplace investigations or coaching sessions, and guiding managers through conflict resolution and disciplinary processes while maintaining fairness and compliance.
Performance Management & Terminations: Support clients in managing employee performance and conduct. Assist with designing and implementing performance improvement plans, delivering constructive feedback, and, when needed, guide the process of terminations or layoffs (including preparation of termination documentation and adherence to legal requirements for terminations and severance).
Onboarding & HR Programs: Help clients develop and execute effective onboarding programs for new hires. Provide support in other HR program areas such as talent development, employee engagement initiatives, or benefits enrollment, tailored to small business environments.
HR Administration & Support: Act as an extension of each client's HR team. This may involve answering day-to-day HR questions, maintaining HR records, assisting with payroll/benefits questions, and coordinating with EC's internal specialists to ensure clients receive timely, high-quality HR support.
Client Relationship Management: Build strong relationships with client stakeholders (small business owners and managers). Understand each client's unique business context and HR challenges, and proactively propose solutions or improvements. Ensure a high level of client satisfaction through responsive communication and effective problem-solving.

Qualifications & Experience
Education: Post-secondary degree or diploma in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
HR Experience: Approximately 3-5 years of progressive HR experience in a generalist or HR advisor capacity. Experience supporting small businesses or multiple clients (e.g. in a consulting or outsourcing environment) is strongly preferred.
Ontario HR Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of Ontario employment laws and regulations is essential. Hands-on experience applying the Ontario Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health & Safety Act, Human Rights legislation, and other relevant laws in real workplace scenarios.
Policy & Documentation Skills: Proven experience developing HR policies, guidelines, or employee handbook content. Strong writing skills and attention to detail for producing clear, client-ready documents.
Employee Relations: Solid background handling employee relations issues such as conflict resolution, performance management, terminations, and workplace investigations. Ability to navigate sensitive HR situations with professionalism and discretion.
Technology: Proficiency with standard business and HR software (e.g. MS Office suite, HRIS or payroll systems) and comfort with remote collaboration tools (video conferencing, HR portals, etc.).
Certification: CHRP designation (Certified Human Resources Professional) or working towards it is an asset, but not required. Active membership with HRPA or other HR associations is a plus.

Key Competencies & Skills
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Able to explain HR concepts and legal requirements to clients in a clear, accessible manner. Comfortable delivering training or difficult messages when necessary.
Consultative Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities in the HR context. Can assess a client's HR issue, research applicable best practices or legal considerations, and recommend practical solutions.
Interpersonal & Conflict Resolution: High emotional intelligence and tact. Capable of building trust with diverse client groups and employees. Skilled in de-escalating conflicts and guiding parties toward resolution.
Organization & Autonomy: Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple client accounts and projects simultaneously. Self-motivated and able to work independently in a remote setting, while effectively prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines and service level expectations.
Adaptability: Agile and adaptable in a fast-paced consulting environment. Able to quickly learn each client's business culture and adjust HR approaches to fit different organizational needs.
Integrity & Confidentiality: Maintains the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality when handling sensitive employee information and business data. Upholds ethical HR practices and acts as a trusted advisor to clients.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00-$65,000.00 per year

Additional pay:
Bonus pay
Schedule:
Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:
Toronto, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

Experience:
Human resources: 1 year (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Toronto, ON