Our client is a manufacturer of a wide variety of crackers and better-for-you snacks for retailers and top-tier brands across North America. With growing demand for their health-conscious products, they enjoy supply arrangements with retailers representing more than 70% of the North American marketplace including traditional grocery, mass and discount formats.

Reporting to the President & CEO, the HR Generalist is responsible for day-to-day HR activities at Handi Foods including leading all initiatives related to employment legislative and policy compliance, recruitment and selection, dealing with employee relations issues, performance management, new hire onboarding and orientation training and development and all other day-to-day HR related activities as required from time to time. As a member of the HR team the successful candidate will be expected to take steps to ensure that any ‘people-related' issues are resolved in a timely manner.

What you'll be doing:

Recruitment & Onboarding (20%)

• Oversee the full recruitment cycle for all hourly and salaried positions including developing recruitment strategies and implementing recruitment activities.
• Prepare employment agreements and ensure that reference and background checks are completed for all final candidates.
• Monitor any internal transfers and/or promotions within the Company through consultation with the Leadership team.
• Conduct recruitment research on best practices in the marketplace and ensure the use of cost-effective external resources.
• Conduct exit interviews and analyze exit interview trends to summarize and present them to the Leadership team.
• Onboard, and manage the orientation of all new and returning employees and ensure employees receive proper training appropriate for their position (e.g. Occupational Health and Safety for Workers and Supervisors).
• Conduct new hire probation meetings.
• Take a lead role in ensuring new hires are set up in their workspace and equipped with access pass, computer, phone extension, equipment and other materials upon hire.
• Ensure new hire documentation is received, entered into the HR database and updated as required.

Employee Relations (20%)

• Provide support to Handi Foods performance management process to ensure continuous performance improvement.
• Assist managers with coaching, performance discussions, follow-up on timelines and ensuring that all employees' Development Action Plans (“DAP's) are identified.
• Respond to employee inquiries in a timely manner and provide proactive solutions to day-to-day challenges.
• Provide support and assistance in the termination process, both voluntary and involuntary.
• Revise, communicate and enforce all HR policies, procedures and programs to ensure compliance with all applicable legislation and regulations.
• Assist with disability management type cases to ensure all policies and procedures are adhered to.
• Provide recommendations on employee relations practices with a view to establishing a positive employee-employer relationship and promoting a high level of employee engagement.
• Assist in conducting workplace investigations when employee complaints or concerns are brought forth.

Management of Third Parties (15%)

• Act as the primary liaison between Handi Foods and temporary employment agencies for recruitment and placement of temporary workers.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with temporary employment agencies to ensure favorable terms and conditions.
• Facilitate onboarding, orientation, and job-specific training for temporary workers to ensure they are equipped for their roles.
• Handle conflict resolution and address any disputes or concerns involving temporary workers promptly and fairly.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations governing temporary staffing and employment practices.
• Cultivate positive relationships with temp agencies, fostering open communication and collaboration to maintain a productive partnership.

Compensation, Payroll and Benefits (20%)

• Review weekly payroll adjustments for approximately 175+ salaried and hourly employees.
• Review and submit weekly agency hours to temporary employment agencies.
• Review and submit pension contribution data and benefits premium changes to plan administrators and payroll processor (ADP) as needed.
• Assist the Leadership team with the annual salary review process including the preparation of compensation-related letters such as incentive or salary increases.
• Liaise with the Leadership team to produce compensation and benefits benchmarking using market data, compensation surveys and internal comparators, with advice and support from external HR consultants as necessary.
• Assist the Leadership team in negotiating adjustments to benefits plans and during renewal negotiations.
• Answer employee inquiries in relation to benefits enrollment, administration or any claim issues.
• Develop and schedule benefits orientations and other benefits training for employees with external providers.

Committee Responsibilities (15%)

• Participate in Handi Foods Joint Health and Safety Committee (“JHSC”) meetings ensuring that all Health and Safety requirements are met.
• Work with Manager of Employee Health & Safety to ensure adherence to all health and safety legislation, regulations, and standards established by regulatory authorities in Ontario.
• Work in conjunction with the Manager of Employee of Health & Safety to assist in incident investigations, documentation, and reporting, working closely with the JHSC to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions

Strategy (5%)

• Anticipate workplace trends and HR best practices and respond accordingly with recommendations to the Leadership team.
• Take a lead role in communication of HR related initiatives to employees.
• Develop a strong working relationship across Handi Foods and be viewed internally as a credible and knowledgeable resource.

HRIS and Training and Development (5%)

• Maintain and update various HR reports including, among other metrics, turnover, recruitment and headcount and work with senior management to develop appropriate action plans to address identified needs.
• In conjunction with appropriate department heads, ensure an annual Training Calendar for both technical and soft skill development (e.g., communication, conflict resolution, leadership, etc.).
• Support new hire set-up in various systems, databases and programs.

Requirements

What we're looking for:

• University Degree in Human Resources Management
• CHRP/CHRL designation is required.
• 2-5 years' experience in a Human Resources Generalist or Coordinator role within the Manufacturing, Logistics or Transportation industries, ideally Food & Beverage or relevant industries
• Knowledge of HR trends and best practices
• Experience in HR related Information Management Systems (HRIS) is an asset.
• Previous exposure to workplace legislation (e.g., Employment Standards, Health and Safety, etc.) is necessary.
• Excellent organizational skills and time management skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with management and employees.
• Process-driven and detailed oriented.
• A self-starter with the ability to influence others.

Working Conditions:

• Fast paced, high volume work environment
• Multiple timelines and deadlines with frequent interruptions
• Challenging at times to implement structure in an environment which is entrepreneurial in nature.
• Frequent travel to the various Handi Foods locations (all within the GTA)
• Must be a self-starter and able to work autonomously.
• Dealing on a daily basis with people of diverse backgrounds with different personalities

Company-wide Values (Behaviors)

• Teamwork
• Trust and Integrity
• Well Organized
• Quality of Service
• Client Focus/Results Oriented
• Open and Candid Communication

For consideration, please apply online. As part of our commitment to inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility, our goal is a workforce built on respect that reflects the communities we serve. We thank all applicants for their interest in MaxPeople but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We are proud to be in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005 and the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. We are happy to honor accommodations at any part of the recruitment process and invite you to let us know how we can help.