Director, Human Resources

Big Country Pet Co.•West Lincoln Township, ON

2d•CA$115,000 - CA$135,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Big Country Pet Co. is a leading pet food company in Canada, specializing in frozen raw pet food. Our flagship brand, Big Country Raw, is Canada's leader in the frozen raw pet food category. We offer healthier food options for dogs and cats, including complete frozen and gently cooked meals, supplements, and treats, and distribute premium third-party pet products. We are dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadian pets and their owners through high-quality, innovative products. Recognized as one of Canada's Fastest-Growing Companies in 2025 by Globe and Mail and Canadian Business Magazine, we are seeking a Director, Human Resources to lead our People pillar. This leadership role is part of the Senior Leadership Team, influencing business decisions and supporting people strategies. The role also involves hands-on HR operations, ensuring HR processes are effective and leaders are supported. The Director, Human Resources will lead a team of three and oversee the full employee lifecycle across Canada and the U.S. This role requires a strong onsite presence at Head Office in Smithville, with travel to other sites as needed. The position operates on a hybrid model: 4 days in the office and 1 day from home, with flexibility based on business demands.

Requirements

7–10+ years of progressive HR experience, including experience leading a team.
Strong foundation across core HR areas, including payroll, organization design, employee relations, and compliance.
Comfortable in a fast-paced, growing environment where things aren’t fully built yet.
Able to balance big-picture thinking with getting into the details when needed.
Someone who speaks up, follows through, and works well with others.
Experience in a manufacturing and/or entrepreneurial, high-growth environments.

Nice To Haves

CHRL or CHRP an asset.
Exposure to U.S. HR and payroll an asset.

Responsibilities

Develop, manage, lead, and set the tone for People strategy, programs and practices companywide.
Be an active member of the leadership team, contributing to how the business operates and become a truly trusted advisor and partner.
Work with leaders to shape team structures, staffing approaches, and ways of working that support growth.
Lead and support a team of three (HRBPs and Payroll & HR Specialist).
Set priorities, ensure work is done well, and build capability across the team.
Create consistency in how HR supports the business.
Own and model how we hire, onboard, develop, manage performance, develop and retain employees.
Keep things simple, consistent, and effective - improve on what isn’t working.
Make sure leaders have the tools and support to manage and development their teams well.
Develop and manage Compensation program and systems.
Oversee payroll and benefits processing end-to-end, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
Work closely with providers and internal teams to resolve issues quickly.
Keep a close eye on cost, efficiency, and overall effectiveness.
Support hiring efforts across hourly, salaried, and leadership roles.
Ensure performance expectations are clear and consistently managed.
Help build a culture where people follow through, support each other, and take accountability.
Partner with Operations and Health & Safety to strengthen and improve safety programs.
Support leaders in building a culture where safety is part of how we work every day - not just a requirement.
Ensure we’re meeting legislative requirements across Canada and the U.S.
Oversee investigations, WSIB, and disability processes when needed.
Build and maintain practical policies and processes that people actually use.