Manager, Human Resources (18-month leave coverage contract)

Vancouver Aquarium • Vancouver, BC

2d • CA$100,000 - CA$120,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

We're looking for a Manager, Human Resources to join our team on a full-time, temporary basis to cover an 18-month leave. This is a high-visibility role for an HR generalist who is equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves on day-to-day employee relations and thinking strategically about retention, succession, and performance. You'll partner directly with the Director, Human Resources to shape and deliver HR programs that support a fast-paced, guest-facing organization — and you'll have real ownership over initiatives from day one.

Requirements

• A degree in Business or Human Resources Management, plus 7+ years providing advisory or consultative HR services.
• Strong knowledge of HR principles, policies, and practices across recruitment and retention, compensation, performance management, and employee relations.
• In-depth knowledge of the BC Employment Standards Act, the BC Human Rights Code, and the Pay Transparency Act, and how to apply them in practice.
• Experience developing job descriptions and HR policies, and reviewing job evaluation frameworks.
• A creative, solutions-oriented approach to solving business problems through HR.
• Sound judgment in applying risk management principles to HR practice.
• Excellent judgment, initiative, and discretion — you know when to lead and when to listen.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation preferred.
• A track record of developing and delivering long-term HR initiatives that stick.

Responsibilities

• Own the full spectrum of HR service delivery — employee relations, performance management, recruitment, job evaluation, compensation, and learning & development — for a diverse, multi-site workforce.
• Partner with the Director, Human Resources to design and deliver strategic HR initiatives that strengthen retention, succession planning, and performance management across the organization.
• Maintain and continuously improve HR policies and practices, and champion clear, effective communication so employees always know where they stand.
• Help shape a compelling, well-defined Employee Value Proposition that helps us attract and keep great people.
• Design and roll out HR programs that respond to evolving workforce needs and drive both performance and retention.
• Lead the employee recognition program and platform, keeping it fresh, relevant, and genuinely valued by the team.
• Assist in implementing HR technology solutions that modernize service delivery and support the organization's broader transformation goals.
• Strengthen performance management practices across the business, building tools and frameworks that make expectations and growth paths clear.
• Identify critical skills gaps across the organization and design targeted training to close them.
• Coach and train internal stakeholders on HR matters, building their confidence and capability to handle people issues well.
• Build genuine, trust-based relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, from frontline teams to senior leaders.
• Lead employee relations matters end-to-end, including investigations, discipline, performance management, and terminations, always with fairness and sound judgment.
• Own HR metrics, reporting, and workforce analytics — turning data on recruitment, talent trends, engagement, and turnover into insight that shapes decisions. Partner with senior leaders on data-driven workforce planning and talent strategy.
• Take on special assignments and projects for the Director, Human Resources, contributing wherever the business needs you most.

Benefits

• This is a chance to make a real, visible impact in a role with genuine breadth — spanning employee relations, talent strategy, and organizational effectiveness — inside a values-driven organization that measures success in the memories it creates for families and the culture it builds for its own team.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager