HR Strategic Business Advisor

The Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) believes in Our Communities, Our Environment and Our People. As a trusted partner to municipalities, First Nations communities, businesses, governments and institutions across Ontario, we provide our clients with total solutions in water and wastewater. We are dedicated to working closely with our clients to help them build healthy sustainable communities and organizations and provide safe and reliable drinking water to thousands of Ontarians each day. $82,217 - $121,155 per annum
Location: (Hybrid Work Model)

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace. We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions. Visit the  OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the  OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service. We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's  Human Rights Code . Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

What we are looking for:
OCWA is seeking an enthusiastic, results-oriented, and client-focused professional who will contribute to a positive, inclusive and values-driven workplace culture. As a Strategic Business Advisor, you will provide advice and guidance on human resources issues and will develop HR programs to increase employee engagement, build leaders and talent for the future, progress goals around equity, diversity & inclusion, and support strategic labour relations. The SBA will also be involved in the implementation of Workday across the Agency. The Strategic Business Advisor will work collaboratively with the HR Team and leaders across OCWA to build relationships establish program plans and goals and create measures of success. As an HR partner, the SBA will serve to support continuous improvement processes and practices across the department which requires a broad understanding of human resources disciplines.

How do I qualify?

Key Responsibilities

• Provides business assessment, advice and strategy development to assist clients in achieving their business goals including strategies to address systemic issues. Provides human resources operational/policy analysis, assessment and advice; develops, presents and promotes recommended strategies.
  
• Participates in the client business planning processes; assesses workforce and workplace implications including human capital needs to meet business priorities on short and long term trends.
  
• Works with HR colleagues and HR partners to deliver, develop and implement solutions to address client needs on a wide variety of issues. Issues may include talent acquisition and retention, workforce trends and adjustment needs; business continuity; health safety & wellness; service planning and education/training for senior executives on enterprise-wide initiatives.
  
• Responsible for the provision of strategic and tactical HR business advice, management services and supports to senior management) in the areas of business transformation, talent and performance management, workforce and human capital planning and strategies, organizational capacity and engagement, organizational health, safety and wellness and labour relations.
  
• Leads HR projects, identifying resources, and preparing project/work plan outlining key activities, linkages and responsibilities and timeframes. Facilitates goal setting and establishes project reporting and evaluation mechanisms.
  
• Supports the delivery of integrated talent management and performance management programs. Works with clients to develop succession plans, identify and coordinate executive orientation/development programs; brokers talent searches; liaises with other HR providers of talent management services to obtain advice and information.
  
• Coordinates project reviews and conducts analysis of business processes, business requirements and any internal and external processes which impact on the operations being studied (e.g., capacity building; how to improve HR service to clients). Contracts with and manages external service providers to meet client deliverables, accessing vendor of record, coordinating consultant selection and advising on related costs.

How do I qualify:

• Knowledge of HR Management principles, processes and practices gained through education or work experience.
  
• Experience in a HR Related role and ability to demonstrate consultative skills, client and relationship management, interpersonal and coaching skills
  
• Thorough working knowledge of concepts and methodologies to identify and guide direct intervention in organizational development and culture change, capacity identification and gap analysis, change management and labour relations/employee relations to provide advice and support to OCWA
  
• Strong research skills to stay current on emerging trends, technologies and best practices.
  
• Ability to identify and assess, develop, monitor and evaluate business impacts and risk management strategies associated with achieving OCWA's strategic objectives
  
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills to identify business requirements and business issues and advise, identify, and develop/consult on HR responses, options and solutions
  
• Strong program management and project management skills, data analysis and development of KPI's/metrics.
  
• Computer literacy utilizing MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), database software, internet
  
• Ability to communicate with all levels of staff, and internal and external stakeholders in an effective manner which reflects the professionalism of the organization including report writing and facilitation/presentation skills
  
• Works individually or as a team, bringing expertise and skill when independently assessing OCWA's business goals and needs and determining how or what human resources supports or services should be developed or provided
  
• Ability for occasional travel through Ontario

What's in it for you?

• Flexible learning and development opportunities.
  
• Opportunities for career advancement and specialization with the largest provider of water and wastewater services in Ontario.
  
• Work with the partner of choice for more communities than any other water and wastewater service organization in Ontario for over 30 years.
  
• Work with an organization committed to innovation and advanced technology.
  
• A defined benefit pension plan; Comprehensive Health Plan; Life and Disability Insurance.
  
• Maternity and parental leave top-up benefits including for adoptive parents.

Ontario Clean Water Agency is an inclusive employer.

We will accommodate your needs under the Ontario Human Rights Code The Ontario Clean Water Agency is an agency of the Province of Ontario, reporting to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. In 2023, OCWA staff treat water and wastewater, and provide other technical services for 318 clients in the province including 169 municipalities, 16 First Nations, 108 commercial and industrial clients and 25 government and institutional clients. Municipal clients range in size from populations as large as 1.5 million in the Region of Peel to as small as 2,400 in Moose Factory. This broad scope of experience ensures OCWA has the expertise to solve any issues that may arise, in any size or type of treatment process in the province. Our Agency has grown its municipal client base every year over the past 30 years is proof of this value. We continue to focus on our people and strategies to attract and retain competent staff. Note: Thank you for your interest, we will contact you only if you are selected for further screening or an interview.