Director, People Strategy

Our Operations Group is currently looking to add a Director, People Strategy to our Corporate Strategy team, based in either Edmonton or Calgary, AB.

Reporting to the VP, Corporate Strategy, the Director will bring a strong blend of HR, people development, and operational experience to strengthen leadership and craft capability, improve retention, and build sustainable talent pipelines across the organization.  This role will lead the development and execution of Valard’s enterprise people strategy, ensuring we have the skilled, engaged, and future-ready workforce required to meet today’s operational demands and tomorrow’s growth.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of Valard’s enterprise workforce strategy
• Build scalable systems, programs, and capabilities that train and equip employees for operational excellence
• Develop and implement retention strategies to maintain a skilled, engaged workforce
• Define clear job roles, competencies, and career paths to create consistency and accountability
• Design and launch hands-on training programs focused on leadership, technical skills, and Valard tools and systems
• Activate Quanta Elite Foremen to deliver field training, share learnings, and develop the next generation of leaders through on-the-job mentoring
• Provide HR training so all leaders have the tools and confidence to manage teams effectively
• Strengthen participation in Quanta Crew Leadership programs and ensure learnings are applied on the job
• Partner with operations, safety, and subject-matter experts to ensure training programs are relevant, practical, and aligned with quality and safety standards
• Partner with business leaders to identify critical roles and develop sustainable talent pipeline to formalize workforce planning & talent pipeline strategy
• Create a focused strategy for entry-level construction roles to attract and prepare the next generation of skilled workers
• Provide insight into labor market trends, demographics, and internal talent supply to guide strategic decision-making
• Enhance new hire orientation, onboarding, and HR systems to create a seamless employee experience from day one
• Create visible career pathways that show employees how to grow from craft to leadership roles
• Measure program effectiveness through completion rates, feedback, performance outcomes, and retention metrics
• Partner with HR to complete a total rewards and compensation review to ensure pay, benefits, and recognition remain competitive and aligned with the market
• Travel to Valard sites across Canada (up to 30%)

• Post-secondary degree in a related field (or an equivalent combination of education and experience)
• 10 years of progressive HR experience
• 3 years in a leadership role overseeing HR operations, training, and/or talent development
• Experience in construction, infrastructure, utilities, or similarly complex operational environments
• Proven ability to work with executive, commercial, and front-line leaders to translate strategy into action
• Experience designing, delivering, and scaling training programs with measurable business impact
• Strong understanding of labor market dynamics, workforce forecasting, and talent pipeline management

Preferred Skills / Qualifications

• Professional designation or certification such as CHRP, SHRM-CP/SCP, CPLP, or Prosci

Job Posting End Date: March 8, 2026

We offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that incorporates a complete range of employee benefits, including an RRSP matching program, to ensure you have the tools necessary to manage, maintain, and improve your health and wellbeing. 

About our Business

Valard Construction is Canada’s premier utility contractor providing comprehensive EPC+ (engineering, procurement, construction) and maintenance services to utilities, independent power producers, mining, oil and gas industries and rural electric associations. We have the capabilities, knowledge, and resources to take on any project, any size, any complexity, anywhere.  We are also part of Quanta Services, the largest electrical power contractor in North America.

Valard Construction is an equal opportunity employer.

Learn more

Visit us at www.valard.com and connect with us on our social media channels for our latest news, employee stories, community activities, and other updates.

Depending on qualifications, the successful candidate may be offered a position at a more appropriate level.

Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Canada with no restrictions.

Valard Construction is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability.  Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available on request during the recruitment process.