Manager of Human Resources and Operations

Overview

The Manager of Human Resources and Operations is a member of the library’s leadership team and is focused on the overall success of the library contributing at a strategic level in support of the library’s goals and operations. They will create, implement and promote human resources programs that support a culture of collaboration, accountability and achievement.

Reporting to the Chief Librarian, the Manager of Human Resources and Operations is accountable for the provision of Human Resources, Facilities and IT Oversight and other support functions. Supervisory responsibilities may be a part of the role.

The Public Library seeks to be a forward-facing organization that is capable of navigating change. The successful candidate will bring the ability to build leadership capacity and employee engagement with a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. The successful candidate will be an experienced leader, managing sensitive issues and providing strategic advice and solutions and have experience that includes working and leading in a unionized environment. Their experience will be augmented by a degree in human resources management, preferably with CPHR designation.

Core Responsibilities

Human Resources

• Organizational lead for Human Resources, including program development, career development, succession planning, performance management and attendance management.
• Organizational lead for workplace safety and labour relations including managing grievances, conducting investigations, developing procedures and delivering and/or coordinating related training.
• Manages recruitment, hiring and onboarding processes ensuring that new staff have the necessary skills to succeed as well as the ability to meet anticipated future requirements.
• In anticipation of future needs, regularly reviews staff skills and requirements and assists staff to plan for new roles and responsibilities.
• Develops competencies for staff, creates staff training and procedure, and leads training sessions as needed.
• Enables and assists supervisory team in staff development, recruitment and succession planning.

Operational Performance

• Works collaboratively with the leadership team to establish specific initiatives that advance strategic priorities, including the development and use of meaningful outcomes.
• Works with the leadership team to ensure that staff have annual work plans that both embrace their daily responsibilities and allow for growth and change.
• Forecasts future needs of the library system pertaining to areas of responsibility.
• Provides growth opportunities for supervisory staff, enabling them to expand their skills and experience.
• Works with the leadership team to improve services.
• Leads and collaborates on strategic and system-wide projects of limited time duration as assigned.
• Prepares policies which respond to emerging social, technical and legal issues related to operations.
• Supervision of staff in the absence of the chief librarian and as required.

Technology

• With the Chief Librarian, oversight of IT infrastructure and contracted services.
• Communication lead with contracted IT services and maintenance contracts.
• Working within established contracts and budgets, acts as organizational lead to ensure that the library’s technology is capable of meeting expectations.
• Responsible for privacy impact assessments, works with staff at various levels to prepare evaluations of software or hardware and recommend improvements or upgrades.

Facilities

• Oversight of library building systems including contracted janitorial and maintenance work, ensures that the facility operates safely and efficiently.
• Plans and oversees subleases and facilitates art installations and the operational aspects of building projects such as renovations.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Employee Relations, Human Resources, or a related field.
• CPHR designation is preferred.
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, ideally gained in a library or local government setting.
• Demonstrated successful experience in labour relations.
• Considerable knowledge of relevant legislation and industry policy guidelines including applicable labour laws and legislation.
• Considerable knowledge of the BC Labour Relations Code, Human Rights Act, Employment Standards Act, and WorkSafe BC legislation.
• Sound understanding of human resources policies and practices, policy and program development, change management fundamentals, and current human resources issues.
• Thorough knowledge of collective agreements, applicable legislation and regulations, and principles of union/management relationships.
• Demonstrated expertise in interpreting the provisions of collective agreements.
• Highly developed communication and mediation skills using tact, diplomacy and facilitation. Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
• Knowledge of IT infrastructure, including staff systems and public access. Preferred in a library context.
• Demonstrated level of professionalism and confidentiality with a strong public service ethic.
• A strong commitment to, and passion for, public libraries.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities at the same time.
• High level of judgement and initiative.
• Record of achieving strategic outcomes in a timely manner.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• A clear criminal record check and proof of job credentials required.

Reporting to: Chief Librarian

To start: June 2025, located in Powell River

Term: two years, full-time (35 hours per week)

Wages/Benefits:

Wages and benefits for this position are commensurate with responsibilities.