Human Resources Strategic Business Advisor

PRIMARY PURPOSE

As Human Resources Strategic Business Advisors (HR SBA), we partnerwith colleges and units across campus to support strategic people initiatives focusedon in the University Plan 2025 in being the universitythe world needs (nīkānītān manācihitowinihk; ni manachīhitoonaan).

NATURE OF WORK

Our Human Resources Strategic Business Advisor (SBA) group is partof the Human Resources portfolio. Within our team structure, HR SBAs and HRCoordinators report directly to one of our five Senior HR SBAs, while the teamcollectively reports to the Manager, HR Advisory services. HR SBAs work closelywith leadership, faculty and staff in our assigned colleges or units.

Our success depends on our ability to demonstrate a combination ofstrong university acumen, HR functional knowledge and a strategic mindset toparticipate in the development and implementation of people strategies for thecolleges and units.

SBAs are assigned to support specific colleges and units. Withinthethese assigned areas, we partner with college and unit leaders by understandingtheir values, culture, challenges and operational needs. We workcollaboratively with our specialist groups in the Human Resources portfolio,which includes employee & labour relations, total rewards and talentmanagement, to help achieve people strategies and outcomes both institutionallyand across the different colleges and units.

Relationships are at the heart of what we do and its critical thatour SBAs are comfortable and effective in working across multiple, diverse and,at times, challenging stakeholder groups. From academics to administration, research to operations, we work withall groups in identifying, planning and implementing people practices toadvance the mission of the university.

As SBAs, we regularly address complexities in the delivery ofservices and are required to manage emerging and unpredictable events in a sensitiveand timely manner. We regularly work with leaders when implementing difficult andchallenging decisions, often during periods of change. As a result, we must havewell developed organizational and project management skills and may be requiredto work outside of the university’s regular operating hours, which we balancewith professional flexibility. The HR SBA role comes with opportunities tocollaborate with leadership, faculty, staff and colleagues across a variety ofplatforms, work in support of operational and academic initiatives and further ourcareers through professional development and continuing education.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

College/Unit Support

We support the implementation and delivery of integrated human resource strategies that assist colleges and units in achieving their goals, priorities, and operational objectives;

We support leaders by providing strategic guidance, and creative solutions which assist in the development of initiatives in areas such as talent acquisition, career engagement, problem solving, labour relations, organizational development and change management, to assist the college and unit in meeting its strategic goals;

We work with leaders to identify areas of specific focus in which to provide specific HR support and development.

Functional Expertise & Collaboration

We establish and maintain strong working relationships with a variety of constituents across campus, including college staff, central office colleagues, and service centre partners to ensure success in meeting the college’s and university’s strategic and operational goals;

We contribute to the development of the Human Resources portfolio through leading and/or participating in projects to advance the tools and supports delivered by HR to colleges and units across campus;

We partner with our colleagues in functional specialist groups to develop a depth of university specific skill and knowledge in areas such as labour relations, talent management, career engagement, wellness, organizational design and diversity and inclusion;

We ensure that exposure to risk and liability is mitigated by ensuring compliance with and providing strategic guidance related to collective agreements, labour legislation, employment law, and university and college/unit policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS

A relevant university degree, preferably in a human resources or related field, along with a minimum of three (3) years’ experience working in human resources;

A Chartered Skilled in Human Resources (CPHR) designation is considered an asset;

Experience working in a unionized environment is preferred.

SKILLS

A strong understanding and knowledge of several human resource disciplines through progressively responsible positions including labour relations, performance management, diversity and talent acquisition;

The ability to influence outcom

📌 Human Resources Strategic Business Advisor (Saskatoon)
🏢 University of Saskatchewan
📍 Saskatoon