Director, HR Operations
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (Blakes), one of Canada’s largest and most successful law firms, has an opening for a Director, HR Operations to join the Human Resources department in our Toronto office.
Reporting to the Chief People Officer, the Director, HR Operations leads the design, governance and optimization of the Firm’s HR infrastructure and programs, including Total Rewards, HRIS, HR Technology, Performance Management and HR Analytics. This role ensures HR systems and processes are scalable, integrated and data-driven, supporting workforce strategy. The Director serves as a strategic advisor to the Chief People Officer and senior leadership on HR infrastructure, compensation strategy, workforce analytics and HR technology.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Lead the Firm’s HR operations strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives, financial priorities and long-term talent goals.
- Oversee and continuously enhance the HR operating model, including service delivery design, process optimization, and governance frameworks.
- Establish and maintain HR policies, standards and processes in compliance with legal, regulatory and risk-management requirements.
- Design and manage a consistent HR service delivery framework with clear accountability, escalation pathways and operational excellence across HR functions.
- Provide strategic oversight of Total Rewards programs, including compensation, benefits, retirement, wellness and incentive structures.
- Ensure compensation and rewards programs are competitive, equitable and aligned with organizational performance and market benchmarks.
- Lead the Firm’s HR systems and technology strategy, including HRIS optimization, system integration, vendor management and digital transformation initiatives.
- Drive innovation through automation, workforce analytics and AI-enabled HR capabilities while ensuring strong data governance, integrity and ethical standards.
- Develop and oversee workforce reporting, dashboards and analytics to support strategic planning and executive decision-making.
- Own the design, governance and continuous improvement of the Firm’s performance management framework, ensuring alignment with compensation, development and workforce planning.
- Lead, develop and mentor members of the HR Operations team, fostering a high-performing, collaborative and service-oriented culture focused on operational excellence.
Qualifications
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 15 years of progressive HR experience with enterprise-level leadership responsibility.
- CHRL designation considered an asset.
- Extensive expertise in Total Rewards, HR systems, program design, and HR transformation, including digital initiatives and analytics-driven decision-making.
- Proven track record advising executive leaders, leading multidisciplinary teams, and demonstrating exceptional communication, business acumen, and executive presence.
Skills/Abilities:
- Strong enterprise mindset with the ability to design and optimize HR programs as integrated systems, aligning Total Rewards, technology, and workforce analytics to drive business outcomes.
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and transform it into actionable insights for both strategic and operational decision-making.
- Strong business acumen with an understanding of the interplay between financial, operational, and talent factors within a professional services environment.
- Ability to lead change and transformation effectively, including guiding the adoption of new technologies, processes, and ways of working, while advising senior leaders on complex or sensitive matters.
- Ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences, exercising high levels of judgment and integrity, and building alignment to develop high-performing teams.
How to Apply
Please submit your application, including your cover letter and résumé, directly to our application portal.
Blakes wishes to thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Other Relevant Application Information
Blakes welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. The Firm is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment composed of people with diverse perspectives, backgrounds, identities and cultures. The Firm provides accommodation for applicants with disabilities and in respect of other protected grounds during the recruitment process, in accordance with applicable laws. Please contact us to request accommodation.
While our experienced team will select and interview successful candidates, Blakes may use artificial intelligence (AI) to assist with shortlisting, screening and evaluating applications.
Who We Are
At Blakes, we care about our people. We are committed to providing exceptional experiences for our clients and employees. As a winner of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and Greater Toronto’s Top Employers awards, we understand the importance of fostering an inclusive workplace environment that brings out the best in each person. Our success as a firm starts with hiring top talent, retaining our people and helping them thrive.
No agencies or recruiters please.