Director/Head of Human Resources

Lawson Lundell LLP is a leading regional Canadian business law firm with offices in Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary and Yellowknife. The firm is recognized and respected by its peers in legal and business publications and was recently named one of BC’s Top Employers for 2025 . Lawson Lundell LLP is the largest firm in British Columbia and the second largest in Western Canada.

The Role

We are seeking a strategic and people-centered Director of Human Resources to lead our HR function across all offices—Calgary, Yellowknife, Vancouver, and Kelowna. The preferred location for this role is our Vancouver office. This role is ideal for a seasoned HR leader who can be the trusted face of HR for staff while driving the firm’s strategic HR roadmap. The Director of Human Resources reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer and works closely with the Managing Partner. The Director of Human Resources is responsible for all aspects of support staff recruitment, onboarding, compensation, retention, performance management, termination, communication, learning and development, payroll, benefits, and annual operating budgets.

Key Responsibilities 

• Serve as a visible, approachable, and trusted leader for all HR-related matters across the firm.


• Lead, mentor, and inspire a talented HR team, ensuring consistent support and service delivery across all office locations.


• Ensure that the annual salary increase budget is allocated in an objective and fair manner.


• Prepare and manage the annual HR budget in alignment with firm priorities.


• Present clear, data-driven HR reports and presentations to the Executive Committee.


• Execute the firm’s strategic HR initiatives, including talent acquisition, performance management, EDI, and employee engagement.


• Partner with firm leadership to align HR strategies with business objectives.


• Develop and manage business cases, SMART objectives, and workforce planning models.


• Evaluate and respond to resource requests with a balanced, data-informed approach, supportive yet fiscally responsible.


• Oversee HR operations, including compliance, benefits, and employee relations.


• Champion a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• You are a people person and have no problems ‘walking the floors’.


• You are well versed and can ‘walk the walk’ and ‘talk the talk’ on all HR day-to-day operations, payroll and benefits administration.


• You are ethical and you uphold the highest standards of integrity, you respect employee privacy, handle sensitive information with discretion, and build trust across all levels of the firm.


• You are experienced and capable regarding strategic planning and would participate in regular strategic HR brainstorming sessions with the COO.


• You are comfortable with spreadsheets, KPI's, data, models and business you put the 'SMART' in objectives.


• Confident decision-maker who can diplomatically say “no” when necessary to carry out firm priorities and resources.


• You take pride in meeting deadlines, and you are a hard worker.


• You embody continuous improvement in anything you do (e.g. process improvement, user experience).

Not Necessarily Required

• A relevant Degree or Master’s in Human Resources or Business.


• Designation such as Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation, Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Consultant (CMC), Executive Coach, Lean/Six Sigma.


• Will also consider HR leaders from outside of legal or professional services.

Salary Range

The starting annual salary for this role is between $150,000 - $200,000 , depending on the candidate’s experience and expertise. In addition, this position may qualify for year-end bonus consideration based on completion of annual performance objectives.

Benefits

• Health Benefits:  Extended health, dental, vision, out of country, life, AD&D.


• Lifestyle Benefit: Reimbursement for purchases from a pre-approved list, including memberships and gym equipment.


• Paid Parental Leave top up.


• Education Reimbursement: We are committed to growth and development, and our educational reimbursement policy provides opportunity for our staff to expand on their knowledge in the legal field.


• Paid Time Off: Vacation time, personal days, sick time, and a volunteer day every year.


• Financial Benefits : Defined contribution pension plan matched by the firm, RRSP, TFSA, year-end bonuses and an employee referral bonus program.


• Fun Environment: Annual year end party, happy hours, staff appreciation week, and many other social events.


• Awards:  Long term service and bonus vacation awards.

To Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit your resume and cover letter to Derrick Li (Chief Operating Officer) at View email address on jobs.jobcopilot.com.

We thank all applicants for their interest, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.