People & Culture Manager (Kentville, NS)

The People & Culture Manager is the organization's senior people leader, responsible for shaping an engaged, inclusive, and high‑performing workplace while ensuring strong, compliant HR operations. This role blends strategic leadership and trusted advisory support with hands‑on delivery of core HR services.

Working closely with the Executive Director and management team, the People & Culture Manager influences organizational culture, strengthens leadership practices, and supports employees across the full employment lifecycle. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys thinking at a systems and leadership level while also being comfortable rolling up their sleeves to manage the day‑to‑day realities of HR.

The Communications team member reports to this role, ensuring alignment between culture, people practices, and internal communications.

Responsibilities

People & Culture Leadership

• Act as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director and leaders on employee relations, performance, and workplace issues
• Coach and support managers on effective, inclusive leadership, team effectiveness, and complex employee situations
• Strengthen organizational culture by advancing employee engagement, collaboration, and inclusion
• Ensure people practices align with organizational values, legal requirements, and best practices
• Identify and implement opportunities to enhance the employee experience across the employment lifecycle

Talent Management

• Lead full‑cycle recruitment in partnership with hiring managers
• Ensure onboarding practices are effective, consistent, and support long‑term retention
• Monitor and improve onboarding and early employment experiences
• Implement performance management frameworks that embed a coaching culture and drives operational excellence
• Support workforce planning, organizational growth, development, and succession planning

HR Operations & Programs

• Oversee payroll and benefits administration with external providers
• Maintain HR systems and confidential employee records
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and internal policies
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve HR policies, programs, and processes
• Track and report on key HR metrics to support decision-making

Health, Safety, and OH&S

• Lead the occupational health and safety program
• Ensure policies, training, and incident reporting processes are in place and followed
• Serve as the primary point of contact for workplace health and safety matters

Communications Leadership

• Provide leadership and direction to the Communications function
• Align internal communications with organizational priorities, culture, and employee experience
• Support messaging that drives engagement, visibility, and stakeholder alignment

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of progressive HR experience, including operating at a senior or standalone HR level and providing trusted advisory support to leadership
• Post-secondary education in Human Resources or a related field preferred
• Nonprofit, healthcare, or social services experience an asset, but not required
• Strong working knowledge of employment legislation, OH&S, and HR best practices
• Experience supporting organizational culture, engagement, or change initiatives
• Confident handling sensitive employee relations matters with professionalism and empathy
• Ability to balance strategy with operational execution in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable working independently and taking ownership of the HR function
• Strong communication, relationship building, and conflict resolution skills
• HR designation such as CPHR is an asset but not required

A little bit about us

Open Arms Resource Center

Open Arms is a dynamic and growing nonprofit organization whose mission is to create lasting, positive change by addressing the root causes of homelessness and fostering a supportive environment for those in need. Open Arms is committed to treating every individual with dignity and respect, recognizing the inherent worth and unique journey of each person.

Are you interested?

Work With Us

Working at Open Arms Resource Centre offers meaningful work that makes a real difference in the lives of others, alongside the opportunity to help build programs and strengthen leadership in a supportive, community-focused environment. Employees benefit from a comprehensive group health plan, four weeks of paid vacation, and professional development opportunities.

All applicants must be legally authorized to work in Canada and will be required to submit police record and vulnerable sector checks as a condition of employment.