Human Resources Business Partner - Kitchener

The opportunity:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced  Human Resources Business Partner  (HRBP) to support our Ontario Operations. This is a full-scope people role — one where you will serve as a trusted advisor to operational leaders and employees alike, driving both day-to-day HR delivery and longer-term people strategy.

Reporting to the Vice President & General Manager, Ontario, you will serve as the primary people partner embedded within the Ontario business. You will collaborate closely with Associated Engineering’s People & Culture team — including the Centres of Expertise for Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, and HR Operations, as well as the Payroll & Benefits Team — to bring company-wide programs to life locally and champion the needs of the Ontario Operations.

This role can be based out of either our  Markham, Kitchener, or Niagara-On-The-Lake  offices.

What we offer:

• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements, depending on position
• Market competitive salaries, with annual reviews
  • Salary range of: $85,000 - $110,000
  • Opportunity to become a shareholder and invest in the company’s long term growth & success
  • Matching company pension program, increasing over time
• Comprehensive benefits including:
  • Health/dental/vision coverage
  • Fitness allowance
  • Employee and family assistance programs
  • Mental health supports
• Paid time off so that you can recharge including:
  • Generous paid vacation
  • Paid office closure over December holiday break
  • Industry leading paid sick time
  • Maternity/paternity leave top up program 
• Ongoing support for your professional development and growth
  • Formal mentoring programs
  • Paid professional development hours
• Opportunities to participate in social club activities and events
  • Company-wide social events
  • Regular lunch-and-learns
  • Community volunteer opportunities

What you’ll do:

• Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to Ontario operational leaders on all people matters, aligning HR strategy with business goals.
• Provide insights on industry trends to support Ontario's Business Plan.
• Lead end-to-end recruitment for Ontario in partnership with hiring managers, including role definition, candidate sourcing, interviewing, and offer recommendations.
• Facilitate onboarding experience for Ontario new hires, ensuring cultural integration and engagement.
• Provide timely, practical, and legally sound guidance to leaders and employees on employee relations matters, including performance concerns, workplace conflicts, and policy interpretation.
• Ensure consistent and fair application of company policies and employment legislation across Ontario, including the Employment Standards Act and applicable human rights obligations.
• Conduct thorough and objective workplace investigations when required, documenting findings and recommending appropriate resolutions.
• Support managers in having difficult conversations, managing performance improvement plans, and navigating disciplinary processes.
• Coach and support people leaders in having meaningful career development conversations with their teams.
• In collaboration with Ontario Leadership team help identify learning and development needs across Ontario and collaborate with the People & Culture Team where appropriate to source or design appropriate solutions.
• Support the execution of performance management, career development, talent reviews, and succession planning for the Ontario Operations.
• Support the local rollout of compensation review cycles, benefit programs, and other people programs, providing context and communication support to Ontario leaders and employees.
• Manage leave of absences (i.e. maternity/parental leave or medical leave) in partnership with the Payroll & Benefits Team.
• Support voluntary and involuntary terminations and conduct exit interviews for all voluntary exits.
• Ensure that the company HR systems are properly used and that all HR data for the Ontario Operations is up to date and accurate.
• Contribute to HR reporting, metrics, and analytics to inform decisions at both the Ontario and company-wide level.
• Support the Ontario Leadership team and business with change management efforts as the company continues to evolve its people programs and systems.

Does this sound like you?

• Degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive experience, including experience in a HRBP or HR Generalist role.
• CHRP or CHRL designation is strongly preferred.
• Experience working within an engineering, professional services, consulting, or project-based organization is a significant asset.
• Proven track record of partnering with operational leaders in a multi-site, geographically distributed environment.
• Solid working knowledge of Ontario employment legislation, including the Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code, and Occupational Health & Safety Act.
• Experience supporting full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and succession planning processes.
• Strong employee relations skills with experience conducting workplace investigations and navigating complex interpersonal situations.
• Demonstrated ability to coach and influence people leaders at multiple levels of an organization.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills — you are a credible, approachable, and solutions-focused partner.
• Customer service centric style with ability to provide world class Human Resources services that delight internal and external customers.

About Us:

At Associated Engineering, were passionate about not only the work we do but the communities we live and work in. Which is why sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. As a carbon neutral company since 2009, we help shape resilient and sustainable communities across Canada.

As a Platinum Member of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2008, we take pride in nurturing a workplace where people thrive. We are an employer of choice providing our people with a supportive, collaborative, engaging and dynamic place to build a career, while bringing inspiration and innovation to our work.

Our company culture is shaped by:

• Growth and development of our   employees – chart your career course, whatever stage you are at! 
• A broad variety of meaningful work that supports local communities –we are a medium-sized company working on significant projects, helping to shape communities!
• We care, we commit, we create – our promise to both clients and each other!

What’s next?  

Ready to make an impact? Join a company that values your ideas, invests in your growth, and empowers you to shape the future. Apply today!

Want more information?

This posting is for an existing vacancy. 

AE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community to apply. For applicants with disabilities, accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. We are also committed to protecting the privacy of your personal information and as such, it will be used for recruitment and employment purposes only.