Director, People and Culture

Who we are

At illumin, we are transforming the advertising landscape. Our platform offers an integrated space for journey planning, execution, and reporting. It empowers marketers to connect with their audiences in powerful ways through real-time data and easy-to-use visual tools. By seamlessly combining media planning and buying in an intuitive interface, marketers can take complete control of their campaigns, meeting customers wherever they are in the buying journey and maximizing the impact of their ad spend through personalized insights for smarter decision-making.

We are at a pivotal moment, evolving into a product-led company with a team of over 100 skilled professionals and new leadership guiding our path forward. By harnessing the power of data, advancing our AI capabilities, and deeply investing in our people, we are preparing for a future that will redefine what’s possible in journey advertising.

Our work is guided by two beliefs: that the ability to execute is paramount to success and that we are only as good as our people. As we grow and transform, we are looking for team members (illumineers) who share our bias for speed, delivery over perfection, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Joining us now is a chance to be part of our transformation. 

Who we need

Reporting to the COO, we are hiring a Director, People and Culture to help shape the people strategy that supports illumin’s next stage of growth. As our new Director, People and Culture, you will act as a trusted advisor to leaders across the business, partnering closely with senior stakeholders on organizational design, talent management, leadership effectiveness, employee engagement, performance, and change management. You will bring a strong understanding of how people strategies drive business performance, along with the confidence to influence, challenge, and support leaders at every level. Through your guidance and hands-on approach, you will help strengthen leadership capability, evolve our people practices, and build the culture, structure, and talent needed to support our continued growth.

This is a hybrid opportunity, working Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays on-site in our downtown Toronto office. Our headquarters are located within minutes of St. Andrew and Union subway stations. 

What's in it for you

A seat at the table during a period of transformation. We are evolving as a business, investing in our people, strengthening our leadership capabilities, and preparing for our next stage of growth. You will partner closely with executive leadership to help shape the people strategies, organizational decisions, and leadership practices that support that evolution.

An opportunity to build, influence, and execute. This is not a role focused on maintaining established programs. You will have the opportunity to assess what is working, identify opportunities for improvement, and help design and implement people initiatives that strengthen performance, engagement, and organizational effectiveness.

The opportunity to be a true business partner. We are looking for someone who is as interested in the business as they are in HR. You will gain deep exposure to our strategy, challenges, and growth plans, partnering with leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and align people practices with business outcomes.

How you will make an impact:

• Partner with leaders to strengthen organizational effectiveness. You will act as a trusted advisor to leaders across the business, helping them navigate organizational design, workforce planning, talent decisions, performance challenges, and team effectiveness. By understanding both the business and its people, you will help leaders build high-performing teams capable of supporting growth and change.
• Coach and develop leadership capability. You will work closely with managers and senior leaders to strengthen leadership effectiveness, providing guidance, coaching, and practical support on performance management, employee development, communication, and team engagement. You will help create a consistent leadership experience across the organization.
• Shape and evolve our people strategy. You will assess existing programs, identify opportunities for improvement, and help design and implement people initiatives that support business priorities. From talent management and succession planning to employee engagement and organizational development, you will ensure our people practices evolve alongside the business.
• Lead through change and growth. As the organization continues to evolve, you will help leaders and employees navigate change with clarity and confidence. You will support transformation initiatives, guide difficult conversations, and help ensure people considerations are integrated into business decisions.
• Drive a positive employee experience. You will help create an environment where employees can do their best work by supporting engagement, development, recognition, and retention initiatives. You will serve as a trusted resource for leaders and employees, balancing empathy with sound business judgment.
• Partner across the business. Working closely with the COO, senior leadership team, and cross-functional stakeholders, you will help align people strategies with business objectives. You will bring a balanced perspective that considers employee experience, organizational effectiveness, and long-term business success when advising on key decisions.
• Lead and support the People & Operations team. You will provide leadership, coaching, and direction to a small but impactful team, including Human Resources and Office Operations. You will help drive the people strategy, support leaders through complex challenges, and strengthen organizational effectiveness. You will create clarity, prioritize initiatives, remove obstacles, and ensure the function delivers an exceptional employee and leadership experience.

What you bring:

• The HR business partnering experience. You have experience partnering with senior leaders in a technology, SaaS, digital media, or high-growth environment. You understand how to align people strategies with business priorities and can confidently advise leaders on organizational design, talent management, workforce planning, employee engagement, and performance.
• The leadership and coaching capability. You are a trusted advisor who builds credibility quickly and is comfortable supporting leaders through both opportunities and challenges. You have experience coaching managers, strengthening leadership effectiveness, navigating complex people situations, and helping teams perform at their best.
• The strategic and operational balance. You think strategically while remaining close enough to the work to execute. You enjoy building and improving programs, processes, and practices, but you are equally comfortable rolling up your sleeves and getting involved when the business requires it. You thrive in environments where priorities evolve and where impact matters more than hierarchy.
• The business acumen. You are curious about how businesses operate and understand that effective people decisions support business performance. You take the time to understand organizational goals, challenges, and priorities, allowing you to provide practical, commercially minded advice that balances employee experience with business outcomes.
• The change management and organizational effectiveness experience. You have supported organizations through growth, transformation, or periods of change. You are comfortable helping leaders navigate ambiguity, drive adoption of new initiatives, and build the structures, capabilities, and practices needed to support evolving business needs.
• The communication and relationship-building skills. You are an exceptional listener and communicator who can influence across all levels of an organization. Whether facilitating difficult conversations, presenting recommendations to senior leaders, or building trust with employees, you know how to create alignment, foster collaboration, and drive positive outcomes.
• The leadership experience. You have experience leading and developing small teams and understand how to create clarity, accountability, and engagement. You can effectively lead both the People and Office Operations functions, ensuring employees, leaders, and the business have the support, resources, and guidance needed to thrive.

Compensation

Compensation is determined based on skills, experience, and the scope and complexity of the role. We value open conversations about compensation and are happy to discuss our approach at any stage of the hiring process.

What else should you know about us? 

We are undergoing a transformative shift. We are embracing change and the opportunities that come with it, empowering every illumineer to innovate, experiment, and bring forward new ideas. Whether accessing new technology, restructuring workflows, or expanding your team, you will have full support if you can make the business case.

We are a broad and diverse team, but we all share a passion for success, a drive to do more, and a love of creating connections. We hire for talent and commitment and provide the guidelines and guidance to elevate skills, knowledge, and abilities across all areas. This is a place where proven methods meet bold ideas, offering opportunities to grow personally and professionally.  

To support a healthy work-life balance, we offer a flexible work environment ,and for those working in a hybrid role, a meal credit for your in-office days and a free massage with an RMT in-house every eight weeks. That is in addition to our comprehensive benefits, which include life, AD&D, long-term disability insurance, and coverage for prescriptions, dental, vision, mental health, and professional health services. You will also have access to a workplace advisor, the Vitality Wellness app, and a $300 annual healthcare spending account.

What you can expect from our interview process:

• A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor will discuss your interest in the role and background. The conversation will be recorded using BrightHire, an AI-powered video interview tool. More details will be shared when you are invited to interview.
• A virtual interview with a Senior HR Business Partner, and the COO focused on your experience supporting business leaders, navigating organizational change, developing leadership capability, and balancing strategic people initiatives with hands-on execution.
• A final interview with the CEO and the CMO to further explore your leadership style, business partnership approach, and ability to influence organizational outcomes. This stage will also provide an opportunity to meet members of the team and learn more about the organization and culture.

illumin is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of North America and the world, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. 

We are committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations at any stage of the interview process, please email us at View email address on illumin.applytojob.com.

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