Human Resources Manager I - Temporary

Our platform technology Dualase® is uniquely designed to target and correct genetic errors in ways that better use a cell’s natural repair processes. Our technologies hold the promise to provide new and potentially curative treatments to patients with serious, life-altering diseases.
Join us in our mission to treat or cure genetic diseases.
Specific Biologics is seeking a strategic and execution-focused Director of HR based in Toronto, to lead our people operations through a critical post-Series A growth phase in our Canada and US-based sites. As our first dedicated HR hire, you will manage an approximately 20-hire expansion plan over the next 2 years, which includes building core scientific teams and onboarding key executive leadership. You will own everything from talent acquisition and executive onboarding to labor compliance, and total rewards.
Talent Acquisition:

Lead full-cycle recruitment for approximately 20 roles over the next 2 years, balancing specialized technical hires (PhDs, researchers) with critical leadership positions (Directors/VPs)
Manage engagement of, and interactions with, external search firms for difficult-to-fill scientific and executive roles
Develop scalable recruiting processes, interview frameworks, candidate evaluation tools, and hiring practices
Canadian Compliance & HR Infrastructure:

Establish appropriate policies and processes for employment agreements, leave, workplace conduct, investigations, recordkeeping, privacy, employee classification and cross-border hiring, using external counsel as appropriate.
Infrastructure and People Operations:

Manage HR technology, benefits, HRIS, and other people-related vendors
Develop and maintain employee policies, procedures, handbooks, and HR documentation that can evolve as the organization grows
Oversee employee lifecycle processes including onboarding, promotions, leaves, performance management, and offboarding
Maintain and enhance the existing compensation framework, including salary ranges, short-term incentives, and long-term incentives (equity).
Partner with the CEO and leadership team on annual compensation planning, pay equity/compliance, offer exceptions and administration of cash and equity incentives subject to approved plans.
Establish competitive salary bands, equity packages, and comprehensive Canadian benefits/health spending accounts to attract top-tier talent in these competitive life sciences markets
Serve as a trusted resource for employees and leadership on workplace issues and HR matters
Provide guidance on employee relations, performance management, conflict resolution, and workplace conduct
Build a simple, effective performance-management and manager-coaching approach suited to a small, rapidly growing scientific organization.
Help define and strengthen SBI’s culture through its growth phase in collaboration with leadership.
10+ years of progressive ‘hands-on’ HR experience, with a proven track record of building successful teams inside a Series A or venture-backed biotech, life sciences, or high-growth tech startup in Canada.

• Experience as a first HR hire or HR generalist leader in a growing organization
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively as the sole or most senior HR professional, balancing strategic advice with day-to-day execution and external vendor management.
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree required; CHRP or CHRL designation would be an asset along with strong business acumen
• Deep, practical knowledge of Ontario employment laws (ESA), US employment law, payroll regulations, and health/safety guidelines.
• Demonstrated success recruiting VP or Director-level talent alongside specialized scientific professionals.
• Strong familiarity with startup compensation programs, including equity structures and stock options.

Leadership – ability to positively motivate others as evidenced by timely, high-quality results from your team. Strong communicator — ability to clearly communicate to a variety of audiences, including senior leadership. Clear, concise writing.
This is a hybrid role with the expectation of 4 days a week on-site at Specific Biologics’ lab in Toronto, and 1 day working from home.
Health, dental, life and accidental death insurance
Health spending account
Paid vacation and paid sick leave
Specific Biologics welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Specific Biologics Inc. is committed to workforce diversity, creating equity across our systems and fostering and advancing a culture of inclusion. We know that bringing diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives together drives innovation which helps us to solve today’s complex health problems.
#