Jobs in Ottawa, ON

Job summary

The HR Manager will lead core HR operations, including payroll, benefits, and talent acquisition, while serving as a trusted advisor to firm leadership. Additionally, the role oversees facilities operations and drives internal communications and employee engagement initiatives.

Job details

About Us Since 1987, Emond Harnden has been a trusted law firm specializing exclusively in labour and employment law. Originating in Ottawa, we have grown into a national firm, proudly representing employers across Canada. As one of the largest labour and employment law firms in the National Capital Region, we are committed to providing practical, strategic advice and representation tailored to our clients’ unique needs. Operating in both official languages, we work with leading private, public, and not-for-profit organizations. With over 50 lawyers exclusively focused on the specialized needs of organizations, Emond Harnden stands out as one of Canada's top management-side labour and employment law firms. About The Role Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the HR Manager plays a critical role in shaping the employee experience and supporting its continued success. This is a highly visible leadership position that combines operational excellence with relationship-building, employee engagement, communications, and organizational effectiveness. You will serve as a trusted advisor to partners, associates, students, and staff while ensuring the seamless delivery of HR operations and workplace services. The successful candidate will bring strong emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the ability to influence and support change in a collaborative professional services environment. In addition to leading core HR functions, this role provides oversight for facilities operations, helping ensure a professional, safe, and welcoming workplace for employees and clients alike. This is a hybrid position requiring regular onsite presence four (4) days per week, with remote work flexibility one (1) day per week, subject to business needs. What You’ll Do Lead HR Operations Oversee payroll, benefits administration, HRIS management, employment documentation, and related vendor relationships Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies and programs that support compliance, operational effectiveness, and firm values Generate HR metrics, reports, and insights to support firm leadership and decision-making Ensure HR processes and practices remain current with evolving workplace and legislative requirements Enhance Employee Experience & Engagement Build strong relationships across the firm through a visible, approachable, and proactive leadership style Act as a trusted resource for employee relations matters, providing guidance with professionalism and discretion Support employee engagement initiatives, firm events, and programs that strengthen culture and connection Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and positive workplace environment Lead Talent Acquisition & Onboarding Lead recruitment efforts for staff and professional roles Coordinate and support student recruitment and onboarding programs Ensure new hires receive a welcoming and effective onboarding experience that supports long-term success Partner with leaders to identify talent needs and enhance recruitment processes Drive Communications & Change Management Lead internal communications related to firm initiatives, organizational changes, and employee experience programs Continue to evolve the firm's intranet as a trusted source for information, resources, and communication Develop and coordinate training initiatives that support the adoption of new processes, technologies, and workplace practices Help guide organizational change through effective communication, stakeholder engagement, and employee support Support Performance & Development Coordinate performance review processes, including goal setting, feedback, and development planning Support leaders in employee coaching, performance management, and development conversations Assist in the design and delivery of learning, training, and professional development initiatives Oversee Facilities & Workplace Operations Provide leadership and oversight for facilities and office operations Manage vendor and landlord relationships and support workplace-related projects Coordinate office moves, workplace improvements, and facilities initiatives as required Help ensure a safe, professional, and well-functioning environment for employees and clients What You Bring Required Qualifications Post secondary education in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration or a related field 5 to 8 years of progressive HR experience, with a strong foundation in HR operations Experience working within a professional services environment such as legal, accounting, consulting, or similar organizations Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships with senior leaders and diverse stakeholder groups Strong communication, facilitation, and influencing skills Experience supporting organizational change and leading communication initiatives Sound judgment, discretion, and a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach Preferred Qualifications CHRP designation (or equivalent) Experience leading employee engagement, culture, or workplace experience initiatives Experience supporting technology implementations and process improvement projects Professional proficiency in both English and French is considered a strong asset Why Join Emond Harnden? This is an opportunity to join a respected and growing professional services firm where people and relationships matter. You'll have the chance to make a meaningful impact on the employee experience, influence organizational initiatives, and work alongside a collaborative team of legal professionals dedicated to excellence. At Emond Harnden, you'll find a supportive environment where your expertise is valued, your ideas are heard, and your contributions help shape the future of the firm. We offer: We offer a competitive total rewards package to support employee health, financial well-being, and professional growth. This includes RRSP matching, employer-paid group health benefits, generous vacation and sick leave, complimentary parking, an annual wellness allowance, and professional development reimbursement to support ongoing learning and career advancement. The hiring range for this position is $95,000 to $115,000. To Apply Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest and qualification for this position by Sunday, October 10, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Emond Harnden does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position. EH is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please contact our Human Resources Department at resumes@ehlaw.ca.

What you’ll do

The HR Manager will lead core HR operations, including payroll, benefits, and talent acquisition, while serving as a trusted advisor to firm leadership. Additionally, the role oversees facilities operations and drives internal communications and employee engagement initiatives.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a post-secondary education in Human Resources or a related field and 5 to 8 years of progressive HR experience. Experience within a professional services environment and strong communication and influencing skills are essential for this role.

Benefits

• RRSP matching
• Employer-paid group health benefits
• Generous vacation
• Sick leave
• Complimentary parking
• Annual wellness allowance
• Professional development reimbursement

Listed skills

• Facilities Management · Preferred
• Change Management · Preferred
• Policy development · Preferred
• Conflict Resolution · Preferred
• Onboarding · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• HR operations
• Payroll administration
• Benefits administration
• HRIS management
• Employee relations
• Talent acquisition
• Onboarding
• Internal communications
• Change management
• Performance management
• Facilities management
• Strategic planning
• Emotional intelligence
• Policy development
• Conflict resolution
• Stakeholder engagement

Job areas

• Human Resources
• Management & Leadership
• Legal
• Administrative
• Consulting