People Business Manager, Service Center & Eastern Region

About MEC

At MEC, we believe the transformative power of the outdoors makes us better humans and drives us to do good for the planet. We are here to inspire and support everyone in getting active outside, matching people with gear and advice that instills confidence. We offer more than products; we offer passion for the outdoors. We play with purpose!

Our business model is dependent on impassioned and well-trained outdoor enthusiasts and as such we look for individuals who live our purpose and fit with MEC ethos and lifestyle. If you are that person, we’d love to connect with you. Join us!

MEC is an equal opportunity employer and committed to building an inclusive community of staffers. We’re proud to work with our people to create a diverse workplace, where everyone feels like they belong and has the opportunity to be successful. We welcome of all applicants to join our diverse team. Tell us what you need during the hiring process, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

THE ROLE

The People Business Manager (PBM) is a vital member of the People Team, acting as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to leaders across our Eastern and Maritime store locations and the Customer Service Centre. Reporting to the Senior People Business Manager, this role provides a blend of strategic HR partnership and hands-on support, driving initiatives that enhance team performance, engagement, and culture, in alignment with MEC’s values and purpose.

This is a hybrid role, with a home base at the Montreal store and regular travel across the East and Maritimes Stores. Fluency in both English and French is essential to effectively support our diverse teams.

• Provide HR support to a client group that includes retail stores—primarily in Quebec, with additional locations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ottawa—as well as a fully remote Customer Service Centre team located across Canada.
• Act as a trusted advisor and strategic business partner to regional leadership, offering guidance on people and organizational matters.
• Champion MEC’s culture and values by fostering a highly engaged workforce and delivering a positive employee experience.
• Collaborate with leaders to design and implement people strategies and culture-focused initiatives in areas such as talent acquisition, compensation, performance management, career development, and succession planning.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships across the client group to proactively identify challenges and provide effective HR solutions.
• Lead talent management initiatives, including talent assessments, succession planning, and leadership development, to strengthen the talent pipeline.
• Serve as a coach and advisor to employees and leaders on career growth, performance development, and effective people management.
• Manage and resolve complex employee and labour relations matters, conducting fair, thorough, and objective investigations when required.
• Translate HR policies, communications, and training materials into French using DeepL or other tools, ensuring clarity and accessibility for French-speaking employees.
• Support change management efforts related to business growth, organizational transformation, and operational shifts.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation, HR policies, and best practices across all supported regions.
• Act as a key culture ambassador, promoting a high-performance, inclusive, and values-driven work environment.
• Coach and develop leaders to become effective people managers and stewards of MEC’s purpose and values.
• Contribute to other projects and initiatives as assigned by the Senior People Business Manager and/or VP, People.
  
  

The Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally in a retail or multi-site environment.
• CHRP designation or a related post-secondary degree preferred.
• Bilingual (French and English) – both written and spoken.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel regularly to stores in Quebec and Ottawa, as well as fly to locations in the Maritimes as needed.
• Experience working in unionized environments is an asset, but not essential.
• Proven ability to support diverse business units, resolve conflict, navigate ambiguity, and build strong relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to think strategically while executing day-to-day HR tasks with efficiency.
• Strong influencing and coaching skills, with a demonstrated ability to guide and support leadership.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with high emotional intelligence.
• Broad HR knowledge, including performance management, talent acquisition, compensation, benefits, employee relations, and labor relations.
• In-depth understanding of Canadian employment legislation, with specific knowledge of QC, ON, NB, NS, BC, and AB.
• Ability to exercise sound independent judgment, remain composed under pressure, and manage multiple sensitive issues simultaneously.
• Comfortable working independently and remotely while staying highly connected with your team.
• Strong communication, coaching, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Passion for developing people and contributing to a strong, purpose-driven culture.
  
  

The Perks

• Variable annual incentive plan
• Generous annual vacation allotment
• Paid Care time (Wellness/sick)
• Maternity and Parental leave top-up
• Staff Discount and amazing deals straight from vendors
• Top-notch benefit plan
• Retirement Plan with matched contributions
• Paid days to pursue outdoor activities and/or volunteer in your community
• Free staff gear rental program
• Access to a learning platform and educational assistance support
• Career development opportunities
  
  

Are you up for your next adventure? We’d love to hear from you!