Culture & Performance Advisor at Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority

About HOPA Ports

HOPA Ports is Ontario’s largest port network, connecting communities, industries, and global trade across Hamilton, Oshawa, and the Great Lakes region. As a federal port authority, we play a vital role in Canada’s supply chain, and our people are central to that mission.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Vice President, Corporate Affairs, the Culture & Performance Advisor is a strategic and hands-on HR partner who helps shape the people practices that make HOPA Ports a great place to work. You’ll serve as a trusted advisor to leaders across the organization, bringing together expertise in talent management, employee relations, workforce planning, and culture to support a high-performing, engaged team. This is a role for someone who is equally comfortable building strategy and rolling up their sleeves to execute it.

What You'll Do

Strategic Partnership

• Collaborate with HOPA leadership on HR strategy aligned to corporate goals
• Develop and maintain compensation and recruitment philosophies and frameworks
• Support workforce planning and organizational design

Culture & Engagement

• Lead initiatives that connect employees to HOPA’s mission, vision, and values
• Plan and execute employee engagement events and recognition programs
• Sustain and advance HOPA’s Top Employer designation

Talent Acquisition & Development

• Lead full-cycle recruitment from job design through to onboarding and 30-60-90 day performance administration
• Manage the Port Trainee Program and build post-secondary institution partnerships for co-op and internship pipelines
• Support managers on performance management, and lead 360 performance reviews at the request of the Executive Team
• Support succession planning and talent needs analysis

Compensation & Payroll

• Conduct market analyses and collaborate on pay equity reviews
• Provide payroll administration back-up

Employee Relations & Compliance

• Maintain HR policies in line with legal best practices
• Co-lead workplace mediations and investigations
• Prepare compliance reports and HR analytics

What You Bring

• Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, or a related field
• CHRP or CHRL designation (or eligibility); other HR certifications considered
• 5–7 years of progressive HR experience spanning strategic planning, talent management, and employee relations
• Working knowledge of federal employment legislation, including the Canada Labour Code, Pay Equity Act, and Canadian Human Rights Act
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office, including Excel
• Payroll knowledge and familiarity with taxable benefits are assets
• Knowledge of Hamilton, Oshawa, and/or Niagara civic landscapes is an asset
• French language skills are an asset

Why HOPA Ports

We offer a dynamic environment where no two days look the same, a leadership team that values HR as a strategic function, and the opportunity to help shape culture at a leading regional organization. Our competitive compensation package is designed to support our employees’ success:

• Competitive base salary
• Annual bonus program
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits plus a health care spending account
• Defined contribution pension plan
• Education and professional development support
• Strong commitment to work-life balance and a collaborative, innovative team environment

Recognized as one of Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers, HOPA Ports manages Ontario’s largest and most successful port network. We’re committed to protecting the environment, enhancing our community, and building a workplace where your contributions truly make an impact.

Learn more about us: https://www.hopaports.ca/about-hopa/people-and-careers/

Everyone is welcome.

We believe diverse perspectives drive better decisions and stronger communities. As part of our commitment to inclusivity, diversity, equity and accessibility, our goal is a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome all qualified applicants to apply including individuals with disabilities, those who identify as Black, Indigenous or persons of colour, members of the LGBTQ2S+ community and others. We are happy to honour accommodations at any part of the recruitment process and invite you to let us know how we can help.

Please forward your resume & cover letter to:: [email protected]

We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.