Director, People Operations & HSE

A fast growing Canadian aerospace and space technology company in the Greater Toronto Area is hiring a Director, People Operations and Health, Safety & Environment (HSE). This is a hands-on individual contributor role that owns two functions the company depends on as it scales: the Health, Safety and Environmental programme across all facilities, and People Operations across the full employee lifecycle. The role is full time and permanent, on site in Markham, ON, split between the office and the shop floor.

Working in a demanding space systems R&D and manufacturing environment with energetics, cryogenics, high pressure systems and reactive metal powders, you will set HSE strategy, build and mature the management system and hold accountability for regulatory compliance, workplace risk reduction and the protection of the team. You will also own how people join, grow and leave the company. You will advise senior leadership, drive a proactive safety culture and a fast moving, innovative working culture in equal measure, and spend real time on the floor making sure safety measures are always active and followed. Occasional travel between sites may be required.

• →Own the HSE management system and the multi year HSE strategy, objectives and roadmap, and report leading and lagging KPIs to senior leadership and the board
• →Develop and continuously improve health and safety policies and programs under the Ontario OHSA and its regulations, including O. Reg. 851, O. Reg. 297/13 and WHMIS 2015
• →Set the framework for workplace inspections, job hazard analyses and risk assessments, and oversee their execution
• →Own incident management, lead serious and complex investigations and meet OHSA reporting requirements, including critical injury reporting to the MLITSD
• →Oversee injury and illness recordkeeping and WSIB claims management, including Form 7 submissions and return to work planning
• →Chair and support the Joint Health and Safety Committee and keep certified member requirements met
• →Own emergency preparedness, fire drills, evacuation and spill response, including scenarios specific to energetics, cryogenics and high pressure systems
• →Direct the handling, storage, labelling and disposal of hazardous materials and waste, and maintain SDS libraries, permits and compliance documentation
• →Own the HSE training program, including WHMIS, Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space, Forklift and Health and Safety Awareness
• →Act as the primary HSE contact for regulators, insurers and auditors, lead internal audits and manage MLITSD and MECP inspections and findings to closure
• →Own the new hire experience through the first 90 days, including safety and WHMIS induction and ramp plans agreed with hiring managers
• →Build and protect a fast paced, innovative culture through company rituals, all hands, internal communications and recognition
• →Run the performance framework, including goal setting, review cycles, feedback and calibration, coach managers through difficult conversations and own engagement measurement
• →Own resignations and involuntary exits, including exit interviews and offboarding logistics, and feed recurring themes back into retention
• →Maintain HR records, policies and the employee handbook, meet Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code and AODA requirements, and own leave, accommodation and return to work planning

• Diploma or degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Science, Engineering, Human Resources or a related field
• 5+ years of progressive HSE experience in heavy industry, such as oil and gas, aerospace and defence, energetics, chemical or advanced manufacturing, including lead, supervisory or managerial accountability for a full program or site
• Deep working knowledge of the Ontario OHSA, WHMIS 2015, WSIB processes and environmental legislation (EPA, O. Reg. 347, CEPA), with a track record leading incident investigations, risk assessments and audits
• Demonstrated ownership of People Operations or HR generalist work across the employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, performance and exits, ideally in an organization scaling headcount quickly
• Working knowledge of the Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code and AODA, and practical command of HRIS and applicant tracking tools
• Leadership that influences at all levels, coaches supervisors and executives alike and is comfortable engaging with regulatory bodies
• Legally authorized to work in Canada and able to obtain and maintain a Controlled Goods Program security assessment

• Experience building or maturing a formal HSE management system
• CHRP or CHRL designation

A competitive salary, a comprehensive health benefits plan covering prescription drugs, dental, vision and paramedical services such as massage, chiropractic and physiotherapy, paid vacation, and the chance to shape safety and people practices for a fast growing Canadian space program.