Human Resources Manager- US and Canada

The Human Resources Manager, U.S. and Canada serves as a strategic and hands-on HR leader responsible for delivering people strategies and operational excellence across the United States and Canada. Reporting to the Regional Director of Human Resources, North & Central America, this position leads a team of HR professionals and is accountable for developing organizational capability, strengthening leadership effectiveness, building succession pipelines, and fostering a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Position/Department

• Partner with leaders in the region to develop and execute HR strategies aligned with business objectives that support organization growth, commercial and operational excellence, employee engagement, compliance, and talent development
• Provide leadership and oversight of core HR operational functions including talent acquisition, employee engagement and culture, performance management, compensation, benefits, learning & development, compliance, payroll, HR systems & technology, and HR vendor partnerships
• Lead complex employee relations matters, investigations, conflict resolutions, and other work-related concerns
• Oversee compensation practices by evaluating pay structures, supporting salary decisions, and helping maintain internal and external equity
• Work with the Regional Director to translate global initiatives into effective US and Canada-based execution 
• Serve as a trusted advisor to business leaders on performance management, succession planning, employee relations, and change management
• Guide leaders through change management, performance management, and workforce planning
• Track, ensure accuracy, and regularly report HR metrics (retention, headcount, time-to-fill, etc.). Utilize HR metrics and insights to drive decision-making
• Contribute to local, regional, and global employer branding, employee engagement, recruiting, onboarding, offboarding, and learning & development initiatives 
• Serve as a balanced advocate for employees and the business 
• Oversee administration of compensation, self-insured benefits programs, leave management, and payroll functions
• Ensure payroll accuracy, multi-state compliance, and effective internal controls
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations
• Partner with external vendors, brokers, and service providers to optimize program effectiveness and cost management
• Support and manage programs that recognize performance and reinforce a high-performance culture 
• Manage immigration, visa compliance, and other regulatory requirements 

Leadership/Teamwork 

• Hire, promote, and develop direct reports and provide effective leadership with ongoing coaching, communication, and development opportunities 
• Lead by example by demonstrating high-level HR skills and knowledge
• Support and foster a high-energy, positive, productive HR team
• Establish SMART goals and objectives for direct reports that align with business needs
• Regularly evaluate and provide performance feedback, identify strengths and opportunities for individuals as well as the team  
• Foster a culture of accountability, service excellence, continuous improvement, and collaboration
• Foster a culture of recognition by acknowledging and celebrating outstanding performance and success  
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (leadership, sales, regional and global HR, marketing, production, etc.) to ensure initiatives support organizational goals
• Work closely and collaborate with all departments to improve communications, implement efficiencies, and increase our ability to create Customer Success

 Continuous Improvement/Problem Solving

• Provide vision and leadership for designing, developing, and implementing HR continuous improvement initiatives and programs that create business value 
• Ensure continuous improvement initiatives and programs are reliable, cost-effective, and strategically sound, as well as reflecting the qualities that align with company goals
• Seek opportunities to share best practices regionally and globally

 Systems

• Serve as an HRIS (ADP Workforce Now), Cornerstone, Employee Navigator, Emburse, Certify, and Motus system administrator 
• Identify and support “power users” and administrators for the various HR related systems by supporting existing staff and helping onboard new users
• Utilize system capabilities and new technologies to create efficiencies and improve processes

 Barentz Culture/Fundamentals

• Support and provide leadership for our regional Culture Ambassadors 
• Champion a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture
• Support and lead by example, following Barentz’ purpose, strategies, and values 
• Act legally and ethically in all professional relationships in adherence to Barentz’ culture, values, and fundamentals
• Contribute to an environment of trust and mutual respect 
• Maintain a strong commitment to teamwork and concern for others 
• Maintain a high level of personal responsibility and ownership
• Use effective communication and listening skills
• Foster an inclusive and diverse workplace where every team member feels valued and respected
• Foster a positive, team-oriented and results-driven culture that is aligned with Barentz’ values and fundamentals

Learning and Development

• Seek out and participate in ongoing growth and personal development opportunities
• Embrace and promote Barentz’ learning and development culture
• Make recommendations and support ongoing development for direct and indirect reports

Other Duties and Responsibilities 

• Duties and responsibilities may be amended at any time based on the needs of the business

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field required
• Professional HR certification preferred (SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CPHR, CHRL, CRHA, or equivalent).

Experience

• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive human resources leadership experience required
• Minimum of 5 years managing HR professionals in multiple disciplines required
• Demonstrated experience in a multi-divisional organization preferred 
• Experience with HRIS platforms and ability to learn new systems quickly
• Proven ability to conduct workplace investigations and manage complex employee relations matters with appropriate judgment and discretion 
• Strong background across full spectrum HR (generalist + strategic leadership) in a multi-state environment
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and drive clarity in an evolving environment 
• Strong knowledge of and experience in US and Canadian employment law and compliance 

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

• Comprehensive knowledge of all functional areas of human resources including talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, benefits, payroll, performance management, training, organizational effectiveness, and compliance 
• Strong business acumen and ability to align HR strategies with organizational goals
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to adapt communication style to the audience as needed
• Demonstrated exceptional organizational, presentation, problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills 
• Self-motivated, high energy, and engaging level of enthusiasm and positive outlook
• Must be able to effectively prioritize work assignments for self and others
• Ability and desire to develop meaningful/productive business relationships at all levels
• Software knowledge of Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Fluent in English; a second language would be considered an asset