Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG), a leading, innovative and client-focused law firm in Canada, is seeking a National Director, Talent Operations & Transformation.

Purpose of the Role

Reporting to the Chief Talent Officer, the National Director, Talent Operations & Transformation provides leadership over the Firm’s Talent operations and programs for Business Services and all relative transformation projects including Talent systems and processes, and oversight and management for the Talent Human Resources Information System (HRIS).  

Success is delivering proactive value-added advice, guidance and service to Business Services colleagues to ensure that the Firm is optimizing the contribution of its most valuable assets; its people and that the Firm is able to attract and retain top talent within the legal services sector in Canada. 

The incumbent may be required to travel to other BLG offices.

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of this role are:

Talent Operations

• Lead the implementation of Workday encompassing the transformation of HR processes;
• Develop annual plans for optimizing the functionality of Workday;
• Oversee the administration of HRIS requirements for all Firm members; and
• Ensure Talent operations are aligned with Talent strategies, requirements and business needs.

Talent Transformation

• In collaboration with the National Director, Human Resources and the National Director, Professional Resources, align all Talent systems and processes nationally (i.e. policies, procedures and templates);
• Participate in transformation projects across the Firm to assess and advise on impact to Firm members;
• Proactively lead Talent process enhancements to drive operational efficiency and cost savings;
• Leverage technologies to address changing business needs and empower the Talent team; and
• In collaboration with the National Director of Human Resources and National Director, Data Management and Analytics, develop and oversee the Human Resources business intelligence and analytics functions.

Talent Project Management

• In collaboration with the National Director, Human Resources and the National Director, Professional Resources, oversee Talent projects through to completion to ensure alignment across the Talent function.

Retirement Program and Benefits

• Oversee the group benefit plans for Firm Members;
• Liaise with vendors for enhancements and contract renewals;
• Administer the Retirement Savings Plan for all Firm members;
• Participate as an active member of the Governance Committee;
• Liaise with vendors to ensure the needs of Firm members are met; and
• Develop and maintain a market leading wellness program nationally for all Firm members.

Financial

• Develop and manage national Talent operations budget.

Communication and Integration

• Meet regularly with Directors of Professional and Human Resources to ensure consistency in Talent processes and operations across the regions; and
• Work closely with Technology Services for functionality changes and system support for HRIS.

Team Leadership

• Manage the performance appraisal process including tracking forms and monitoring compliance; and
• Encourage, monitor, and support the ongoing professional development and training of the Business Services leads to ensure required capabilities are developed.

Experience Required

Academic Credentials

• Undergraduate degree in Human Resources / Administration and CHRL designation;
• 10+ Years of Relevant Experience;
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in Administration / Human Resources, preferably specializing in operations and talent reward programs;
• Experience in a large law firm or leading professional services firm is considered an asset.

Other Relevant Experience

• Bilingual in English and French is preferred;
• In-depth experience with Workday architecture and functionality; or any other Tier 1 HRIS;
• Demonstrated progressive experience in transformation strategy;
• Highly-developed interpersonal, communication, organizational and time-management skills;
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with people at all levels;
• Proven track record of management, organizational, delegation, time management and supervisory skills;
• Highly-developed analytical and problem solving skills;
• Strong client service orientation;
• Strong project management skills with a solutions-oriented approach to manage competing priorities while leading individuals and teams to desired outcomes;
• Deep knowledge of Microsoft Office suite software (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

How to Apply

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

At BLG only those BLG members who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine approved by Health Canada will be permitted to attend a BLG office or event.  “Fully vaccinated” means having received the full series (usually 2 doses) of a vaccine approved by Health Canada, with more than 14 days having passed since the second dose was administered. “Attending a BLG office” includes attending social or business gatherings organized by the Firm, with limits on the number of attendees in accordance with public health guidelines. With respect to client meetings, only fully vaccinated members of the Firm can meet in person with clients (others can attend virtually), unless prior authorization has been obtained from BLG and the client.  For any BLG member who is not fully vaccinated, and if the Firm requires your attendance in the office to perform your role, you must take a rapid antigen test conducted within the 24 hours prior to your coming to the office, and you must show proof of a negative test result. A new test is required for each day you are physically in the office.  Accommodations will be made for valid medical and religious reasons.  

Everyone at BLG is required to carry out the duties of their role while upholding the important principles of our respectful workplace policies, and treating everyone with respect, regardless of position. At BLG, valuing diversity and inclusion is key to a respectful workplace.

BLG is committed to building and fostering a workplace that is reflective of our communities, where all firm members feel included, valued, and heard.  We welcome applications from all qualified candidates but acknowledge the systemic and structural barriers that have, historically, marginalized and barred certain groups from accessing employment opportunities. As part of our commitment to removing barriers to employment, we strongly encourage applications from members of these historically marginalized groups including, but not limited to, Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities and women. Accommodations are available, upon request, in all aspects of the recruitment process.

*Please note that relatives of current BLG employees and partners are not eligible for consideration.