Corporate HR Advisor (Maternity Leave Replacement)

Main Functions

We are seeking a Human Resources Advisor with proven experience in employee relations across Canada (Québec and other provinces) and the United States. This is a 12- to 16-month contract position to cover a maternity leave. The successful candidate will provide expert guidance on employee relations matters, support managers and employees, and ensure compliance with applicable employment legislation across multiple jurisdictions.

This position is offered in a hybrid work arrangement, based in Montreal with two (2) days on‑site presence required.

The incumbent will support Canadian and U.S. managers on sensitive employee relations matters and will contribute to the continuous improvement of our HR processes and policies.

This role is essential to maintaining a healthy work environment through proactive manager support, consistent application of policies, and ongoing optimization of our HR practices.

The position is part of the Corporate Human Resources team and reports to the Lead HR Business Partner and the HR Director. Occasional support may also be provided to other countries as needed.

Tasks associated with this position also include, but may not be limited to:

• Serve as the first point of contact for US and Canadian employee relations issues, offering advice and ensuring fair and consistent application of HR policies.
• Support and coach managers on performance management, conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and workplace investigations.
• Provide day-to-day HR support to managers, helping them navigate complex HR matters with confidence and compliance.
• Facilitate training on HR best practices, policy updates and various HR topics, including diversity & inclusion, harassment prevention, and performance management.
• Review and revise employment contracts, job descriptions, and terms and conditions of employment to ensure alignment with legal standards and organizational needs.
• Collaborate with external legal teams as needed to obtain legal advice on a variety of HR matters and to ensure documentation accuracy.
• Lead or contribute to projects related to the development, revision, and communication of HR policies, employee handbooks, and internal guidelines.
• Support HR initiatives and projects, including employee engagement surveys, conducting exit interviews and updating and verifying employee records in the HRIS.
• Assist with legislation, arbitration decisions, and collective bargaining contracts to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Prepare and submit requests for government statistics and facilitate and participate in external HR audits.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation and policies that reflect current practices and legislative changes.
• Identify opportunities to streamline HR processes and enhance the employee experience.
• Participate in cross-functional HR initiatives and contribute to organizational development efforts.
  
  

Technical skills

Required

• In-depth knowledge of employment law and HR best practices in Quebec and Ontario.
• Working knowledge of employment practices and employee benefits in other Canadian provinces and in the United States.
• Solid understanding of performance management, conflict resolution, and employee relations processes.
• Excellent conflict resolution skills, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Have proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, notably Excel.
• Excellent computer literacy, including email and Internet tools, etc
  
  

An asset

• Proficiency in HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday, ADP, or similar).
  
  

Personal abilities

Required

• High degree of professionalism, discretion and integrity, especially when handling sensitive employee matters.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and credibility at all levels.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and follow through on outstanding issues.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, paired with a proactive mindset.
• Committed to continuous learning and staying current with employment legislation and HR best practices in both Canada and the U.S.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, evolving environment, comfortable multitasking.
• Adaptable and resourceful, with a strong sense of initiative and ownership over assigned responsibilities.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in French and English to support Canadian and US teams.
  
  

General criteria

Required

• High degree of professionalism, discretion and integrity, especially when handling sensitive employee matters.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and credibility at all levels.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and follow through on outstanding issues.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, paired with a proactive mindset.
• Committed to continuous learning and staying current with employment legislation and HR best practices in both Canada and the U.S.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, evolving environment, comfortable multitasking.
• Adaptable and resourceful, with a strong sense of initiative and ownership over assigned responsibilities.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in French and English to support Canadian and US teams.
  
  

Organization

Lallemand is a privately held Canadian company founded in the late 19th century, which develops, produces, and markets microorganisms for various markets. The administrative offices of the parent company are in Montreal, Canada. Today, Lallemand employs more than 6,500 people working in more than 45 countries on 5 continents.

Lallemand's corporate division encompasses all of the support services offered to our branches. Its goal is to optimize internal processes, ensure that your operation is running smoothly, and that your strategy is well thought-out.

Our corporate branch's head office is located in Montreal, Canada, and relies on a team that specializes in: Management; Finance and accounting; Engineering; Research and Development (R&D); Human Resources (HR); and Information Technology (IT). If you want to help bring enthusiasm, collaboration and innovation to our workplace, we'd love to get to know you!

Please take note that accommodations will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.