Interim Director, Human Resources

IMMEDIATE INTERIM OPPORTUNITY

Interim Director, Human Resources

Reports To: Chief Human Resources Officer

Duration: 6 - 12 months (possible permanent)

Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada (hybrid)

Our client is a Canadian retail organization with a global footprint. They are urgently seeking an Interim Director of Human Resources to bridge the gap until a permanent candidate is selected. Working closely with the CHRO, the interim executive will be involved with all aspects of HR, including strategy, talent acquisition, employee engagement, performance management, compensation and benefits, organizational development, culture, compliance, and succession planning. The ideal candidate will be a “people-first” leader that inspires trust at all employee levels and that can operate both strategically and “in-the-weeds”. Previous experience within a retail environment is a mandatory requirement.

Key Accountabilities (may include):

• Continuously improve and re-structure the HR function and decision making, as well as the development of new programs to support the business across all provinces and globally.
• Manage, coach and develop a team of roughly 10 HR professionals; Provide feedback and conduct formal evaluations to ensure skills, competencies and expertise help to meet department and company objectives.
• Participate in the annual and long-term HR planning and strategy development process.
• Serve as a trusted partner to the senior leadership team on organizational design, workforce planning, succession planning, and change management.
• Contribute to the development of the HR agenda and lead projects aimed at improving programs and processes that will ensure HR and organizational effectiveness.
• Design and oversee effective recruitment strategies to attract top industry talent within services, compliance, operations, and corporate functions.
• Implement onboarding and retention initiatives that enhance employee engagement.
• Oversee compensation and benefits strategy, ensuring compliance with provincial legislation.
• Establish and develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders as required to implement personnel plans and to ensure that the company interest and image are protected and promoted.
• Contribute to the development of business processes and systems within the company to increase efficiency and consistency.
• Identify company training needs and create programs to improve competency development of stakeholders.
• Take an active role in the employee opinion survey to measure levels of employee engagement and satisfaction.

Competencies and Requirements:

• Human Resources designation (or equivalent provincial certification) preferred.
• Previous experience working within a retail business leading several of the following areas: Performance Management; Talent/Succession Management; Recruitment; Employee Relations; Compensation; and Training and Development.
• 8-10 years of progressive HR leadership experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field.
• Labour relations experience considered an asset.
• Ability to operate both strategically and tactically, as the situation requires.
• Motivated by a rapid business tempo and a desire to build through collaboration.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian employment legislation across multiple provinces.
• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
• Independent, self-starter with exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Experience leading through growth and organizational change.

PLEASE SEND YOUR CV (AS A WORD DOC) TO: Interim.Applications@LHHknightsbridge.com (Subject: Job Title)

LHH Knightsbridge Interim Management is a service to help our clients address a wide range of scenarios including leadership support due to sudden departures, driving key change initiatives or leading transformation projects. Our interim executives step in with minimal downtime to meet specific objectives and deliver results. All have held senior positions in the past and have now chosen to offer their unique depth and breadth of experience to organizations on a limited engagement basis.

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Lee Hecht Harrison Knightsbridge Corp. is committed to providing equitable treatment and accommodation to ensure a barrier-free recruitment process. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and our AODA policy, a request for accommodation will be accepted as part of the hiring process. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, please provide your accommodation needs in advance to the Recruitment Lead for this opportunity.

We thank all interested candidates in advance; however, only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.

October 2026