Northumberland Ferries Limited and Bay Ferries Limited, regional leaders in the passenger transportation industry, are seeking an experienced Director of People & Culture to join our team. This is a year-round, full-time, position primarily located in Charlottetown, PEI with occasional travel required to all of our ships and terminals in PEI, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.
Reporting to the Vice President Administration, the Director of People & Culture is responsible for the overall management of human resource function, from recruitment, onboarding, training and development and labour relations. The Director will lead all labour relations matters with the seven trade unions, including workplace relations, negotiations, and collective agreement administration.
The role is also responsible for the administration of corporate group benefits, EFAP, and pension plans for all employees, and developing and implementing corporate policies and procedures for both companies. Director of People & Culture will work very closely with the finance department in providing key input and direction into the companies’ payroll and benefits. This role is a key team player in the senior management team.
The Director of People & Culture will:
- Lead the People & Culture team, support the senior management team in all human resource facets enabling the companies to achieve all corporate objectives while building a strong, cohesive and engaged workforce.
- Promote a positive, supportive, safe, and respectful working environment for our employees.
- Oversee all labour relations matters to achieve workplace harmony with the Employer’s seven trade Unions – including collective agreement administration & interpretation, grievance handling, arbitration administration, maintaining all Canadian Labour Code standards & compliance, and Human Rights Code implementation and investigations into workplace harassment, violence, human rights complaints and grievances.
- Administer in harmony with the Finance division, corporate group benefits, EFAP, and pension plans for all employees. Provide key input to Finance department interpreting the application of the Collective Agreement and Excluded Employee terms of employment. Implement and assist with Attendance Management processes.
- Oversee and administer the recruitment, vetting, and onboarding of all employees, including excluded staff.
- Track industry trends in regard to compensation, training and recruiting to assist management in being able to attract and retain an engaged workforce.
- Coordinate training requirements including marine industry requirements, corporate leadership training standards and programs, as well as ensuring the company’s SAIL and LMS programs meet operational and industry requirements.
- Develop and implement People & Culture policies and procedures, oversee and implement Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, on an ongoing basis.
- Structure working agreements for excluded employees and assist in managing and reviewing their performance.
- Coordinate disability claims and return to work plans along with the Safety Workplace team.
- Maintain current knowledge of and compliance with corporate reporting requirements (e.g., WCB, Employment Equity, Canada Labour Code, human rights, marine personnel regulations, etc.).
- Provide advice to managers and supervisors on performance evaluations, career development plans; resolution of interpersonal issues, overseeing coaching, discipline, etc. The Director may assist in mediating internal workplace disputes when appropriate.
Desired Qualifications:
- Post-secondary degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation.
- Demonstrated commitment and knowledge or Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion best practices.
- 5+ years' experience in a small to medium-sized organization, preferably in a Collective Bargaining regime. Proven leadership skills.
- Demonstrated understanding of Canada Labour Code, and Human Right Code.
- Excellent communication skills, high level of discretion and confidentiality, highly organized and deadline-oriented, great attention to detail, strong analytical skills, strategic and tactical thinker.
This position requires a willingness to work a flexible schedule, including weekend and evening work, and overnight travel. We are committed to employment equity and actively recruits candidates from designated groups defined in the Employment Equity Act (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities).
We expect to offer the successful candidate a starting salary of range $100,000 to $140,0000, in addition to health benefits. Actual salary offered will be commensurate with education, experience, and internal parity.
Please include a cover letter with your resume.
Application deadline Friday, August 15th, 2025 at 1600 (4 PM)
We appreciate everyone who took the time to apply. Please note that only those selected to continue in the hiring process will be contacted.
