Director of Human Resource Advisory Services

Position Details

Treasury Board Secretariat | Office of the Chief Information Officer

Reporting to the Assistant Deputy Minister, Human Resources, the Director of HR Advisory Services provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight to a team of Human Resources professionals delivering Employee Relations and Disability Management services across all Government of Newfoundland and Labrador departments, as well as select agencies and boards, within a highly unionized environment.

Working closely with deputy ministers, executive leaders, managers, and other key stakeholders, the Director plays a critical role in advancing government priorities, decisions, and strategic initiatives with human resource implications. The position ensures these priorities are effectively supported and implemented through progressive HR practices, sound risk management, and a commitment to organizational excellence. As a trusted advisor to senior leadership, the Director helps shape workforce strategies and solutions that support organizational objectives while fostering a respectful, productive, healthy, and engaged workplace.

As a senior HR leader, the Director provides expert advice, guidance, and strategic direction on complex, sensitive, and high-risk human resource matters affecting organizations across government. This includes supporting effective workforce planning and management, organizational decision-making, and the resolution of employee relations issues, while ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, collective agreements, policies, directives, and best practices.

The Director also provides leadership and oversight in Integrated Disability Management and Employee Relations. In this capacity, the position offers strategic advice and expert guidance to executives, managers, and employees on complex disability management and employee relations matters, including occupational and non-occupational illness or injury, WorkplaceNL claims, workplace accommodations, return-to-work planning, workplace investigations, grievance management, layoffs and bumping, and attendance support,

The Director must balance operational requirements with broader organizational objectives, exercising sound judgment, political acuity, and a solutions-focused approach in navigating complex and often competing priorities. The role requires the ability to assess risk, manage sensitive issues, influence decision-making, and develop practical, sustainable solutions that align with government priorities and operational needs.

The Director is also responsible for leading and developing a diverse team of Human Resources professionals, fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and client-focused culture. This includes setting clear expectations and accountability measures, managing performance, providing leadership and mentorship, and supporting the ongoing professional growth and development of staff. Through effective people leadership and workforce engagement, the Director ensures the consistent delivery of responsive, high-quality HR services that meet the evolving needs of government departments, agencies, and boards while maintaining a strong focus on service excellence and continuous improvement.

Screening Criteria

1. Completion of a bachelor’s degree in commerce or business administration with a concentration in HR (equivalencies will be considered).
2. Progressively responsible management experience in the field of human resources.
3. Progressively responsible experience leading staffing services to a large group of stakeholders.
4. Experience in the development and implementation of Disability Management and Employee Relations programs or policies.

Assessment Criteria

1. Knowledge of Human Resource Management
2. Knowledge of Human Resource Policies and Collective Agreements
3. Knowledge of the WorkplaceNL Act and Regulations, Human Rights Legislation and the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act and Regulations
4. Strategic leadership skills
5. Ability to manage resources
6. Ability to effectively manage change
7. Ability to effectively exchange communication
8. Stakeholder engagement
9. Professionalism

Conditions of Employment

Information for Applicants

For more information about this opportunity please contact: Renée Pendergast at 709-729-0827 or reneependergast@gov.nl.ca.

• The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador values inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility, and a workplace culture that benefits from varying ideas and lived experiences.
• Accommodations and alternate assessment formats are available upon request at any stage of the recruitment process by contacting recruitment@gov.nl.ca, 709-729-0130 or toll free at 1-888-729-7690. Video Relay Service (VRS) calls are welcomed.
• We are committed to providing an inclusive recruitment process with a focus on removing barriers. For common potential accommodations and adjustments during the recruitment process, click here. Accommodation information will be kept confidential.
• Preference will be given to applicants who are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada or those who are legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Applications must be received by the closing date stated in the job posting.
• It is the responsibility of applicants to submit a resume that clearly demonstrates the required screening criteria outlined in the job description.
• Applications must contain current contact information, including phone number, mailing and, e-mail addresses.
• Application information must be factual, complete and current, to date of submission.
• This competition may be used to fill future similar vacancies with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.