People & Culture Manager (Contract)

Job Description

Overview

At Dunsire, we don’t just build homes — we build opportunity. As a leading developer with an active pipeline of purpose-built rental communities and new home construction across Southern Ontario, we offer our team the confidence of working with a company that’s moving forward, not standing still. While others are slowing down, Dunsire is scaling up, with multiple low-rise, mid-rise, and rental projects underway — strengthened by our partnership with Drewlo Holdings, one of the region’s most respected rental developers.

Our award-winning communities are a testament to the pride we take in quality, innovation, and bringing “wow” to every stage from design to delivery. We’re passionate about creating not only outstanding homes but also an outstanding workplace, where top talent is inspired, supported, and given room to grow.

Role Overview

The People & Culture Manager plays a critical leadership role in building and sustaining a high-performance, people-first culture. This position is fully accountable for the end-to-end employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, training and development, compliance, compensation, and HR systems. This role will ensure our People & Culture function is structured, organized, compliant, and scalable, with clearly documented processes, well-maintained employee records, and systems that support operational excellence. This is a contract position from April 2026 to September 2027 to cover a maternity leave.

Responsibilities

1. 1. Recruitment and Retention

   Fully accountable for leading and executing the recruitment process for all positions.

   Partner with leadership to forecast workforce needs and hiring timelines.

   Lead candidate screening, interviews, reference and background checks.

   Own all employment documentation and new hire compliance requirements.

   Deliver a structured, professional, and high-quality onboarding experience that ensures successful new hire integration.

   Develop and implement strategies to retain and develop high-performing team members.

2. 2. Employee Relations

   Develop, implement and continuously improve HR policies, procedures, and programs.

   Act as a trusted advisor to leadership on employee relations, investigations, discipline, and employment matters.

   Lead labour relations matters where applicable.

   Support and promote a positive workplace culture aligned with company values.

   Facilitate employee engagement initiatives, including town halls and engagement surveys.

3. 3. Training and Development

   Own the design, implementation, and oversight of performance management systems and leadership development programs.

   Create and lead internal training initiatives aligned with company strategy and industry best practices.

   Manage external training partnerships where appropriate.

   Oversee training budgets and maintain accurate training documentation.

4. 4. Organizational Development

   Lead succession planning, workforce development, and change management initiatives.

   Support leadership in aligning culture, performance, and accountability.

   Design and manage employee engagement programs that foster high performance and recognition.

   Support initiatives that position the organization as an employer of choice.

5. 5. Systems and Processes

   Own the organization, maintenance, and integrity of all employee files and HR documentation.

   Ensure all HR-related records are current, compliant, and easily accessible.

   Maintain structured HR systems and digital filing processes to support operational efficiency and audit readiness.

   Partner with IT to support employee hardware lifecycle and asset management processes.

6. 6. Compensation and Benefits

   Oversee payroll processing and ensure full compliance with all government reporting requirements.

   Administer employee benefits, RRSP/DPSP programs, and leaves of absence.

   Monitor wage and salary structures and support competitive compensation analysis.

   Recommend enhancements to benefits and compensation programs to support retention.

7. 7. Health and Safety

   Provide leadership and oversight of the company’s health and safety program.

   Ensure compliance with all statutory training and reporting requirements.

   Oversee WSIB claims and related documentation.

8. 8. Culture & Engagement

   Support and coordinate company culture and engagement initiatives, including town halls and employee events.

   Encourage cross-department participation in engagement and recognition initiatives.

This job description outlines key areas of responsibility but is not exhaustive. The People & Culture Manager is expected to exercise professional judgment and may be assigned additional responsibilities as required to support the organization’s objectives.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive HR experience.

• Strong experience in employee relations, recruitment, and HR systems.

• Payroll and benefits administration experience preferred.

• Proficiency in ADP Workforce Now is considered an asset.

• Post-secondary education in Human Resources or related field.

• Strong organizational and documentation management capabilities.

• Demonstrated discretion and high ethical standards.

• Ability to travel to sites as required.

Why Join Dunsire?

• Come join a company that has been certified as a Great Place to Work by our amazing team!
• Certified as one of the Best Workplaces in Real Estate & Construction, Best Workplaces in Ontario, Best Workplaces in Canada and Best Workplaces Led by Women!
• Growth Opportunities: Be part of a growing organization with opportunities for professional advancement.
• Impact: Play a direct role in shaping communities across Southern Ontario.
• Culture: Join a collaborative and supportive team that values innovation and excellence.
• Compensation: A competitive salary, commensurate with experience and health & dental benefits.

Proposed Salary Range: $100,000-120,000 annually

Please note: This is a maternity leave coverage position, and we do not use AI to screen resumes.