Chief Human Resources Officer

Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) is a not-for-profit social enterprise. We help Canadian Armed Forces members, Veterans and their families build self-reliance, resilience and readiness. Their mental, social/familial, physical and financial wellbeing is our overarching priority. Responsive to the changing needs of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), our programs and services contribute to operational readiness by making CAF members stronger at the individual and community level. Members who are stronger mentally, socially, physically and financially are better prepared to serve our country and protect Canadian values.

Working on behalf of the Chief of the Defence Staff and under the authority of the Minister of National Defence, CFMWS is a trusted partner in the Defence enterprise that creates real value for the CAF Community. CFMWS currently employs over 4,000 people as “Staff of the Non-Public Funds, Canadian Forces”, a separate employer under Schedule V of the Financial Administration Act of the Government of Canada. We work closely with DND and other government partners, to contribute to this larger Defence and security mission and the pursuit of common Government of Canada objectives.

The Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) is a critical member of the senior executive team of CFMWS and provides strategic leadership in all aspects of the HR function, including workforce planning, performance management, employee and labour relations, and compliance, while fostering a high-performing and ethical organizational culture. The CHRO oversees HR services and programs, leads cross-divisional change initiatives, and ensures alignment with organizational goals. Additionally, the CHRO represents the organization in labour contract negotiations, oversees the administration of pay and benefits, including a defined benefit pension, develops multi-year workforce strategies, and drives transformation and innovation through the implementation of a Human Capital Management (HCM) System.

Leading an HR team of nearly 100 employees, this very important leadership role, the ideal candidate is a seasoned human resource professional, with significant experience in managing and delivering HR programs and services across all HR disciplines.

The successful incumbent is a consultative and collaborative leader with in-depth knowledge of HR strategies, employment law, collective bargaining, governance frameworks, and leadership principles, coupled with expertise in workforce planning, policy development, and conflict resolution. The CHRO has a unique opportunity to transform HR operations, joining CFMWS at the beginning of a multi-phased technology project to implement an HCM. The ideal candidate has strong business acumen and understands how to leverage data to support decisions and drive performance.

The successful candidate will have 15+ years of progressive HR people leadership experience and a proven track record for leading and large-scale transformation and implementing human capital management systems. They will possess a minimum of 5 years at the executive leadership level and be proficient in both English and French. The CHRO will have proven skills in strategic planning, financial and risk management, change management and demonstrated ability in fostering professional networks are essential, with familiarity with the Canadian Armed Forces an asset.

Bilingual (English and French) Essential

Reading: Advanced

Writing: Functional

Oral: Advanced

Health Benefits: Drug coverage, healthcare spending account, virtual care (telemedicine), Employee and Family Assistance Program, mental health support, travel insurance, dental, vision, life insurance and disability insurance.

Work Life Balance: Flexible work options and a wide range of paid/unpaid leave, including paid vacation, family related leave and personal days.

Retirement Planning: A Defined Benefit Pension Plan and Group Savings Plans.

Learning and Development: Payment of professional association memberships, online learning opportunities including a LinkedIn Learning subscription and second language training.

Perks: Discounts through CF One Member Appreciation.

To Apply To fill this position, Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers Berndtson. Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online below

https://careers.odgersberndtson.com/en-ca/30284

For more information, please contact Joanne Agius of Odgers Berndtson at joanne.agius@odgersberndtson.com

We would like to thank all applicants but regret that we are only able to personally contact those individuals whose backgrounds best match the requirements for the role.

This is a hybrid position with an assigned work location allowing the employee to work partly from a corporate office and partly from a home office in accordance with the CFMWS Flexible Work Options Policy, and with approval from the direct manager.

To be determined

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers Berndtson and Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. Odgers Berndtson is deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all the work that we do. As part of our efforts to better understand our ability to reach as broad a pool of candidates as possible for our searches, our EDI team would like to encourage you to take a moment and access our Self-Declaration Form.