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People + Culture Generalist

Who we are:

For more than three decades, KPMB Architects has evolved in response to a changing world and worked to change it for the better. Guided by our purpose and anchored by our values, we craft design solutions that catalyze positive change.

As a full-service practice working across Canada and the United States, we provide expertise in building design, interior design, master planning, workplace strategy, public engagement, and sustainable design. KPMB has designed and delivered projects totalling more than 31 million square feet in a diverse range of sectors, including education, healthcare, scientific research, arts and culture, government, corporate, hospitality, recreation, and mixed-use development.

With uncompromising rigour and close attention to the increasingly complex needs of the world around us, our diverse team devotes their expertise, passion, and creativity to solve today’s challenges and unlock new opportunities for our clients and the communities we serve.

What we’re looking for:

The People + Culture Generalist is critical to our People + Culture team, supporting a wide range of HR function areas, building on, and implementing new initiatives to support a positive and engaging employee experience.

Reporting to the Director of People + Culture, your core areas of responsibility include managing the full-cycle recruitment and onboarding processes, driving the execution of the performance management program, and developing and implementing People + Culture policies and programs, including EDI, student hiring, health and safety and other ad hoc initiatives. You will act as the right hand to the Director of People + Culture, implementing engaging People + Culture policies and programs to drive an engaging, high-performing, and positive employee culture.

As a part of a nimble but mighty team, the role will also support HR administration tasks, including maintaining employee records, providing backup support for payroll processing and benefits administration, and completing various HR documentation and reports. Your contributions will be essential in ensuring the overall efficiency and effectiveness of our People + Culture operations and ultimately supporting the firm in reaching its objective of catalyzing change through the built environment.

Select responsibilities:

Talent acquisition 

  • Manage the full-cycle recruitment process, including drafting job descriptions, creating job postings on job boards, sourcing and coordinating candidates, conducting pre-screenings, and supporting selection decisions.
  • Collaborate with hiring managers to understand staffing needs and develop effective recruitment strategies.
  • Work with Marketing + Communications to highlight career opportunities both internally and externally.
  • Conduct employment reference checks and extend job offers to successful candidates.
  • Attend and represent KPMB at university and college job fairs in collaboration with the Student Hiring Committee to support the attraction of co-op students for KPMB’s internship program.
  • Maintain a talent pipeline, nurturing relationships with top external talent, for future hiring needs.

New hire onboarding + orientation 

  • Lead the new hire onboarding process, ensuring that all necessary steps are completed in alignment with onboarding plans to support a seamless onboarding experience for new hires.
  • Lead People + Culture onboarding sessions for new hires, providing them with an overview of organizational culture, structure, internal processes, ways of working, and employee policies, and function as a point of contact for People + Culture inquiries.
  • Oversee the completion of all legislated training for new hires and existing employees, including working at heights training.
  • Stay abreast of best practices and trends in new hire onboarding processes and make recommendations to continuously enhance new hire integration.

Performance + talent management

  • Support the planning, launch, and completion of formal annual performance management reviews, as well as the continuous feedback model.
  • Assist in the development of criteria, sourcing, selection, and implementation of performance management and goal-setting software in collaboration with the Director, People + Culture.
  • Assist managers in identifying and addressing employee development needs or performance-related matters, including formal Employee Development Plans.
  • Support the facilitation of talent management initiatives to promote employee growth and retention.

Employee experience

  • Foster a positive and engaging work environment through a variety of strategically selected and implemented employee engagement initiatives.
  • Collaborate with the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) committee to organize and coordinate employee events and recognition programs.
  • Conduct employee surveys, analyze feedback, and seek out opportunities to enhance employee experience and/or understanding of existing programs and initiatives.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion 

  • Promote and support equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives at KPMB.
  • Collaborate with the EDI Committee to develop and implement EDI programs and policies.
  • Source training and resources to support employee education on EDI topics, events, and impacts.
  • Monitor and report on EDI metrics to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
  • Review company policies and procedures through an EDI lens and recommend improvements or enhancements to training.

HR policy development + compliance

  • Assist in the development, implementation, and communication of People + Culture policies and procedures via our intranet.
  • Conduct regular audits to ensure employee policies and practices align with all relevant legislation.
  • Provide guidance to managers and employees on the interpretation and management of internal policies and best practices.

HR administration + payroll/benefits back-up

  • Support the accurate entry and maintenance of employee records within the HRIS or other business systems.
  • Assist with payroll processing and benefits administration as needed, particularly during vacation coverage or periods of high volume.
  • Complete HR administrative tasks, including preparing reports, maintaining HR documentation, and handling ad hoc tasks as required.

Candidate profile + qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent post-secondary education in Human Resources Management.
  • CHRP designation or in progress.
  • 5+ years of experience working in HR/People + Culture, with at least 2 years in a Generalist position, preferably within a professional services environment.
  • Effective communication skills (written and verbal) that foster trust and enhance positive working relationships.
  • A strategically minded individual who takes proactive initiative to improve practices and create clear, efficient, and effective People + Culture processes.
  • Knowledgeable in all People + Culture function areas, including but not limited to recruitment, onboarding and offboarding, performance management, training and development, compensation planning, HR metric analysis, and EDI.
  • Recognized as having a growth mindset, with strong self-awareness and a natural curiosity that drives the discovery of innovative ways to approach your work.
  • Proficient in technology with the ability to learn new software and platforms quickly (including Microsoft Suite with advanced proficiency in Excel, such as creating pivot tables, conditional formatting, etc.).

Why work with us:

Founded in 1987, KPMB Architects has developed a diverse portfolio of architectural projects that focus on building healthy, vibrant cities and communities. The firm has grown to include over 100 employees and is recognized for its highly collaborative and supportive culture, as well as its wide variety of experience and educational backgrounds. Some of our team members have grown with the firm from the start of their careers to become leaders, while others have joined at various points in their careers, bringing new ideas and approaches.

We provide a learning environment where teaching, mentoring, and collaboration are integral parts of our DNA. At KPMB, there are numerous opportunities to share your skills, engage in firm activities beyond project work, and contribute to our initiatives that give back to the community.

KPMB is committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we operate in and serve. KPMB Architects is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers applicants regardless of age, race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other protected status.

How to apply:

Please send your resume and portfolio to careers@kpmbarchitects.com with the subject line “People + Culture Generalist Application.” We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Salary range:

Compensation starts at an annualized base salary of $70,000.00.

Transportation and bike storage:

A daily free shuttle bus between Union Station and KPMB’s office is provided for all staff who use the subway system or GO transit, from Monday to Thursday. Underground bicycle parking is also available.