We're on the lookout for an exceptional People Operations Specialist with a keen interest in HR to join our team!

If you're ready to level up and eager to be part of a leading global full-service advertising agency that’s all about exploring further and doing insightful, impactful creative work, then you're exactly who we're looking for!

This opportunity is for someone who's not just an HR Generalist who loves People and all things People related, but a collaborative team player who partners with our cross-functional agency crew.

Your mission? Work closely with our dedicated People & Culture team to continuously maintain an environment that not only runs smoothly and efficiently but also fosters a culture of collaboration, creativity and innovation, and business success. And yes, you'll help us manage the operations of our HRIS, people programs, as well as administering payroll and benefits, ensuring everyone is paid and well taken care of for all the great work we do!

Sound like you? Sounds like fun? We invite you to read on…

The Role:

As an Explorer you’ll exemplify our values: courage, curiosity, ambition, and integrity.

You will be the primary liaison for colleagues, offering seamless support for people inquiries while managing deliverables across various People Operations/HR functions, including: payroll and HRIS, benefits and insurance, policies, reporting, etc.

In this pivotal role, you'll also be at the forefront of streamlining HR operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. If you're ready to tackle these challenges head-on and make a meaningful impact, start exploring a career with INNOCEAN Worldwide.

What your typical day will look like:

• Be the first point of contact to respond to employees’ requests and questions, providing facilitation and support as required
• Manage HRIS data, reporting and analysis, including but not limited to new hires, salary changes, status changes, exits, and reporting on metrics and trends
• Keep employee files and HR records up to date
• Partner with Hiring Managers and People Team members to support full-cycle recruitment, including drafting job postings, scheduling interviews, coordinating feedback, conducting reference checks, and preparing offer letters
• Deliver a smooth onboarding experience by preparing documentation, coordinating new hire orientations, and ensuring all logistics are in place
• Administer employee benefits including enrollment, changes, termination, and answering any benefits-related questions; review usage trends and make recommendations to enhance offerings at renewals
• Work with People and Finance teams on payroll administration including payroll input, data verification, processing, and audits
• Respond to employee inquiries and requests including LOAs, RSP, payroll/ADP, and other people-related policies and processes
• Support the coordination and execution of people programs such as performance reviews, engagement surveys, recognition initiatives, learning opportunities, DEI activities, and wellness programs
• Assist with policy updates, employee handbook revisions, and compliance with employment legislation and company guidelines
• Track and analyze key HR metrics (e.g., turnover, engagement, time-to-fill) and prepare insights to support decision-making
• Support People Team in logistical arrangements for onboarding, filing documents,parking arrangements etc.

The Knowledge and Experience you bring:

• Relevant education and 2-3 years of experience in a People/HR/Operations role
• Bilingualism is an asset - from French to another language, proudly tell us what you’ve got!
• Knowledge of various HR processes, principles, and benefit administration
• Previous in-house payroll exposure is required
• Have worked in HRIS and payroll administration (ADP Workforce Now experience a strong asset), and benefits systems
• Knowledge of benefits administration, and interpretation of group policy
• Technologically proficient with an ability to learn new software and platforms
• Experience generating reports from HRIS and/or spreadsheets
• Demonstrate problem solving skills
• Demonstrates initiative and ability to be agile in responding to needs as they arise
• Ability to build constructive, friendly professional relationships and networks
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, and high attention to detail
• Exceptional customer service orientation as well as the ability to work independently, as required
• Superior organizational skills and follow-through on deliverables
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven experience in an operations management role or similar, with a strong emphasis on vendor management, office administration, and support services
• First Aid certification is an asset but not required

The Skills and Qualities that make you stand out:

• You are early in your career, with relevant education and/or some experience in dynamic HR, eager to put your growth mindset to work and accelerate your career
• You are a person of integrity through and through - no matter the level of the role, in people & culture/HR discretion and ethics are of paramount importance
• You’re incredibly professional and detail-oriented but you never lose your people-first mindset, you’re focused on creating a positive and inclusive culture for creative high-performers
• You are operations and program delivery driven, using excellent organizational and time management skills to collaboratively help us move projects and people programs forward
• You’re a natural relationship builder with the ability to connect with people at all levels, listen, and build trust
• You are a team player who demonstrates active participation, flexibility, and a commitment to the success of the team as a whole.
• You are a strong and clear communicator who keeps the appropriate stakeholders informed
• You can manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain detailed records in a dynamic fast-paced environment.
• And we’ll say it once more because it’s that important: ATTENTION TO DETAIL. We deal with contracts, payroll, the benefits people need to stay healthy and well, personal and private information, compensation, equity, conflict mediation, policy crafting and interpretation, employment legislation, all the things that affect people’s careers and lives - everyone makes mistakes on occasion but in our line of work they must be few and far between!
• Above all, you’re naturally curious, ambitious, optimistic, and an all around good human!!

What you’ll love about working at INNOCEAN Canada:

-People-first and Inclusive of all – we’re proud to be recognized by ‘Great Places to Work’ - four years in a row and counting – overall, as well as for youth, inclusion, and as a Best Place to Work for Women.

-Flexible hybrid work set up, with an awesome space at King Street West for collaboration and team get-togethers.

-Generous time off plus an end of year winter break equals time well taken; our people also get extra days off when they reach key work milestones!

-Your Wellbeing is all-important. Our comprehensive plan covers insurance must-haves and nice to haves from full benefits coverage and flex spending account for additional $$$, to RRSP’s confidential individual counseling, and paid personal days for you to take care of you.

-Coaching and mentorship in your day-to-day to fuel your growth.

INNOCEAN Canada is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, inclusion, and teamwork. We encourage all qualified applicants to inquire below. Any disability-related needs will be accommodated throughout the recruitment process.