4 days per week in office - Toronto or Montreal
This role blends enterprise-level strategic leadership with strong operational execution in a complex professional services environment. The Director acts as a trusted advisor on all people-related matters and plays a key role in shaping culture, leadership capability, and organizational effectiveness.
You will be focusing on:
Strategic HR Leadership
Lead and execute on HR strategies aligned with the firm’s national People & Development strategy and business priorities, both regionally and nationally.
Provide strategic advice to senior leaders on workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, and talent development.
Talent Management & Employee Relations
Act as a senior advisor on talent management, performance, succession, and complex employee relations matters.
Ensure consistent, fair, and compliant application of HR policies and practices.
Stay current on employment legislation and market trends across multiple jurisdictions.
Manage human capital aspects of business transformation projects and help drive organizational improvement initiatives.
Oversee the disability management processes and workplace health and safety programs in each of the firm’s offices.
Partner with firm management in each office to execute on specific people projects and initiatives.
Participate and support local and firm-wide diversity and inclusion initiatives and seek to create an inclusive environment for all.
Recruitment
Oversee recruitment strategies for Business Services, Legal Assistants, and, where applicable, Law Clerks.
Strengthen the firm’s employee value proposition and employer brand.
Ensure recruitment and onboarding practices support equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Pension and Benefits
Oversee the firm’s benefits and pension plans.
Manage vendor relationships to ensure high-quality and cost-effective delivery of services
Partner on total rewards strategy and implement a comprehensive, effective communication strategy for Total Rewards for the firm.
Support leaders with data-driven, market-informed recommendations.
Ensure compliance with all pay equity and other relevant legislation.
Participate as a member of the Pension Management Committee.
Leadership & Team Development
Ensure efficient, high-quality HR operations with a strong service mindset.
Drive continuous improvement of HR processes, systems, and controls.
Use data and insights to improve outcomes and decision-making.
Lead, coach, and develop HR leaders and teams, building depth, resilience, and future capability.
Foster a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive team culture.
Act as a role model for the firm’s values and leadership expectations.
Managing P&D priorities across the firm and related budget.
What you bring to the role:
Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or a related field; CHRP/CHRL designation required
10-15 plus years of progressive HR experience, with a minimum of 10 years of experience managing teams, preferably in a large law firm or a comparable professional services environment.
Strong expertise across core HR disciplines, including employee relations, compensation, talent management, and HR operations.
Deep knowledge of Canadian employment legislation across all provinces in which the firm carries on business.
Proven ability to partner with senior leaders and operate with credibility at the executive level.
Highly effective project management skills with the ability to think critically and meet multiple deadlines.
Superior judgment and discretion, and ability to handle sensitive situations.
Experience with Workday is an asset.
Bilingualism (strong asset)
Norton Rose Fulbright is a large international legal practice with multiple offices around the world. Its clientele is also international, so we must be able to provide services in English and in French. As a result, a good working knowledge of both languages is required, since you will communicate frequently with managers and/or colleagues in other provinces or countries and/or will serve our clients in both languages.
Why join our team:
Retirement savings plan with employer contribution
Benefit premiums paid by the firm
Telemedicine services
Wellness matters: Flexible health and wellness allowance that covers much more than gym memberships!
Training and development programs based on your interests and needs
The salary bands provided reflect the typical range for this role in the region indicated. We recognize that each candidate brings a unique set of experiences and skills, and final compensation will be thoughtfully determined based on individual qualifications and current market factors. Please note that salary will be discussed and negotiated during interview.

Toronto: $160,900 - $198,800
Ready to join a proactive and modern firm that provides an exceptional career experience in an inclusive and collaborative environment? Come join us!
As part of a global legal practice, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada embrace a culture of excellence and client service, but always with a focus on flexibility, respect, diversity and openness. We strive to create an equitable, inclusive environment where everyone can bring their whole self to work and realize their career potential.
To find out more about how we integrate diversity, equity and inclusion in everything we do please click Diversity, equity and inclusion | Canada | Global law firm | Norton Rose Fulbright .
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruiting process, please inform us in the recruitment application. We will contact you to further discuss your need.
Please note that applicants who receive an employment offer may be required during their employment with Norton Rose Fulbright to provide proof of vaccinations recommended from time to time by government or public health authorities. Norton Rose Fulbright has a duty to accommodate those who are unable to get vaccinated due to protected grounds. For applicants who require an accommodation, please contact us to discuss further.
Law around the world
nortonrosefulbright.com
Please note that this job posting is being advertised to fill an existing vacancy.
