Interim Manager, Human Resources and Administration, EMS

Interim Manager  Human Resources and Administration, EMSPosting #: EMS-29-25Opening Date: October 23, 2025Closing Date: November 3, 2025Department: Emergency Medical ServicesLocation: County of Essex – Administration Building (Essex)Salary Band: Band 7 | Non-Union | 40 Hours/WeekCompensation Range: $129,915 - $159,502Vacancy Status: This is a temporary position for 12- 18 months, covering a leave.Role Snapshot (Our Elevator Pitch!)Are you a people-centered leader with a passion for balancing strategy and service? Join Essex-Windsor EMS as our Interim Manager, Human Resources & Administration, and play a pivotal role in leading the people, processes, and systems that keep our frontline paramedics supported and our operations running smoothly.In this 12–18 month interim role, you’ll provide leadership across a dynamic portfolio that includes Human Resources, Workforce Management (Scheduling), and Administration. From leading recruitment, labour relations, and attendance management, to optimizing scheduling and workforce planning for close to 400 paramedics, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to the success of a world-class EMS team while supporting an inclusive and accountable workplace culture.What You’ll DoIn this role, you will be responsible for:Leadership, Strategy, and People DevelopmentProvide leadership and direction to the HR, Workforce Management, and Administration teams within Essex-Windsor EMSCollaborate with the Chief and Deputy Chiefs of EMS to align workforce strategies with operational priorities and County objectivesMentor, coach, and empower staff to perform at their best while fostering a respectful, supportive, and psychologically safe environmentBuild strong, trust-based relationships across all levels of the organization, promoting transparency, collaboration, and continuous improvementAct as the HR liaison between Essex-Windsor EMS and the County’s Human Resources Division to ensure consistency in policy, practice, and employee experienceHuman Resources and Labour RelationsLead and coordinate all HR functions for EMS, including labour relations, recruitment and selection, attendance and disability management, and performance developmentInterpret and apply the CUPE 2974.2 Collective Agreement, Employment Standards Act, and related legislationLead departmental workplace investigations, grievances, and progressive discipline processes in collaboration with Director of HR and legal counselDevelop and implement EMS HR policies and procedures that promote fairness, compliance, and organizational effectivenessWorkforce Management and PlanningOversee all scheduling operations, ensuring equitable and efficient deployment of paramedics to meet service demandsLead the Master Schedule Rebid (Steady Bases) process and drive improvements in workforce planning systems and data integrityAnalyze scheduling trends, absenteeism, and overtime metrics to inform staffing decisions and operational planningChampion innovation in workforce management practices, supporting long-term sustainability and employee engagementCompliance, Administration and ReportingOversee compliance with Ministry of Health standards and maintain accurate employee qualification and certification recordsDirect the administrative functions supporting EMS leadership, ensuring timely and accurate reporting, document management, and correspondenceContribute to the preparation of departmental reports, data dashboards, and presentations to senior leadershipEnsure confidentiality and proper handling of employee information and records in accordance with County policyWhat You BringEducation:Post-secondary degree or diploma in Human Resources, Business or Public Administration, or related disciplineCHRP or CHRL designation (or actively pursuing) preferredExperience and Expertise:Minimum of five (5) years of progressive HR experience, including leadership experience in a unionized, public sector environmentStrong working knowledge of employment and labour legislation, HR best practices, and collective agreement administrationDemonstrated experience managing scheduling or workforce planning systems considered a strong assetSkills and Abilities:Proven ability to foster collaboration, trust, and respect across diverse teams and stakeholder groupsExcellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a focus on practical, people-first solutionsStrong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environmentCommitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and psychological safety in the workplaceOther Requirements:A valid Class “G” Ontario driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle for work-related purposesAbility to provide a Ministry of Transportation Driver Abstract and Police Information CheckWhat We Are OfferingA temporary full-time position (up to 18 months) based at the County of Essex Administration Building in Essex, OntarioThe opportunity to lead a high-performing team that supports paramedics serving the residents of Essex County every dayCompetitive compensation and comprehensive benefits aligned with the County’s non-union policiesParticipation in the OMERS pension planOngoing professional development and mentorship within a supportive leadership team that values growth and innovationA Note to Potential ApplicantsWe know that exceptional leaders come from a variety of backgrounds. Even if you don’t meet every qualification listed, but you’re passionate about people, service, and leading with integrity - we encourage you to apply. You may be exactly the kind of leader who will thrive in this role.This is a fast-paced, high-impact leadership role that requires balancing strategic thinking with hands-on problem-solving. Each day brings new challenges - from supporting frontline staff to navigating complex labour and workforce planning issues - but also the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in how we serve our community.What We Are OfferingYour journey starts here. Submit your application online at the Career Opportunities section of our website at www.countyofessex.ca by November 3, 2025.If selected, you will be contacted by our HR team to participate in our hiring process.We believe in a thoughtful and transparent hiring process designed to identify the best candidate for the role while allowing you to learn about us.Here’s what you can expect:1. Application SubmissionSubmit your application, including a tailored resume and cover letter, through our online portal by November 3, 2025. Be sure to highlight your experience that directly connects with this opportunity.2. Initial ScreeningOur hiring team will review applications to shortlist candidates whose skills, qualifications, and experience closely match the role’s requirements.3. Comprehensive Interview PanelSelected candidates will be invited to a panel interview. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Friday, November 7, 2025. This stage will focus on your experience and skills in the area of Human Resources and leadership. The panel will include senior leadership from our Human Resources and EMS departments.4. Offer and OnboardingIf selected, you’ll receive a formal offer outlining the interim terms of employment. This position is expected to start December 1, 2025. Upon acceptance, our onboarding team and current Manager will work with you to ensure a smooth transition, including introductions to your team, access to tools and systems, and a comprehensive overview of the strategic priorities for 2026.The County of Essex embraces diversity and inclusion in our workforce and workplace. We are committed to building inclusive teams and an equitable environment for people to be themselves. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate needs under human rights legislation throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Please let us know of any accommodations through hr@countyofessex.ca. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. This information can be made available in alternate formats upon request.Personal information is collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used for employment opportunities only.