Assistant Director of People & Culture (Contract)

About Four Seasons:

Four Seasons is powered by our people. We are a collective of individuals who crave to become better, to push ourselves to new heights and to treat each other as we wish to be treated in return. Our team members around the world create amazing experiences for our guests, residents, and partners through a commitment to luxury with genuine heart. We know that the best way to enable our people to deliver these exceptional guest experiences is through a world-class employee experience and company culture.
At Four Seasons, we believe in recognizing a familiar face, welcoming a new one and treating everyone we meet the way we would want to be treated ourselves. Whether you work with us, stay with us, live with us or discover with us, we believe our purpose is to create impressions that will stay with you for a lifetime. It comes from our belief that life is richer when we truly connect to the people and the world around us.

About the location:

A warm welcome framed by spacious, modern design awaits you in the heart of Toronto's historic Yorkville neighbourhood. Enjoy authentic French cuisine paired with one of our 350 wine labels at Café Boulud, and specialty craft cocktails at our spirited lobby lounge and bar. Enjoy the serenity of our Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rated Spa, or step out and explore the vibrant character of Toronto's most glamorous shopping and restaurant district.

About the role:

This role reports to the Director of People & Culture, and oversees the People & Culture Manager, Talent Acquisition Manager, and People & Culture Coordinator. It is responsible for the day‑to‑day operations of the People & Culture department. The Assistant Director of People & Culture is a true driver of the employee experience. As an essential member of the People & Culture Team, you will help employees bring their best selves to work, achieve their goals, and build self‑confidence. You will foster an environment grounded in fairness, inclusion, and service excellence. The Assistant Director of People & Culture will support the growth and development of the People & Culture team and oversee activities including workforce planning, leadership and employee coaching, labour relations, and employment law compliance.

This is a 12-month contract position, scheduled to begin in November 2026, and based on-site at 60 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto.

What you will do:

• Lead and oversee the day‑to‑day operations of the People & Culture Department and collaborate with leadership on the implementation of the People & Culture strategy.
• Act as an objective third party in employee counselling, problem‑solving, and conflict resolution, and communicate to the Director of People & Culture any circumstances that may raise legal issues or liabilities for the hotel.
• Identify, analyze, and initiate appropriate actions to resolve patterns of unsatisfactory employee turnover.
• Assist in managing the financial aspects of the departmental budget, including benefits, labour and salary reporting, and planning cost‑effective events within budget guidelines.
• Oversee regular audits of insurance records, immigration and labour records, and paid‑time‑off allowances.
• Support and lead in the absence of the Director of People and Culture, labour relations activities, including union engagement, collective agreement interpretation, and resolution of workplace issues to foster positive employer–union relationships.
• Monitor and ensure organizational compliance with federal, provincial, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; review and revise policies and practices to maintain compliance.
• Act as a liaison between employees and management to address questions or concerns regarding company policies, practices, and regulations.
• Work closely with Finance regarding labour meetings, employee attestations, and wage and hour training.
• Supervise employee programs such as recognition celebrations, community outreach, internal meetings, bi‑annual staff events, and more.
• Respond to employee claims, Workers’ Compensation matters, Leaves of Absence, and Wage & Hour inquiries.
• Participate and be an active member of the Health, Safety and Security Committee, including monthly meetings.
• Work harmoniously and professionally with all staff while maintaining the confidentiality of People & Culture information.
• Oversee the hiring process and support the Talent Acquisition Manager.
• Develop your own team and support the Learning & Development Manager in their regional role.
• Handle employee discipline and termination in accordance with company policy.

What you will bring:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a People & Culture (Human Resources) leadership role, preferably within the luxury hospitality industry.
• Strong understanding of hotel operations and the People & Culture function as a strategic business partner.
• Formal education or certification in Human Resources Management or a related field.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and Workday HRS. Experience with ADP Workforce Now and OnTrack Performance Tools is an asset.
• Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, both written and verbal. Fluency in English is required.
• Exceptional organizational skills and keen attention to detail.
• High level of emotional intelligence and excellent interpersonal abilities.
• Genuine passion for luxury hospitality and delivering exceptional service.
• CHRP or CHRL certification (or equivalent) considered an asset.

What we offer:

• Paid time off, including vacation days, management holiday days, and sick days
• Complimentary meal per shift in our employee dining room, OASIS
• Complimentary dry cleaning of business clothes
• Robust extended flex benefit plan through Manulife, including medical, HCSA, dental, vision, life insurance, virtual health care, EAP, DPSP/RRSP/TFSAs
• Monthly Employee Recognition celebrations and Bi-Annual Employee Parties
• The salary range for this position is between $95,000 - $110,000 per year.

... and more!

Schedule & Hours

The ideal candidate will be available Mondays to Fridays, with evening and weekend coverage based on business needs and operational requirements. This is a 12-month contract position, scheduled to begin in November 2026, and based on-site at 60 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Successful candidates must possess legal work authorization in Canada. Work permit sponsorship may be available for employees currently with Four Seasons. This posting is for an existing vacancy within the organization. The hiring process includes AI screening for keywords and minimum qualifications. Recruiters review all results.

Four Seasons is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation.