Manager, Human Resources
DLS Group of Companies
www.dairylane.ca
Build the Future of DLS
The DLS Group of Companies is a diversified, family-owned organization serving the dairy, agricultural, construction, manufacturing, and renewable energy sectors. Founded in 1990 as a milking equipment dealership, DLS has grown into a group of companies employing more than 150 people across multiple provinces, with ambitious plans for continued expansion into new markets and regions.
About the DLS Group
Our businesses provide dairy equipment sales, service and installation; robotic milking systems; stabling, manure management, plumbing and ventilation services; agricultural structures through DLS Structures; equipment manufacturing through DLS Manufacturing; and renewable energy and biogas project support through DLS Biogas.
Our growth has been built on long-term customer relationships, practical innovation, exceptional people and a commitment to continuous improvement. We believe in being lifelong students of our customers and our industries, always learning, improving and finding better ways to serve.
Position Summary
The Human Resources Manager will lead the Human Resources function across the DLS Group of Companies. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer and working directly with ownership, senior leadership and managers across the organization, this role will combine strategic leadership with hands-on execution in a fast-paced, multi-company and multi-location environment.
This is not a traditional administrative HR role. The successful candidate will help build a modern, scalable HR function that supports continued growth, strengthens leadership capability, improves consistency across the Group and creates an exceptional workplace for office, field, manufacturing, construction and service employees.
This is an on-site role based in Komoka, Ontario. Occasional travel to company locations and project sites will be required as DLS continues to expand.
What Success Looks Like in the First 12 Months
· Become a trusted advisor to ownership, senior leadership and managers across the DLS Group.
· Develop a practical, multi-year people strategy aligned with the Group's growth plans.
· Strengthen recruitment, onboarding, employee development and leadership development processes.
· Improve consistency in performance management, employee relations and HR documentation.
· Review and modernize HR policies, systems, records and reporting across all operating jurisdictions.
· Further strengthen the entrepreneurial, accountable and collaborative culture that makes DLS unique.
Key Responsibilities
· Provide HR leadership and practical guidance to ownership, senior management and managers across the organization.
· Develop and execute the DLS people strategy in alignment with the Group's long-term business objectives.
· Partner with ownership and senior leadership on organizational planning, workforce planning, organizational design and succession planning.
· Lead recruitment and talent acquisition, including workforce needs assessment, employer branding, job postings, interviews, reference checks and employment offers.
· Build talent pipelines and support apprenticeship, skilled-trades and early-career recruitment programs.
· Advise and coach managers on employee relations matters, including performance concerns, corrective action, conflict resolution, attendance, accommodation, discipline and terminations.
· Oversee performance management processes to promote consistency, fairness, accountability and timely follow-up.
· Develop leadership capability through coaching, mentoring, management training and practical tools for people leaders.
· Develop, review, maintain and interpret HR policies, procedures, guidelines and employment documentation.
· Ensure compliance with employment standards, human rights, privacy, occupational health and safety and other workplace legislation in every jurisdiction in which DLS operates.
· Lead and support onboarding, orientation, employee training, professional development and career development initiatives.
· Administer and support compensation, employee benefits and related processes, including employee inquiries and coordination with external providers.
· Implement, administer and improve Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), digital HR processes and integration with enterprise resource planning and payroll systems.
· Maintain accurate and confidential HR records, employee files and employment documentation.
· Develop HR metrics, workforce reporting and management information to support executive decision-making.
· Support acquisitions, integrations, organizational growth and change-management initiatives.
· Provide strategic oversight and practical support to the Health and Safety Specialist on training, Joint Health and Safety Committee matters, WSIB/WCB claims, safety policies, incident follow-up and return-to-work processes.
· Support employee engagement, recognition, internal communications, company events and initiatives that strengthen workplace culture and retention.
· Foster a positive, accountable and high-performing workplace culture that reflects DLS values and supports long-term growth.
Qualifications
· Degree, diploma or certificate in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related field.
· CHRP, CHRL, CPHR or equivalent designation, or progress toward a relevant designation, is preferred.
· Seven to ten years of progressively responsible HR experience, including meaningful HR management or senior advisory experience.
· Strong understanding of employment standards, human rights, occupational health and safety, workplace injury and claims processes and related workplace requirements.
· Demonstrated experience in employee relations, recruitment, performance management, policy development, compensation, benefits administration and compliance.
· Experience working in a multi-location, multi-division or multi-company organization is strongly preferred.
· Experience supporting organizational growth, acquisitions, integration or significant change is considered an asset.
· Experience in agriculture is considered an asset.
· Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and experience with Human Resources Information Systems and enterprise resource planning systems.
· Valid driver's licence and ability to travel as required.
Who Will Thrive at DLS
You are an entrepreneurial, business-minded HR leader who enjoys building rather than simply maintaining. You are comfortable working directly with ownership, senior leaders, managers, office employees, tradespeople and field teams. You can move between the boardroom, shop floor and job site, and you understand that effective HR must be practical, responsive and connected to the realities of the business.
· Practical and business-minded, with sound judgment and strong commercial awareness.
· Strategic and forward-looking, while remaining willing to handle day-to-day HR matters personally.
· Able to build trust and credibility with employees, managers, senior leadership and ownership.
· Comfortable providing clear, candid advice on sensitive and complex employee matters.
· Strong in communication, coaching, conflict resolution, negotiation and influencing without authority.
· Highly discreet, professional and committed to maintaining confidentiality.
· Organized, self-motivated and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-changing environment.
· A collaborative, approachable and hands-on problem solver who values accountability and long-term relationships.
Why Join DLS?
This is a rare opportunity to build and lead the HR function for a growing Canadian organization with ambitious long-term plans. You will have direct access to ownership and senior leadership, a genuine voice in business decisions and the opportunity to shape the people systems, leadership practices and workplace culture that will support the DLS Group's next stage of growth.
DLS offers a competitive total compensation package, including competitive pay, company-paid benefits and professional development opportunities. More importantly, this role offers the chance to make a lasting impact in an organization where integrity, innovation, practical problem-solving, long-term thinking and relationships truly matter.
The successful candidate will be required to provide a satisfactory criminal background check and clean driver's abstract prior to commencing employment.
Compensation commensurate with experience
DLS is committed to providing accommodation for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Accommodation is available on request.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Our organization may use artificial intelligence (AI)–assisted tools as part of our recruitment and hiring processes. All decisions regarding hiring, interviews, and selection are ultimately made by human recruiters or hiring managers.
Pay: $75,000.00-$125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
Work Location: In person
