The Region of Durham, dedicated to maintaining outstanding standards of service, relies on the expertise and commitment of its employees. Durham is one of Ontario's fastest growing areas to live, work and play, with a population of nearly 750,000 people in some of Ontario's most beautiful settings. Durham Region is geographically, culturally and economically diverse. Durham has large urban cities, smaller towns and quaint villages that support both a bustling urban environment, and a prosperous rural and agricultural base. Known for its strength in the manufacturing, education, healthcare and energy sectors, Durham is transforming and evolving, and today has an ideal mix of businesses, affordability, accessibility and connectivity. Durham has it all: major infrastructure investments, an accessible and diverse talent pool, world-class education institutions, a well-established enterprise-driven business community, and a dedicated partnership between the Region and its Area Municipalities who are committed to the delivery of service excellence to the community that it serves.
Reporting to the Commissioner of Corporate Services, the Director of Human Resources provides strategic leadership for the Region of Durham's workforce across the full employee life cycle within a large, diverse, and multi unionized organization of more than 5,000 employees. The Director oversees modern, inclusive, and legislatively compliant human resources programs, including talent acquisition and development, labour relations, compensation, benefits and pensions, health and safety, wellness, Human Resources Information systems and analytics, policy, and respectful workplace initiatives. As a trusted advisor to senior leadership and Regional Council, the Director leads enterprise workforce planning, monitors emerging workforce and legislative issues, advances equity and accountability, and ensures the Region has the people, capabilities, and culture required to deliver effective public services.
The successful candidate holds completion of a graduate level degree (e.g., MA/MSc/MBA/MHRM) in a related discipline or an equivalent combination of academic credentials and recognized human resources designations with a minimum of 15 years of progressive human resources and labour relations experience, including senior leadership in complex, unionized public-sector environments. Strong expertise in employment and labour legislation, collective bargaining, compensation, health and safety, equity and human rights, HR analytics, and municipal governance is required, along with sound judgment and political acumen. Known for leading change, communicating complex issues clearly, and building effective relationships with Council, senior leadership, unions, and employees, you bring a practical, people-centered leadership approach to human resources leadership.
Compensation Range: $170,506 to $213,132 CAD
Reason for Posting: Existing Vacancy
To Apply
For more information, please contact Diana Pelaia of Odgers or submit your resume and letter of interest online to https://en-careers.odgers.com/en-ca/job/30934/ by February 6th, 2026.
We thank all those who express an interest, however only those chosen for further development will be contacted.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Region of Durham is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers and the Region of Durham throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.
Odgers is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all the work that we do. As part of our efforts to better understand our ability to reach as broad a pool of candidates as possible for our searches, our DEI team would like to encourage you to take a moment and access our Self-Declaration Form.
