PROFILEThis is a Manager-level People & Culture role with primary responsibility for the Montre9al office and the firm's francization program. The role provides local P&C leadership while ensuring alignment with national People & Culture standards and the Que9bec workplace context. the People & Culture shared services model evolves, the role may take on additional regional responsibilities in the future. Any such expansion would be assessed at that time based on business needs, overall scope, service model design, and appropriate role levelling.
RESPONSIBILITIES- Serve as the primary People & Culture Manager for the Montre9al office, ensuring that local programs, policies, and practices reflect national priorities, standards, and the Que9bec workplace context.
- Directly manage, coach, and support an Advisor and Coordinator in the delivery of P&C services, ensuring consistency, sound judgment, and a high-quality firm member and leader experience.
- Support the Office Managing Partner on Montre9al engagement, culture, firm member experience, and people initiatives.
- Work closely with the Operations Director to ensure operational alignment, effective coordination of office priorities, and a seamless firm member and leader experience across People & Culture and office operations.
- Provide proactive coaching and trusted counsel to leaders and professionals on firm member relations, performance management, organizational culture, and the consistent application of policies.
- Lead recruitment, onboarding, and engagement initiatives for Montre9al-based firm members and teams, as applicable.
- Lead and support the firm's francization program, providing practical guidance on French language workplace requirements, language-of-work considerations, workplace communications, firm member-facing materials, and firm protocols for the Montre9al office and, where Que9bec requirements apply, other offices.
- Coordinate with Legal, People & Culture, Communications, and operational resources to support consistent implementation, clear communication, and practical business-ready guidance for leaders and teams.
- Partner closely with the national People & Culture team to support firm-wide talent, culture, firm member experience, and compliance initiatives.
- Contribute to the continued development of the People & Culture shared services model by supporting consistent service delivery, role clarity, and alignment between Montre9al office needs and national P&C standards.
- Support the preparation and monitoring of the annual People & Culture budget for the Montre9al office, in alignment with national planning processes.
- Partner with Total Rewards to support accurate firm member records and consistent firm member administration.
- Perform any other related duties as required to support the Montre9al office and the national People & Culture team.
QUALIFICATIONS- Minimum 8 years of relevant People & Culture experience, including experience at a manager level and demonstrated success supporting leaders, firm members, and advisors in a professional services or similarly complex environment.
- Fully bilingual in French and English, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- College or university degree in People & Culture, organizational development, business administration, or a related field.
- CRHA designation is considered an asset.
- Strong working knowledge of Que9bec employment requirements, francization obligations, French language workplace considerations, and national People & Culture compliance standards.
- Ability to translate policy and compliance guidance into clear, practical direction for leaders, teams, and firm members.
- Excellent interpersonal, coaching, and communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage highly confidential information with discretion.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and HR information systems.
BENEFITS/PERKSGowling WLG's total rewards program is designed to foster a culture where high performance and personal well-being go hand-in-hand. We support your career and life with:- 100% employer-paid health, dental, and mental health coverage, plus an annual lifestyle spending allowance
- Benefits coverage for Firm members and their dependents from day one!
- 15+ vacation days and hybrid work flexibility
- Parental leave top-up for 26 weeks
- Group Retirement Savings Plan with employer match
- Financial protection through short & long-term disability, life, accident & critical illness insurance
- Employee & Family Assistance Program, guided CBT, and an internal network of 120+ trained Mental Health First Aid responders
- Recognition awards, appreciation events, and a supportive, collaborative work culture
- Perks and preferred pricing programs, referral bonuses and more
This position is currently vacant and is open to both internal and external candidates. Gowling WLG is recruiting for this role to support ongoing firm needs and team operations.
This employer may use tools within our applicant tracking system that include artificial intelligence-supported features, such as automated candidate matching. These tools do not make hiring decisions; all screening, assessments, and selections are reviewed and completed by human recruiters and hiring managers.
