About this role
People Leader - Field Operations | Human Resources - Airports
Location: Montreal, QC (with oversight of Ottawa, ON)
Compensation: $72,000/year
Status: Full-Time | Exempt | On-Site
Verbal and written communication in French and English is essential.
About the Role
The People Leader – Field Operations provides comprehensive Human Resources support within an airport environment, serving as a trusted partner to Operations leadership while ensuring strong execution of HR programs, employee relations, labor compliance, and talent initiatives. This role is based in Montreal (YUL) and provides ongoing oversight and support for a second airport location in Ottawa (YOW).
Expanded Scope Highlights
- Based in Montreal with ongoing oversight of two airports (YUL primary, YOW secondary)
- On-site presence required at both locations, with recurring travel (approximately one week per month)
- Cross-province HR support across Quebec and Ontario
- Increased operational and employee-relations complexity within a regulated airport environment
- Unionized labor experience required (minimum 1 year)
Key Responsibilities
- Lead employee relations activities, including investigations, grievance management, disciplinary processes, and resolution of complex employee issues
- Partner closely with Operations leadership to support workforce planning, performance management, and organizational effectiveness
- Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, labor agreements, and company policies
- Support recruitment and staffing efforts in partnership with Corporate Talent Acquisition
- Administer performance management programs, succession planning, and talent development initiatives
- Provide guidance on compensation, benefits, and HR programs in alignment with corporate standards
- Serve as a liaison between airport leadership and Corporate HR teams to ensure consistent execution of HR strategy
- Support labor relations activities, including union interactions, contract administration, and grievance processes
- Track and analyze HR metrics to identify trends and opportunities for improvement
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field preferred
- Minimum 4 years of HR generalist experience; HR leadership experience strongly preferred
- At least 1 year of experience supporting a unionized workforce
- Experience in hospitality, food service, retail, or other fast-paced, multi-unit environments preferred
- Strong working knowledge of employment law, employee relations, and HR compliance
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and operate effectively in a dynamic environment
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly between locations
Work Environment & Schedule
- Airport-based role with a mix of office and operational floor presence
- Flexible schedule required, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs dictate
- Travel required between Montreal and Ottawa locations
Long Description
Les candidat·e·s doivent être légalement autorisé·e·s à travailler au Canada et en mesure de fournir la documentation requise pour l’habilitation de sécurité aéroportuaire. Ces documents seront vérifiés lors du processus d’embauche, conformément aux exigences de Transports Canada.SSP Canada est un employeur offrant l’égalité des chances et se conforme aux exigences de la Loi de 2005 sur l’accessibilité pour les personnes handicapées de l’Ontario (LAPHO) dans ses pratiques de recrutement et d’emploi. Des mesures d’adaptation sont offertes à toutes les étapes du processus de recrutement. Les personnes ayant besoin d’un accommodement sont invitées à nous en informer.
Additional Statements
This position is located in a secure airport environment and a Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC) is required. All candidates must be legally authorised to work in Canada and must be able to provide the necessary government-issued documentation required for airport security clearance. Documentation will be reviewed during the onboarding process in accordance with Transport Canada regulations. Further information can be found at:
SSP Canada is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities, 2005 in our recruitment and employment practices. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, including the interview and assessment stage, due to a disability, please inform us of your need and the nature of the accommodation(s) that may be required.
Other facts
About SSP
SSP is a global leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations employing 49,000 colleagues in around 3,000 units across nearly 40 countries.
We specialise in designing, creating and operating a diverse range of food and drink outlets in airports, train stations and other travel hubs across six formats: sit-down and quick service restaurants, bars, cafés, lounges, and food-led convenience stores. Our extensive portfolio of brands features a mix of international, national, and local brands, tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients and customers.
Our purpose is to be the best part of the journey, and our focus is on making every journey taste better – bringing great food and welcoming hospitality to travellers across the globe. Sustainability is crucial for our long-term success, and we aim to deliver positive impact for our business while uniting stakeholders to promote a sustainable food travel sector.
Our people are at the heart of our business and our values are integral to our business, underpinning everything we do.
• TEAM. Team is everything. We actively support, respect and care for each other. With collaboration at the heart, we build strong relationships and deliver safe outcomes.
• PASSION. We bring energy, passion and commitment to everything that we do. Taking pride in our work, we go the extra mile to make every journey count.
• CURIOSITY. We approach everyday with open minds and thoughtful questions. We are agile and customer-focused, always looking for ways to deliver an exceptional experience.
• OWNERSHIP. We own our role completely, caring for every detail that shapes the SSP experience. Through genuine hospitality and continuous improvement, we make every moment matter.
www.foodtravelexperts.com
What you'll do
- The People Leader – Field Operations is responsible for providing HR support in an airport environment, focusing on employee relations, compliance, and talent initiatives. This role partners with Operations leadership to enhance workforce planning and organizational effectiveness.
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