People and Safety Partner

About Cérélia
Cérélia is a leading food manufacturing company with small-town roots. We are dough and batter experts and proudly serve rolled dough, cookies, pancake and waffle products across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Cérélia’s products are commercialized under its clients’ brands, both retailers and industrial companies, as well as under its own brands: English Bay Bakery, JusRol, Croustipate, Jan, Pop! Bakery and Crêapan in particular. While we continue to grow and expand, our history of trade partnership, production excellence, well-founded innovation, and sustainable development is deeply rooted in more than 40 years of industry know-how.
About Cérélia Canada
As part of the global Cérélia Group, headquartered in France, Cérélia Canada partners with major retailers and food brands to deliver high-quality, innovative products. It is committed to food safety, product innovation, and continuous improvement, while fostering a collaborative and dynamic workplace for its employees.
Job Summary:
The People & Safety Partner plays a key role in supporting Cerelia Canada's manufacturing operations by providing strategic and operational Human Resources and Health & Safety support. This role partners closely with leaders and employees to foster a safe, compliant, and high-performing workplace while promoting Cerelia's values and culture.
The incumbent acts as a trusted advisor to managers on employee relations, talent management, performance, recruitment, health & safety, and compliance, while ensuring adherence to employment legislation, company policies, food safety standards, and occupational health and safety requirements.
Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide coaching and guidance to managers on employee relations matters, investigations, conflict resolution, attendance management, and performance management.
• Conduct workplace investigations and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Support progressive discipline and termination processes while ensuring legislative compliance.
• Promote a respectful and inclusive workplace culture.

• Manage full-cycle recruitment for salaried and hourly positions.
• Partner with hiring managers to identify staffing needs and develop recruitment strategies.
• Coordinate interviews, prepare offers, conduct reference checks, and facilitate onboarding.
• Ensure an exceptional candidate and new hire experience.

• Coordinate annual performance review processes.
• Support managers with goal setting, coaching, development plans, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Monitor completion of probationary reviews and performance evaluations.

• Maintain employee records while ensuring confidentiality.
• Support HR reporting, metrics, and workforce analytics.
• Assist with compensation reviews, organizational changes, and HR projects.
• Ensure HR policies and procedures remain current.

• Promote a strong safety culture through employee engagement and visible leadership.
• Support compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), WSIB, and internal safety programs.
• Participate in safety initiatives and continuous improvement activities.

• Investigate workplace incidents, near misses, and injuries.
• Identify root causes and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Coordinate return-to-work activities in collaboration with WSIB and department managers.

• Conduct workplace inspections and audits.
• Maintain health & safety documentation and records.
• Coordinate required safety training and certifications.
• Support regulatory inspections and external audits.

• Act as a management representative on the Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC).
• Track action items and support committee initiatives.
• Ensure workplace concerns are addressed promptly.

• Support employee recognition and engagement initiatives.
• Assist with employee events, communication, and wellness programs.
• Promote Cerelia's values and culture throughout the organization.

• Ensure compliance with:
  • Employment Standards Act (ESA)
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
  • Human Rights Code
  • WSIB requirements
  • Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
  • Privacy legislation
  • Company policies
  • Food Safety and Quality standards (SQF, GMP)

• Participate in HR and Safety projects.
• Recommend process improvements and efficiencies.
• Analyze trends and recommend proactive solutions.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.

• Postsecondary education in Human Resources, Business Administration, Occupational Health & Safety, or a related discipline.
• CHRP designation or working toward designation is considered an asset.
• Health & Safety certifications are considered an asset.

• 3–5 years of progressive Human Resources experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting both hourly and salaried employees.
• Experience with employee relations, workplace investigations, managing recruitment and onboarding.
• Experience supporting Health & Safety programs.

• Ontario Employment Standards Act (ESA)
• Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
• Human Rights Code
• WSIB
• AODA
• Workplace investigations
• Performance management
• Recruitment best practices
• HRIS systems
• Microsoft Office Suite

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Excellent communication (written and verbal)
• Sound judgment and confidentiality
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Coaching and influencing
• Organizational and time management skills
• Conflict resolution
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Accountability
• Adaptability and resilience
• Continuous improvement mindset

• Primarily based in a manufacturing environment with regular production floor presence.
• Ability to walk throughout the plant and occasionally lift up to 20 lbs.
• Occasional flexibility in work hours to support multiple shifts, employee meetings, investigations, and emergency situations.

• Building trusted relationships with leaders and employees.
• Maintaining legislative and company compliance.
• Reducing workplace incidents and supporting a strong safety culture.
• Delivering timely recruitment and onboarding.
• Supporting employee engagement and retention.
• Providing practical HR guidance that enables business success.
• Driving continuous improvement across HR and Safety processes.

• Base salary: CAD $80,000 - $85,000 per year
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits package
• Retirement savings plan (RRSP) with employer contribution/match
• Paid Time Off

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity. However, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We kindly request no telephone inquiries regarding the status of applications.
DISCLAIMER: Cérélia is an equal opportunity employer and 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 or testing, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation.