Position Title: Director, People and Culture
Location: Acheson, Alberta
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent (Salary)
Position Logistics: In office/Hybrid
Department: People and Culture
Reports Directly To: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Salary: $110,000-$150,000
Start Date: September 2026 or sooner if available
With over 40 years of experience in Emergency Medical Services, Associated Ambulance is proud to be the largest private EMS operator in Alberta. We deliver Advanced Life Support (ALS), Basic Life Support (BLS) and Inter Facility Transfer Services to 22 rural and 2 metro locations across Alberta.
As our organization continues to grow, we are excited to introduce our first Director, People and Culture. While this is a new leadership title, it builds on an established People Services team, strong organizational culture, and mature HR, Safety, and Quality Assurance programs and teams already in place. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Director, People and Culture, will be responsible for the oversight and implementation of corporate culture and engagement programs, total compensation, health & safety, labour relations, recruitment and retention, quality assurance and staff development, while also supporting the strategic direction outlined by Executive Leadership.
This is an exciting opportunity for a collaborative leader who is passionate about people, adaptable to the evolving needs of the healthcare sector, and motivated by creating meaningful programs and initiatives that strengthen both the employee experience and organizational success. Current Direct Reports (3): Manager, Employee Relations & Total Compensation, Manager Quality and Staff Development, Health & Safety Consultant. In-direct Reports (6)
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of People & Culture strategies, metrics, programs, and policies that support organizational objectives, employee engagement, and workforce sustainability.
- Provide strategic leadership and oversite of:
- Workforce planning, employee and labour relations, organizational development, risk management, and legislative compliance.
- Payroll and benefit administration to maintain compliance with applicable legislation, collective agreements, organizational policies, and internal controls, while supporting the accurate and efficient delivery of payroll services.
- Disability management programs, including short-term disability, long-term disability, workplace accommodations, return-to-work planning, and WCB claims management.
- The Health and Safety program, ensuring compliance with legislation and promoting a culture of safety throughout the organization.
- Quality and staff development and evaluation of clinical education, and core mandatory learning across the organization with an emphasis on the delivery of safe, quality patient care by focusing on advancement of practitioners skills.
- Accreditation Canada, ensuring organizational maintenance and compliance for each evaluation cycle.
- Oversee the administration and negotiation of collective agreements and provide guidance on labour relations matters, grievances, investigations, and dispute resolution.
- Foster a positive workplace culture by leading initiatives focused on employee engagement, diversity, equity and inclusion, psychological safety, continuous learning, wellness, and organizational change management.
- Monitor the organizations performance appraisal process, including performance goals, key metrics, and accountabilities, and participate in the corporate talent management process aligned with our organizational business plan.
- Collaborate with Departments and respective Managers to create and faciliate the onboarding plans and orientation of new employees across the organization.
- Oversee the preparation of materials for and actively participate in meeting with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and the Board of Directors.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators, workforce metrics, and reporting systems to support informed decision-making, continuous improvement, and organizational effectiveness.
- Build strong partnerships with leaders across the organization to identify workforce needs, develop practical solutions, and ensure consistent delivery of People & Culture services.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the People & Culture team, fostering accountability, collaboration, innovation, and service excellence.
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Business with specialization in Human Resources, Learning and Development or healthcare management; Masters Degree an asset.
- Minimum 10 years of progressive experience working in Human Resources, preference given to candidates with multisite healthcare experience
- CPHR Designation considered an asset.
- Comprehensive knowledge of employment-related legislation, including Employment Standards, Human Rights, privacy legislation, labour relations and negotiations, and other applicable provincial and federal requirements.
- Strong understanding of occupational health and safety legislation, disability management, workplace accommodations, and employee wellness practices.
- Demonstrate expertise across key People & Culture functions, including talent acquisition, employee and labour relations, compensation and benefits, organizational development, performance management, learning and development, payroll oversight, and workforce planning.
- Proven ability to provide strategic advice and influence executive-level decision-making in support of organizational goals.
- Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to establish trust and credibility across all levels of the organization, including unions and external partners.
- Strong leadership capability with experience developing teams, driving accountability, and fostering a positive and high-engagement workplace culture.
- Ability to manage multiple complex priorities in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating flexibility, sound judgment, and strong problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex information to diverse audiences.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to leverage data, metrics, and reporting to support evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement.
Why Join Associated Ambulance?
- Be part of a respected and growing organization serving communities across Alberta.
Additional Perks
- Comprehensive Extended Health & Dental benefit package.
- Bountiful flex spending account.
- Employer-matched RRSP-DPSP retirement savings program
- Flexible working schedule
Application Deadline
Applications must be received by June 30, 2026 and review of initial applications will occur starting June 22, 2026. This role will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Resumes may be retained for future opportunities.
At Associated Ambulance, we value diversity and are committed to providing equal opportunities to all qualified applicants. Join us in supporting Alberta’s rural communities by ensuring the safety and reliability of our facilities and accommodations!
We are here for LIFE.
