Big Country Pet Co. is not just any pet food company – we are proud that our flagship brand, Big Country Raw, that is Canada’s leader in the frozen raw pet food category. We provide our consumers with healthier food options for dogs and cats, including complete frozen and gently cooked meals, supplements, and treats, as well as distribute third-party premium pet products. We are dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadian pets and the people who love them through high-quality and innovative products. With a profound passion for pets, we continually strive to set new benchmarks for pet nutrition, safety and well-being.
In 2025, the Globe and Mail and Canadian Business Magazine once again recognized Big Country Pet Co. (listed as Big Country Raw) as one of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies.
We’re looking for our next Director, Human Resources (existing role) who will lead our People pillar and directly influence and develop how we support, develop, and manage our people as we grow.
This is a leadership role with a direct seat at the table. You’ll be part of the Senior Leadership Team, helping shape decisions that impact both the business and our people. At the same time, this role stays close to the work - ensuring our HR processes are running well and supporting leaders day-to-day.
You’ll lead a team of three and oversee the full employee lifecycle across Canada and the U.S. This role will have a strong onsite presence at Head Office in Smithville, with a requirement to travel to other sites as needed. The role operates as hybrid - 4 days in office, 1 day from home (adjusts as needed based on business demands).
What You'll Do
Leadership & business partnership
- Develop, manage, lead, and set the tone for People strategy, programs and practices companywide.
- Be an active member of the leadership team, contributing to how the business operates and become a truly trusted advisor and partner.
- Work with leaders to shape team structures, staffing approaches, and ways of working that support growth.
Leading the HR team
- Lead and support a team of three (HRBPs and Payroll & HR Specialist).
- Set priorities, ensure work is done well, and build capability across the team.
- Create consistency in how HR supports the business.
Employee lifecycle
- Own and model how we hire, onboard, develop, manage performance, develop and retain employees.
- Keep things simple, consistent, and effective - improve on what isn’t working.
- Make sure leaders have the tools and support to manage and development their teams well.
Total Compensation including Payroll & benefits
- Develop and manage Compensation program and systems.
- Oversee payroll and benefits processing end-to-end, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Work closely with providers and internal teams to resolve issues quickly.
- Keep a close eye on cost, efficiency, and overall effectiveness.
People, performance & culture
- Support hiring efforts across hourly, salaried, and leadership roles.
- Ensure performance expectations are clear and consistently managed.
- Help build a culture where people follow through, support each other, and take accountability.
Health & safety partnership
- Partner with Operations and Health & Safety to strengthen and improve safety programs.
- Support leaders in building a culture where safety is part of how we work every day - not just a requirement.
Compliance & structure
- Ensure we’re meeting legislative requirements across Canada and the U.S.
- Oversee investigations, WSIB, and disability processes when needed.
- Build and maintain practical policies and processes that people actually use.
What we’re looking for
- 7–10+ years of progressive HR experience, including experience leading a team.
- Strong foundation across core HR areas, including payroll, organization design, employee relations, and compliance.
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, growing environment where things aren’t fully built yet.
- Able to balance big-picture thinking with getting into the details when needed.
- Someone who speaks up, follows through, and works well with others.
- Experience in a manufacturing and/or entrepreneurial, high-growth environments.
- CHRL or CHRP an asset.
- Exposure to U.S. HR and payroll an asset.
Although we love AI, your application will be reviewed by real people.
We are conducting an internal and external search simultaneously. We wish to thank all applicants for their interest however only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Big Country Raw is committed to meeting the needs of persons with temporary and/or permanent disabilities in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. We are happy to discuss any need for accommodation in the workplace and will make an effort to meet those needs in a timely manner by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility in the areas of information, communications and employment.
