Talent (HR) Manager (12 Month Maternity Leave Contract)

Location: Calgary, AB (Hybrid, with routine in-office requirements)

About the Role

At Robots & Pencils, we believe that creativity and technology work best when people do too. We are looking for a Talent Manager to cover a 12 month maternity leave who will play a central role in enabling our talent experience that supports building a culture where innovation, belonging, and performance thrive.

You’ll report into the CTO and lead key HR programs across regions, partnering with leaders to align talent priorities with business goals. From talent relations and compliance to total rewards and engagement, you’ll ensure that every policy, process, and conversation reflects our values and fuels our continued growth.

This is a strategic and hands-on role for someone who loves balancing people care with organizational clarity, thrives in a fast-moving environment, and enjoys helping teams do their best work — together.

**While this position is hybrid friendly, candidates must be located in Calgary to support the in-office needs of the role on a routine basis. Only candidates who are based locally in Calgary or in the process of relocating to Calgary without company assistance will be considered for the position.**

Why This Role Matters

As Robots & Pencils continues to evolve and scale — expanding into the world of AI and intelligent experiences — our people strategy is critical to success. This role ensures that our teams are supported, informed, and inspired through change. You’ll shape how we attract, grow, and retain top talent across multiple countries, creating an environment where everyone can thrive while doing work that redefines what’s possible.

What You’ll Do

Talent (HR) Management & Talent Relations

• Manage the Talent (HR) function, identifying priorities that align with business strategy, culture, and growth plans.
• Act as the primary Talent (HR) contact for escalated talent relations matters, investigations, and performance issues.
• Advise and coach managers through complex talent relations, performance, or disciplinary situations.
• Conduct exit interviews and offboarding of talent, determine where there are opportunities to reengage in the future in partnership with Department Heads and Talent Attraction.
• Partner with external legal counsel as needed on sensitive cases, compliance matters, or litigation risk.
• Ensure consistency and compliance in Talent (HR) practices across multiple locations (in particular Canada and the US).

Culture and Engagement

• Champion company culture and values, driving initiatives that promote engagement, inclusion, and belonging.
• Support and empower managers to build strong, engaged teams through consistent communication and performance practices.
• Analyze engagement survey data and create action plans with leadership teams to improve the talent

Total Rewards

• Partner with the Payroll, Benefits & Workforce Planning Manager to align compensation, benefits, and total rewards programs with business goals.
• Support annual compensation and performance review cycles, ensuring fairness, consistency, and pay equity.
• Provide input to total rewards strategy and communicate program changes across the organization.
• Participate in workforce analytics and headcount forecasting to support data-driven decisions.

HR Operations, Compliance & Policy

• Oversee Talent (HR) processes across the talent lifecycle, ensuring accuracy and compliance through the Talent (HR) Coordinator.
• Lead policy development, updates, and communication of Talent (HR) and company-wide procedures.
• Ensure data integrity across HRIS, payroll, and benefits systems in collaboration with Talent (HR) Coordinator and Payroll teams.
• Support immigration, contractor compliance, and other workforce legal obligations across regions.

Talent Development & Performance

• Manage performance management programs and ensure consistent practices across all departments.
• With directly with Department Heads on learning and development initiatives, leadership training, and career progression pathways.
• Support succession planning and organizational development with Department Heads.
• Create feedback loops and continuous improvement processes to strengthen performance culture.

People Analytics & Reporting

• Monitor key Talent (HR) metrics such as engagement, turnover, headcount, and retention to identify trends and risks.
• Prepare and deliver Talent (HR) reports for leadership, supporting data-informed business and talent decisions.
• Partner with Finance on workforce analytics and budgeting.
• Drive transparency and accountability in Talent (HR) reporting and compliance documentation.

What you’ll bring

• Hold a degree in HR, business, or a related field.
• Bring 7+ years of HR experience, including 3+ years in a manager or business partner capacity.
• Have strong experience supporting a multi-country workforce (Canada and U.S.)
• Understand Canadian and U.S. labor and employment legislation.
• Have experience with HRIS systems (especially BambooHR).
• Demonstrate excellent leadership and coaching skills.
• Communicate clearly and collaborate effectively across departments like HR, Talent Attraction, IT, Sales, and Marketing.

Bonus Points

• Certified HR professional (CPHR, SHRM, or equivalent) or working towards.
• Experience driving engagement and change management initiatives.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to turn data into meaningful action.
• Familiarity with communication tools like Slack and SharePoint.

You’ll Thrive Here If You

• Excel at leading with empathy, professionalism, and discretion.
• Are proactive, adaptable, and people-oriented.
• Take pride in operational excellence and follow-through.
• Enjoy building relationships and being a trusted advocate for team members.
• Balance empathy with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Stay calm, detail-oriented, and organized — even when priorities shift.

Join Us

If you’re inspired by the intersection of people, creativity, and technology — and you’re excited to help a scaling organization thrive — we’d love to meet you. Together, we’ll continue building a workplace where humans and intelligent systems can do their best work, side by side.