Description
Cochrane is located in the breathtaking Bow Valley corridor in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in southern Alberta. With a population of over 37,000 people, and growing steadily every year, Cochrane is a thriving town, surrounded by world-famous ranch country. Our western heritage is reflected in the Town’s architecture and our friendly people. The Town of Cochrane welcomes innovative and skilled individuals to join our team of over 250 employees.
The Town of Cochrane is a growing community with a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to supporting the people who serve it. Great workplaces don’t happen by accident - they’re built through intentional leadership, strong relationships, and a deep commitment to people. We are building a modern, people-centered organization, one that values thoughtful decision-making and a workplace where employees feel supported and empowered. We’re looking for an HR leader who brings both strategic insight and genuine care for people.
The Manager, Human Resources leads the Town of Cochrane’s day-to-day human resources operations. They also guide a dynamic, multidisciplinary HR team delivering payroll, benefits, labour relations, employee relations, recruitment, onboarding and offboarding, training and development, and rewards and recognition. As a trusted advisor to leaders across the organization, this role helps shape a workplace where people feel respected, supported, and able to do their best work - listening to employee needs, supporting leaders through complex people challenges, and helping employees navigate workplace issues with fairness and care. With deep expertise in labour and employee relations, the Manager, Human Resources blends strategic thinking with hands-on support, balancing compliance, risk management, and people-centered decision-making. This role plays a vital part in strengthening organizational culture, supporting employee wellbeing, and advancing service excellence across the Town.
Key Accountabilities
Provide strategic and operational leadership for all HR functions aligned with organizational priorities.
Lead, coach, and develop the HR team to support a collaborative and service-focused culture.
Partner with senior leaders to anticipate workforce needs, risks, and people impacts.
Lead labour and employee relations, including grievances, investigations, collective bargaining, and union relationships.
Ensure fair, consistent, and legally compliant HR practices and promote a safe and respectful workplace.
Oversee recruitment, onboarding, offboarding, workforce planning, payroll and benefit programs.
Support learning, leadership development, and succession planning.
Lead HR policy development and ensure programs meet legislative and governance requirements.
Manage the HR operating budget and contribute to corporate workforce planning and reporting.
Model the Town’s values and maintain current knowledge of HR best practices.
Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; CPHR designation preferred.
7–10 years of progressive HR experience, including leadership responsibility.
Strong labour and employee relations expertise, ideally in a unionized environment.
Public sector or municipal experience is an asset.
Solid knowledge of employment standards, human rights, labour relations, and related legislation.
Proven experience in performance management, organizational change, workforce planning, and people leadership.
Demonstrated ability to influence, drive accountability, and build strong working relationships.
Strategic, adaptable, and solutions focused, with strong consulting and communication skills.
Understanding of municipal or public sector operations, governance, and organizational culture.
Commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with HR and labour trends.
Why Join Us
Be part of a collaborative HR team where your leadership has real, organization wide influence.
Work in a diverse, evolving environment that keeps your HR expertise sharp and your work meaningful.
Lead and innovate in shaping the Town’s people practices, culture, and organizational effectiveness.
Grow in an organization that invests in professional development, continuous learning, and thoughtful HR leadership.
Enjoy competitive compensation and benefits.
Cochrane is a growing municipality that values fresh ideas, practical problem solving, and a people first approach. We encourage curiosity, support critical thinking, and welcome team members who are eager to learn, adapt, and help others succeed. If you’re looking for a workplace where your contributions truly matter, you’ll feel at home here.
If you’re inspired by the opportunity to support people, strengthen a growing organization, and make a meaningful difference in a vibrant, community minded environment, we encourage you to apply.
Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter outlining how their experience aligns with the required qualifications, skills, and abilities
All qualified candidates will be requested to complete an online suitability survey
Applications close at 9:00 PM MST on Sunday February 15, 2026 at www.cochrane.ca/jobs
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All applicants must be legally entitled to live and work in Canada.
Land Acknowledgement
In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
