HR Operations & Payroll Manager

WESTERN FAIR DISTRICT
JOB DESCRIPTION – HR Operations & Payroll Manager
Reports to: Director of Human Resources  
Department: Human Resources/Payroll 
Date of last revision: June 2026

About the Role

Western Fair District is seeking an experienced and motivated HR Operations & Payroll Manager to lead and support Human Resources and payroll operations across our diverse organization. As a trusted business partner, this role provides both strategic and hands-on support to leaders and employees, helping foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.

This position oversees the full employee lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, training and development, compensation and benefits, HR compliance, and workplace health and safety. The role also serves as the primary liaison with our outsourced payroll provider, ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing.

The ideal candidate brings strong knowledge of Ontario employment legislation, HR best practices, payroll administration, and experience with Dayforce (Ceridian). They will leverage HR systems, data, and reporting to support informed decision-making, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily HR operations across all business units, ensuring consistency, compliance, and alignment with organizational goals
• Provide guidance to managers and employees on HR policies, employee relations, performance management, attendance, conflict resolution, and employment legislation
• Oversee payroll governance through outsourced provider, including audits, reconciliations, reporting, approvals, and issue resolution
• Act as primary contact for payroll provider and ensure accurate and timely payroll processing
• Maintain HRIS integrity and optimize use of Dayforce (Ceridian) for HR, payroll, reporting, and process improvements
• Lead full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning in partnership with leadership
• Support performance management, coaching, disciplinary processes, and employee development planning
• Drive employee engagement, retention, wellness, and workplace culture initiatives
• Support training, learning, leadership development, and succession planning
• Administer compensation and benefits programs and support market and equity analysis
• Develop and maintain HR policies, procedures, and compliance with applicable legislation (ESA, OHSA, Human Rights Code)
• Develop and analyze HR and payroll metrics, including turnover, absenteeism, overtime, headcount, recruitment metrics, and labour reporting to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Support HR projects, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.

What You Bring

• Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• CHRP designation, or progress toward designation, is considered an asset.
• Minimum of five years of progressive Human Resources experience, including employee relations, recruitment, performance management, policy administration, and payroll processes.
• Strong knowledge of Ontario employment legislation, human rights, occupational health and safety requirements, and HR best practices.
• Advanced working knowledge of Dayforce (Ceridian) or a comparable HRIS and payroll platform.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise discretion, and apply sound judgment.
• Experience supporting workplace investigations, disability management, and accommodation processes is considered an asset.

Why Join Western Fair District? Why Join Us

• Be part of an organization that serves as the heartbeat of our community, contributing to the well-being of people through meaningful experiences and connections
• Support a mission-driven organization dedicated to fostering well-being, connection, and innovation across everything we do
• Help shape the people, culture, and workplace practices that enable WFA to deliver on its vision of creating vibrant, inclusive, and innovative experiences for generations to come
• Partner with leaders across a diverse organization spanning agriculture, events, sports, racing, food services, and community initiatives
• Play an important role in advancing employee engagement, organizational effectiveness, and continuous improvement
• Join a collaborative team that values community impact, innovation, inclusion, and long-term sustainability

At Western Fair District, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As HR Operations & Payroll Manager, you will help build the culture, systems, and employee experience that enable our organization to thrive while strengthening our community.

What You’ll Get:

• Competitive Salary: $58,000 – $70,000 (based on experience)
• Comprehensive Benefits: Extended health, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability and paramedical coverage, effective after three months of employment
• Pension Plan: Eligibility after 1 year of service
• Time Off: Vacation accrual starts at two weeks, in addition to sick and personal days 
• Employee Perks: Complimentary admission to Western Fair District-owned events and attractions, employee discounts, and a branded clothing allowance.
• Wellness & Support: Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) access for confidential support
• Professional Growth: Training, certifications, and career development opportunities
• Team Culture: A collaborative, energetic team focused on community impact

Who We Are:

For more than 150 years, Western Fair Association (WFA) has been bringing people together through agriculture, entertainment, sport, and community experiences. As a leading year-round, not-for-profit agri-food organization, Western Fair District is dedicated to enriching our community and celebrating our agricultural heritage.

Guided by our purpose as the heartbeat of our community, we foster well-being, connection, and innovation through memorable experiences, vibrant events, and meaningful partnerships. With passionate people, modern facilities, and a commitment to excellence, we create opportunities that connect and strengthen our region for generations to come.

To learn more about our mission and vision for the future, please visit https://westernfairdistrict.com/our-priorities

Working Conditions

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week), typically scheduled Monday to Friday. As an organization that delivers live events and community experiences, flexibility is essential. Occasional evening and weekend work will be required to support major events, shows, and the annual Western Fair.