HR AI & Automation Lead

Original job posting

The HR AI & Automation Lead designs and implements AI-enabled solutions to improve HR service delivery and operational efficiency. They act as a bridge between HR and IT stakeholders to ensure technology initiatives are governed, prioritized, and aligned with institutional objectives.

Job details

Date Posted: 09/03/2026Req ID: 50085Faculty/Division: VP-People, Finance & Digital ServicesDepartment: University Human ResourcesCampus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)Position Number: 00060042 Existing Vacancy: Yes Description: The HR AI & Automation Lead advances University HR’s ability to deliver effective, responsive and responsible HR services through the design, implementation and ongoing stewardship of AI-enabled and automated solutions. As an experienced HR professional, the position brings a deep understanding of HR operations, policy, service delivery, employee and manager needs, and the institutional context in which HR operates, combined with technical fluency in artificial intelligence, automation, workflow design and digital product delivery. The position applies professional HR judgment to identify opportunities where technology can improve HR services and processes, while recognizing where complexity, policy interpretation, employee circumstances or organizational risk require human expertise and judgment. It translates complex HR needs and processes into practical, scalable and sustainable technology-enabled solutions, ensuring that technology serves the underlying HR objective rather than simply automating existing practices. Acting as a bridge between HR leaders, subject matter experts, divisional partners, Enterprise Applications and Solution Development, central IT partners and external technology providers, the HR AI & Automation Lead leads discovery, consultation, process analysis, solution design, testing, implementation, socialization and continuous improvement activities. The position provides the HR functional expertise and technical perspective required to shape solutions from concept through implementation and ongoing stewardship and ensures that AI and automation initiatives are appropriately governed, prioritized, evaluated and aligned with institutional objectives. The position also builds AI capability across the HR community by assessing the evolving knowledge and skill requirements of HR professionals, identifying opportunities to embed AI into HR practice, and developing and leading initiatives to build confidence, capability and responsible adoption of AI. Working in partnership with the Learning & Leadership Centre and other HR stakeholders, the position translates identified capability needs into appropriate learning and development approaches and supports their implementation across the HR community. Through this work, the position improves service quality, operational efficiency, employee and manager experience, responsible use of technology, and evidence-informed decision-making across University HR. Qualifications Required: I. EDUCATION: University degree in Human Resources, Business, Organizational Studies or a related discipline, with substantial coursework in Human Resources and eligibility for, or completion of, the CHRL designation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Coursework, certification or demonstrated training in artificial intelligence, automation, data analytics, digital transformation, product management or a related field would be considered an asset. II. EXPERIENCE • Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in Human Resources, including substantial experience in HR operations, HR service delivery, HR technology/HRIS, HR process improvement or a closely related HR discipline.• Demonstrated experience applying HR knowledge and professional judgment to analyze, design, implement or improve HR processes, services and employee/manager experiences, including through technology-enabled solutions.• Demonstrated interest in and practical experience with emerging digital technologies, such as generative AI, large language models, AI agents, workflow automation, low-code/no-code tools or related technologies; formal training or certification in these technologies is considered an asset.• Experience translating HR business requirements and processes into user stories, solution specifications, testing criteria, implementation plans and other practical technology requirements.• Experience working collaboratively with IT teams, technology vendors, HR leaders and HR subject matter experts in a complex stakeholder environment.• Experience analyzing complex HR policies, processes and employee/manager experiences to identify opportunities for simplification, standardization, automation and transformation, while recognizing circumstances where HR expertise and human judgment are required.• Experience in one or more areas of HR such as employee relations, compensation, benefitsI. EDUCATION:University degree in Human Resources, Business, Organizational Studies or a related discipline, with substantial coursework in Human Resources and eligibility for, or completion of, the CHRL designation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Coursework, certification or demonstrated training in artificial intelligence, automation, data analytics, digital transformation, product management or a related field would be considered an asset. III. SKILLS: Strong HR consulting, analytical, problem-solving and communication skills, with the ability to understand complex HR needs and processes and translate them into practical technology-enabled solutions. Strong HR judgment and process improvement skills, with the ability to identify opportunities for simplification, automation and responsible use of AI while recognizing where human expertise and judgment are required. Demonstrated technical curiosity and ability to learn and apply emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, workflow automation, HRIS and digital solutions, and to collaborate effectively with HR leaders, subject matter experts, IT teams and technology providers.Ability to support implementation, adoption and continuous improvement through clear requirements, documentation, testing, user guidance and effective change support. Proficiency with standard office productivity tools. IV. OTHER: Demonstrates a willingness to experiment, prototype, test, learn and continuously improve solutions.Approaches emerging technology with sound judgment, recognizing both its potential and limitations and balancing innovation with appropriate human oversight, privacy, security, accessibility, accuracy and fairness. Demonstrates systems thinking and the ability to see connections among HR policies, processes, technology, data, organizational structures and employee/manager experience. Able to build trust, influence and collaborate across a complex, decentralized organization, bringing diverse stakeholders together to support practical, sustainable change and adoption. NOTE: This is a two (2) year term position. Closing Date: 09/18/2026, 11:59PM ETEmployee Group: Salaried Appointment Type: Budget - Term Schedule: Full-Time NOTE: This is a two (2) year term position. Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:PM 4 -- Hiring Zone: $106,705 - $124,491 -- Broadband Salary Range: $106,705 - $177,843 Job Category: People, Finance & Digital ServicesRecruiter: Blythe Campbell Lived Experience StatementCandidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position. Job descriptions are available upon request for internal applicants.

What you’ll do

The HR AI & Automation Lead designs and implements AI-enabled solutions to improve HR service delivery and operational efficiency. They act as a bridge between HR and IT stakeholders to ensure technology initiatives are governed, prioritized, and aligned with institutional objectives.

Requirements

Candidates must have a university degree in a relevant field and at least 5 years of professional experience in HR operations or technology. Strong analytical skills and practical experience with emerging digital technologies like AI and workflow automation are required.

Listed skills

• Product management · Preferred
• Change Management · Preferred
• Workflow Design · Preferred
• Process Improvement · Preferred
• Stakeholder Management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Artificial Intelligence
• Automation
• HR Operations
• Digital Transformation
• Workflow Design
• Process Improvement
• HRIS
• Data Analytics
• Product Management
• Change Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Policy Interpretation
• Generative AI
• Large Language Models
• Technical Consulting
• Systems Thinking
• Influencing Skills
• Large Language Modeling
• Technical Curiosity
• Operational Efficiency
• Employee Relations
• Solution Design
• No-Code Development Platform (NCDP)
• Generative Artificial Intelligence
• Influencing Without Authority
• Product Delivery
• HR Consulting
• Workflow Management
• HR Service Delivery
• AI Adoption
• Emerging Technologies
• Workflow Automation
• AI Agents
• Data Analysis
• Broadband
• Business Requirements
• Decision Making
• Communication
• Continuous Improvement Process
• Disabilities
• Human Resources Information System (HRIS)
• Finance
• Experimentation
• Leadership
• Scalability
• Innovation
• Problem Solving
• Process Analysis
• Productivity Software
• Relationship Building

Job areas

• Human Resources
• Technology
• Management & Leadership
• Data & Analytics
• Education
• Automation Lead
• Human Resources Consultant
• Personnel and Careers Professionals
• Human Resources Specialists