Human Resources Manager

Vancouver Christmas Market 2026 

If you have lived in Vancouver for a while, chances are high you’ve been to the Vancouver Christmas Market. Now in our 16th season, our authentic outdoor German Christmas Market features unique holiday shopping, seasonal entertainment, and delicious traditional food and drinks. Located in the downtown core of Vancouver, at Jack Poole Plaza, the Christmas Market will be open to the public daily from mid-November to December 24. 

Full-Time Contract Employment Opportunity – Human Resources Manager 

The HR Manager will mainly oversee all human resources functions for the Vancouver Christmas Market (VCM) operations, including recruitment, employee relations, compliance, HR administration, and payroll coordination to ensure smooth operations during the season. Besides, this person will support the Seattle Christmas Market (SCM) in hiring, training new coordinators/ managers if required, and staffing budget management. 

The ideal candidate is highly organized, people-focused, and experienced in managing HR processes in a fast-paced environment. The HR Manager will play a key role in fostering and strengthening team culture while supporting the organization through rapid seasonal growth. 

Reporting to: VCM & SCM Leadership team 

Contract Duration: June 1st, 2026 – Jan 15th, 2027 

Roles and Responsibilities  

Recruitment & Selection 

• Manage full-cycle recruitment for seasonal staff, coordinators, and management positions 
• Organize and lead Hiring Days for seasonal recruitment campaigns, prioritizing on returning staff 
• Coordinate and facilitate Orientation Days for new hires  
• Develop job postings, screen candidates, conduct interviews, and support hiring decision 
• Lead onboarding and offboarding processes for all employees  
• Support workforce planning during peak operational periods  
• Supervise and support the SCM HR Coordinators during the season, including recruitment activities and daily HR operations, ensuring company standards are aligned 

Employee Relations & Team Culture 

• Provide HR guidance and support to managers and employees on HR-related matters  
• Handle workplace conflicts, disciplinary matters, investigations, and termination processes professionally and confidentially  
• Promote employee engagement, recognition, and team morale initiatives  
• Foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture  

Scheduling & Staff Training 

• Maintain a strong understanding of the company’s scheduling software (WhenIWork) 
• Train new hires, seasonal staff, and supervisors on scheduling procedures and system usage  
• Provide ongoing support and troubleshooting related to scheduling and attendance processes  
• Assist with staff scheduling and shift coordination when operationally required  
• Support managers in maintaining accurate scheduling practices and timekeeping records 

HR Administration & Payroll Coordination 

• Maintain accurate and confidential employee records and HR documentation  
• Ensure compliance with company policies and employment standards  
• Track employee contracts, performance documentation, certifications, and related HR files  
• Assist with policy development and HR process improvements  
• Work closely with VCM’s local Finance/ Accounting Company on all admin tasks and payroll related in Vancouver and an external payroll company in the US 
• Monitor and verify employee timesheets attendance records in WhenIWork 
• Coordinate payroll-related inquiries and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner  

Budget Planning and Allocation 

• Monitor staffing budgets closely, including labor costs, onboarding expenses, recruitment spending, and employee engagement initiatives  
• Develop staffing plans that balance operational requirements with labor budget expectations  
• Work collaboratively with department managers to forecast staffing needs and control workforce-related expenses  
• Identify cost-effective recruitment and retention strategies while maintaining a positive employee experience  
• Prepare and maintain HR budget reports, staffing updates, and workforce planning recommendations for leadership teams 

Compliance & HR Advisory 

• Ensure compliance with British Columbia employment legislation and workplace regulations  
• Stay informed on HR best practices and changes in employment laws  
• Provide HR advice and recommendations to managers on employee-related matters  
• Knowledge of Seattle/Washington employment law is considered an asset 

Qualifications 

• Minimum 3 years of Human Resources experience in a fast-paced environment and event experience is an asset 
• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in an HR Management program 
• Working toward a CPHR is an asset 
• Comfortable operating independently, taking ownership, and managing competing priorities 
• Experience managing full-cycle recruitment and employee relations  
• Strong knowledge of BC Employment Standards and HR best practices  
• Experience handling workplace conflict resolution and terminations  
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills  
• Proven ability to coach leaders 
• Experience building or improving HR structure, processes, or programs 
• Very strong work ethic, dedicated to showing up in office as your best self everyday 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure  
• Proficiency with HR systems, Microsoft Office Suite and other technology software (scheduling software – WhenIWork and project management software) 
• Knowledge of Seattle/Washington employment law is an asset 
• Experience supporting multi-location teams or cross-border operations is an asset 
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by event schedules. 

Compensation  

• Salary Range: $5,500 – $6,500 per month 
• Extended Health Care Benefits effective on the first day of employment 
• Vacation pay paid at 4% of gross earnings on each pay cheque 
• Hybrid work environment (3 days in office from June to August, followed by 4-5 office days from September) 
• Team Buildings 
• Complimentary Ticket Exchanges from some tourist attractions 
• Free entry tickets and free drink vouchers for friends and family