Senior Specialist, HR Talent Programs (Ottawa (Downtown), ON, CA)

Senior Specialist, HR Talent Programs

Take a central role

The Bank of Canada has a vision to be a leading central bank—dynamic, engaged and trusted—committed to a better Canada. No other employer in the country offers you the unique opportunity to work at the very center of Canada’s economy, in an organization with significant impact on the economic and financial well-being of all Canadians. You will be challenged, energized and motivated to excel in our environment. 

Building on the principles that have always guided us – excellence, integrity and respect – we strive to be forward-looking and innovative, to welcome people with diverse perspectives and talents, and to earn trust by living up to our commitments and by clearly explaining the intent of our policies and actions.  

With our defined-benefit pension plan, benefits, and high flexibility for work life balance - find out more about why we are annually ranked as one of Canada's top employers:  Working Here - Bank of Canada

Find out more about the next steps in our Recruitment process. 

What you need to know
Help shape the future of talent at the Bank of Canada by modernizing HR programs, including identifying opportunities to use technology, AI and automation to create better experiences for employees and leaders.
Reporting to the Deputy Managing Director of HR, you will work with HR leaders to simplify and strengthen key talent programs, combining research, workforce insights and emerging practices to shape practical, sustainable solutions with enterprise-wide impact.

• What you will do
• Lead the design and improvement of HR talent programs, including performance management, talent reviews, career pathways and skills intelligence.
• Monitor research, leading practices and trends in talent management, AI, skills intelligence and the future of work.
• Translate insights into practical recommendations that shape HR’s approach to key talent programs.
• Assess where technology can improve program outcomes, employee and leader experience, scalability and decision quality.
• Advise on how talent programs and strategies should evolve in response to workforce needs, organizational priorities and emerging HR practices.
• Develop recommendations and implementation plans that balance value, risk and readiness.
• Partner across HR to ensure talent modernization initiatives are aligned, practical and sustainable.
• Build trusted relationships with senior leaders and influence decisions through expertise, analysis and sound judgment.
• Prepare executive-ready materials, insights and recommendations for HR’s senior leadership team.

What you need to succeed
You bring practical experience designing or delivering talent management programs such as succession management, performance management, talent reviews, skills frameworks or career architecture. You combine strong strategic and systems thinking with an understanding of current talent research, workforce trends, data and leading practices to turn insights into practical recommendations.

You are comfortable advising senior leaders, influencing stakeholders and leading transformation in complex environments. You can assess risks and trade-offs, identify practical uses for AI and digital tools, communicate clearly with different audiences, and bring a continuous improvement mindset to simplify processes and improve employee and leader experiences.

Nice-to-have

Experience with:  

• • AI-enabled HR tools, talent intelligence platforms, and workforce analytics
• Change management, continuous improvement, agile, human-centred design or service design.
• A related certification in HR, change management, project management, analytics or AI.

Education and Experience
This position requires 7 to 10 years of experience in Human Resources, talent management, organizational effectiveness, workforce strategy, leadership development or a related field, with a demonstrated track record of leading complex, enterprise-wide initiatives and advising senior leaders.

A university degree in a relevant field such as Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, Industrial Relations, Public Administration, Information Management or Organizational Psychology is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Innovative Mindset

We value candidates who demonstrate adaptability, curiosity, and a willingness to learn new technologies, including AI and digital tools. We seek individuals who can think critically about data, question existing processes, and find ways to simplify our work while embracing change and new ways of doing things. 

Language requirement
The Bank’s work environment is conducive to the use of both of Canada’s official languages - English and French.  The position language requirement is Level 5 (Fully Functional).  If a qualified candidate who meets the language requirement of the position is not found, a qualified candidate who does not meet the language requirement may be considered. Training may be provided to help reach the required level.  Both bilingual and unilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. 

What you need to know

• • Priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents
  • Security level required: Be eligible to obtain Reliability 
  • There will be no relocation assistance provided
  • Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available. 

Hybrid Work Model

The Bank offers work arrangements that provide employees with flexibility, enable high-performing teams, and support an excellent workplace culture. Most employees can telework from home for a portion of each month as part of the Bank’s hybrid work model, and they are expected on site at the Bank location a minimum of 12 days per month to help build connections between colleagues. You must live in Canada, and within reasonable commuting distance of the office.  

What you can expect from us
This is a great opportunity to join a leading organization and be part of a high-performing team. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet your needs at every stage of your life and career. For more information on key benefits please visit A great deal to consider. 

• • Salaries are based on qualifications and experience and typically range from $153,721 to $180,848 (job grade 19)
  • The Bank offers an incentive for successfully meeting expectations at  7 to 10% of your base salary. The Bank offers additional performance pay (5%) for those who exceed expectations. Exceptional performers who far exceed expectations may be eligible for higher performance pay.
  • Flexible and comprehensive benefits so you can choose the level of health and dental coverage that meets your needs
  • Extra vacation days (up to five each year) that you can purchase to add to your vacation entitlement
  • Option to join the indexed, defined-benefit pension plan after 24 consecutive months of service

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.