Director, Human Resources

Xenon

Job Overview

Location

Vancouver

Job Type

Contract

Full Job Description

📋 Description

• As Director, Human Resources at Xenon Pharmaceuticals, you will lead HR Operations, serve as an HR Business Partner for Discovery teams, and manage the Performance Management program, playing a critical role in supporting the company’s mission to develop life-changing neuroscience therapeutics.
• Day to day, you will lead and manage the HR Operations team to ensure end-to-end employee lifecycle activities are executed with quality and timeliness, collaborate with Finance, Legal, and Corporate Affairs on data requests and cross-functional initiatives, oversee HR policies and systems for audit and compliance (including SOX and regulatory filings), manage records, documentation, templates, budget oversight, and team coordination.
• You will provide expert HR counsel to Discovery departments in Canada and the US on workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, compensation, training, engagement, relations, succession planning, and global mobility, while coaching managers and employees to optimize HR program impact on attraction, development, and retention.
• You will manage the full Performance Management cycle including objective setting, mid-year and year-end reviews, and 360 Feedback, collaborate on building Career Framework competencies across job families, support the DEIA Employee Committee, lead or support HR, legal, and financial projects, champion Xenon’s culture and values, develop short- and long-term HR objectives aligned with company strategy, manage budget proposals per Finance policies, and recruit, lead, develop, coach, and evaluate direct reports.
• Xenon is a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company advancing a strong pipeline of therapeutics for epilepsy, depression, and pain, with Phase 3 programs in azetukalner showing promising clinical results, backed by a strong balance sheet and a commitment to building a fully integrated, premier neuroscience company with a respectful, collaborative, inclusive, and productive culture.
• In this role, you will deepen your expertise in HR operations within a fast-paced, multi-jurisdiction life sciences environment, strengthen your ability to build auditable, compliant HR processes in a scaling organization, enhance your leadership and coaching skills in a matrixed setting, and gain strategic influence by advising science and business leaders on talent and organizational effectiveness.

🎯 Requirements

• At minimum, a relevant undergraduate degree; a graduate degree in Human Resources or Business Management is preferred, with focus in finance and/or legal training.
• 10+ years of experience in progressive HR management in a public, multi-national life sciences organization experiencing rapid growth and change; previous experience with scientific or technical teams is preferred.
• Strong understanding of employee life cycle activities and HR processes, with ability to connect process, systems, and technology, ensuring high data integrity and knowledge of Canadian and US employment, human rights, and immigration laws.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain accurate, auditable HR processes in a scaling environment, identify and mitigate operational risks, and uphold strong standards, controls, and compliance with a service‑oriented approach.
• Strong leadership with influencing, conflict resolution, and collaboration skills; ability to build credibility and trust inside and outside the company; previous experience in a matrixed environment is preferred.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills; high level of empathy, maturity, sound judgment, and ability to balance business needs with employee advocacy.

🏖️ Benefits

• Base salary, target bonus, and stock options as part of the Total Rewards program.
• Full range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, accidental death & dismemberment, and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program, travel insurance, and retirement savings programs with company matching contributions.
• Vacation, personal days, sick days, and an end-of-year company shutdown to support rest and re-charge.
• Expanding Training, Learning & Development program, including Tuition Assistance for advanced degrees.

Skills & Technologies

REST

Hybrid

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Xenon

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About Xenon

Xenon is a leading provider of advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence solutions. The company specializes in developing and implementing cutting-edge technologies that help businesses unlock the full potential of their data. Xenon's offerings include predictive modeling, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization tools, all designed to drive informed decision-making and operational efficiency. They serve a diverse range of industries, including finance, healthcare, and retail, empowering clients to gain deeper insights, optimize performance, and achieve strategic business objectives. Xenon is committed to innovation and delivering tangible value through data-driven strategies.

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