POSITION OVERVIEW

The Manager of People & Operations is a hands-on role responsible for the full HR function and the day-to-day operational running of the firm’s offices. This role brings together two areas that depend on the same skillset — organization, people judgment, and steady execution — and combines them into a single point of ownership. You will manage the firm’s HR function end-to-end, oversee firm culture and learning initiatives, and also own facilities, vendor relationships, and operational logistics across all locations.

This is a build-and-run role. You will write the HR policies and also coordinate the office moves; you will run onboarding sessions and also manage the shredding service provider. You will need to move comfortably between people-focused work and operational logistics, often in the same day.

We are looking for a team player with no ego. You will be just as happy helping set up catering for the summer party as you are writing our policies and procedures. You will continuously be looking for opportunities to improve the firm for both internal and external stakeholders.

This role is based primarily in Vancouver with 1x/weekly visits to Langley and 1x/monthly visit to Chilliwack. The successful candidate will be able to work from home 1x per week following probation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

HR Policy, Compliance & Implementation

• Develop, implement, and continuously improve firm-wide HR policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with BC employment standards and relevant legislation
• Support Supervisors in basic employee relations matters, including performance management, disciplinary processes, and conflict resolution
• Maintain and update the employee handbook and all HR documentation
• Manage all aspects of the employee lifecycle: contracts, status changes, terminations, and offboarding
• Track leave (vacation, sick, statutory), and ensure accuracy of HR records
• Support the Director in organizational planning, headcount decisions, and team structure changes
• Design and execute a structured, consistent onboarding experience for all new hires, ensuring they are set up for success from day one (including tech setup coordination with the Tech team)
• Build and maintain a standardized offboarding process, including exit interviews and knowledge transfer protocols
• Work with the Controller to manage and administer firm benefits programs, ensuring staff are informed and enrolled appropriately

Learning & Development

• Design and execute the firm-wide L&D strategy — identifying skill gaps, sourcing learning opportunities, and tracking participation and impact
• Facilitate and coordinate the Lunch & Learns program, including scheduling, speaker coordination, and content development
• Support professional development coordination as needed (conference registration, accommodation, etc.)
• Build individual development plans for direct reports and foster a culture of growth across the firm

Culture, Engagement & Internal Events

• Lead and support the Social Committee, helping design and execute firm culture initiatives, team events, and recognition programs alongside the Experience Coordinator
• Champion employee engagement by proactively gathering feedback, identifying concerns, and working with leadership to address them
• Prepare and present at firm-wide and leadership meetings on people-related topics and metrics, as needed

Facilities & Office Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations across all YLaw offices, ensuring each location is well-maintained, properly stocked, and operationally smooth
• Manage office schedules including desk and office reservations, creating and distributing office schedules, and coordinating the Who’s Where tracker
• Oversee physical upgrades, special inspections, and office improvement projects across all locations
• Manage all orders, supplies, snack purchasing, and vendor logistics (including shredding pickups, furniture delivery, etc.)
• Assist with insurance paperwork, building compliance matters, and facilities-related administration
• Coordinate office moves, space planning, and furniture logistics as needed
• Oversee mediation hospitality planning, working with the Experience Coordinator to ensure meeting rooms, catering, and logistics are handled seamlessly

Vendor Management & Procurement (Non-Technology)

• Own vendor relationships across operations — office suppliers, facilities contractors, and general service providers
• Lead contract negotiations and renewals for operational (non-technology) vendors, ensuring value and service quality
• Conduct vendor due diligence, performance reviews, and escalations as needed
• Manage procurement processes for operational equipment, supplies, and services

Reporting & Metrics

• Track and report on key HR and people metrics — turnover, time-to-hire, engagement, L&D participation, and headcount
• Prepare and distribute monthly operational stats reports for leadership
• Track operational KPIs, flagging trends and anomalies
• Prepare regular reports for the Director on people-related and operational matters, escalations, and program progress
• Use data to inform decisions, identify trends, and continuously improve the employee and operational experience

Other

• Process and approve general Accounts Payable (AP) in a timely and accurate manner
• Manage departmental expense tracking and cost controls
• Participate in leadership meetings, operations reviews, and firm-wide planning sessions as needed
• Partner with the Tech Team on shared processes (e.g., tech setup for new hires, training coordination)
• Represent the firm at external events and community initiatives, as appropriate

WHAT YOU WILL IMPLEMENT & LEAD IN THE FIRST YEAR

• Improvement and documentation of onboarding and offboarding processes
• Firm-wide L&D calendar and Lunch & Learns program
• Consistent HR documentation and policy library
• Culture and recognition initiatives in partnership with the Social Committee and Experience Coordinator
• Standardized procurement and vendor management processes for non-technology vendors
• Operational reporting infrastructure (monthly stats, KPI tracking)

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Staff feel supported, informed, and set up to succeed
• HR policies are clear, documented, consistently applied, and legally compliant
• Onboarding and offboarding are seamless, positive experiences
• L&D programming happens regularly and staff can see their growth
• All offices run smoothly: staff have what they need, and logistics happen without drama
• Non-technology vendors are managed proactively and the firm gets value from every contract
• The Director receives timely, accurate people and operational data and can rely on this role to own both functions

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 3–5+ years of progressive HR and/or operations experience
• Strong working knowledge of BC employment standards, human rights legislation, and HR best practices
• Demonstrated experience managing staff, vendors, and day-to-day operational processes
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities across very different domains
• Comfortable being both a strategic thinker and a hands-on executor; equally happy running a performance conversation and coordinating an office move

Preferred

• CPHR designation or working toward it
• Experience in project management principles and/or practices
• Experience in a law firm or regulated professional services environment
• Familiarity with HRIS platforms and general office management tools
• Experimenting with AI to handle repetitive, automated work in order to free up time for more important work

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary: $65,000 – $80,000 per year depending on experience and qualifications
• Benefits:
• Comprehensive extended health, dental, and vision coverage
• Three weeks of paid vacation
• Ten paid wellness days to support physical, mental, and emotional well-being
• Monthly wellness allowance for eligible expenses such as therapy, fitness memberships, or equipment
• Eligibility for an annual bonus program
• RRSP employer matching program
• Annual vacation allowance
• Ongoing learning and professional development opportunities, including participation in firm-wide initiatives
• Regular firm social and wellness events

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your cover letter and resume to [email protected] by 12 noon PST on Thursday July 30, 2026 with the subject line: ‘Application: Manager of People & Operations’

Don’t think you meet all of our qualifications but think you’d be a great match? Apply! We love to hear from folks who can show us how they would fulfil the role from non traditional backgrounds and experiences.