The key to attracting talent: Why cultural fit and flexibility should be important elements of your recruitment strategy
The Workplace
The Workplace
That’s right, I initially started as Senior Recruiter and then, not long after, I was given the title of Recruitment Lead. And in May of 2022, I became Recruitment Manager for the Mining and Energy team, which currently consists of four recruiters and myself. In terms of my day-to-day activities, I manage three accounts and am responsible for finding and recruiting candidates for their vacancies. And, of course, I supervise my team of recruiters and report on their performance.
No, not at all. Before coming to Brunel, I had been working in recruitment for over ten years with another company, and I moved up the ranks there as well.
Well, I was at a point where I wanted the opportunity to grow my career and I wasn’t seeing this opportunity with my previous employer. Joining Brunel felt like the right move for me as the business seemed to be busy and growing. In retrospect, it was the best decision I could’ve made, because what I was told about the people and the company culture was absolutely true.
Location: Charlottetown
Branche: Food Production
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 2 years
Project Management: Lead and manage internal and external projects from initiation to completion. Define project scope, goals, deliverables, and timelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure project objectives are met on time. Monitor and report on project progress, risks, and issues, proposing solutions where necessary. Coordinate with stakeholders, including clients, vendors, and internal personnel. Validation/ Qualification Documentation: Develop and write qualification packages, including IQ, OQ, PQ, and CSV documents. Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, GMP, etc.). Plan and execute qualification protocols and testing for equipment, systems, and processes. Prepare reports and documentation to verify that equipment and systems meet specified standards and operate within intended parameters. Ensure qualification packages are completed accurately, and maintain proper records for audits and inspections. Team Collaboration: Work closely with Engineering, Quality Assurance team, and other departments to gather necessary data for qualifications. Provide guidance and mentorship to team members involved in qualification activities. Maintain communication with project teams to ensure smooth execution of both qualification activities and project timelines. Continuous Improvement: Identify areas for improvement in qualification processes and project management methods. Ensure ongoing compliance with industry standards and best practices. Stay updated on industry trends and changes in regulatory requirements affecting qualification activities.
Location: Charlottetown
Branche: Life Sciences
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 3 years
Responsibilities Assist in the planning, execution, and monitoring of capital and infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with project goals, timelines, and budgets. Lead process and equipment validation ensuring regulatory compliance and consistent high-quality products. Monitor production data and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to highlight trends and opportunities for improvements. Ensure that all manufacturing processes and equipment meet the required standards and specifications through rigorous testing and validation. Follow IQ, OQ, PQ methodologies when applicable. Develop and manage qualification documentation for new equipment, processes, and systems, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Track the status of qualification activities and provide regular updates to stakeholders on progress and issues. Conduct assessments of packaging materials and processes to ensure they meet quality, safety, and compliance standards. Provide recommendations for packaging improvements and partner with suppliers and internal teams to implement changes. Identify and implement strategies and methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma) for continuous improvements, efficiency gains, and waste reduction including tracing performance of implemented changes.
Location: Vancouver
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Marketing & Sales
Experience: 3 years
Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the region, industry, and customer needs and requirements Identify new regions for business development opportunities, performing market analysis for these regions to ensure the direction is aligned with the business and products and solutions being developed Manage sales prospects through to closure and monitor against approved budgets to ensure financial results are on, or ideally above, target and implement plans to counteract deviations Ability to organize, track and report on sales pipeline and progress updates Present and demonstrate the product range and associated benefits for customers Negotiate sales contracts and associated training and implementation milestones Identify, foster and leverage relationships with internal stakeholders, customers and industry contacts supporting the attainment of the goals for the business Work collaboratively with the Product Management team to provide insights into client and industry product requirements as well as potential developments which will set our client apart from its competitors Represent our client in industry events and tradeshows and collaborate with the Product Management & Marketing team, and Sales & Account Management teams to prepare for such events Other duties and responsibilities as required from time to time
Location: Vancouver
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 5 years
Be a courageous safety leader, leading by example and fostering a proactive safety and sustainability culture based on the common values of health, safety, environment, and communities shared by the asset owners As a member of a multi-disciplinary project team, collaborate and influence Project activities to provide the best commercial value for the Project Lead preparation of the Contracting Strategy, policies and procedures documents Enable Project success by identifying and evaluating contracting strategies, and facilitating the selection of the commercial strategy that best supports the Project objectives Work with internal groups, particularly Legal, Risk and Insurance, and the Manager, Project Services to develop, integrate and deliver best-practice Project contracting practices, procedures, and templates. Lead the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, including: Plan, prepare, and manage the RFP documents and process Analyze and evaluate commercial proposals Lead the technical evaluation process and consolidating inputs Support and provide input to the selection process, based on overall best value. Negotiate commercial and legal terms on behalf of Ensure all records are managed and retained Coordinate agreements post-award in close collaboration with Project Management, Project Controls, and contract scope owners, including evaluating pre-mobilization deliverables, reconciling invoices, negotiating / resolving disputes, negotiating changes, implementing change management procedures, and closing contracts Ensure all Contractor and Consultant personnel align with all relevant requirements, policies, industry best practices, and project-specific requirements Build and maintain relationships with relevant stakeholders and external service providers Promote commitment to sustainability, the environment, and health and safety, through leading by example, and demonstrating honesty, sincerity, and openness to feedback Review existing contracting processes and lead improvements aimed at enhancing efficiencies, as necessary, working collaboratively with team members and external service providers, driving continuous improvements Foster a culture of open communication, focus on building relationships across the organization, with the partners and external audiences, and invest in developing talent within the organization by providing recognition, challenge, and mentorship
Location: Markham
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Communications & Distribution
Experience: 1 years
Handle incoming calls and emails professionally, ensuring timely resolutions for customers and Sales Representatives. Provide specialized account and order management, including verification, processing, tracking, and issue resolution. Maintain and monitor shared inboxes, ensuring prompt action on orders and customer requests. Support new customers and those using our online ordering portal. Proactively follow up with customers and Sales Representatives to ensure satisfaction. Document, track, and resolve customer interactions, escalating where necessary. Monitor daily sales orders/transactions to ensure smooth processing. Identify opportunities for process improvements and share ideas with leadership. Foster strong cross-functional collaboration with internal teams. Ensure adherence to customer service standards, policies, and procedures.
Location: Montréal
Branche: Food Production
Expertise: HR & Recruiting
Experience: 3 years
Responsibilities Organize and lead the Health & Safety Committee Maintain employee records and ensure data accuracy in HR systems Assist in developing and implementing HR policies and procedures Support talent acquisition efforts by posting job openings, screening resumes, and conducting interviews Coordinate onboarding, integration, and document management for foreign workers Initiate and participate in social activities and employee recognition events Track and report monthly HR KPIs Support managers in handling disciplinary matters Participate in and prepare minutes for labor relations committee meetings Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations Assist with payroll processing and take responsibility during the Payroll Manager's absence Support the VP of Human Resources with various HR-related tasks
Location: California
Branche: Food Production
Expertise: Communications & Distribution
Experience: 1 years
Conduct on-site, hands-on training sessions for customers' staff at national supermarket and wholesale club chains, focusing on commercial cooking equipment. Actively collaborate with customers in food preparation procedures, ensuring their teams are fully proficient in using the equipment. Travel predominantly to customer sites in the USA (approximately 15 to 20 days per month), which may include weekends and holidays. Perform field inspections and calibrations on equipment to ensure proper functionality. Organize and deliver regional training sessions for non-users, sharing critical information on the equipment's use regularly for customers. Prepare trip reports to document training activities and customer feedback. Submit timely expense reports related to travel and training. Assist in gathering customer insights through ghost visits as needed. Support laboratory testing activities when required.
Location: Montréal
Branche: Life Sciences
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 2 years
We have a current opportunity for a Mechanical Equipment Installer on a permanent basis. The position will be based in Quebec. For further information about this position please apply.
Location: Quebec or Ontario
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 3 years
Responsibilities Analyze and process adverse events and safety reports with utmost quality and timeliness in accordance with Global and Local Pharmacovigilance procedures. Collect, pursue follow-up information to complete quality adverse event reports and transmit all local adverse events to Global Pharmacovigilance. Evaluate domestic and foreign ICSRs (marketed and non-marketed drugs) for submission to Health Canada according to Canadian regulations and within prescribed timelines. Submit the Canadian reportable adverse reactions to Health Canada according to their regulations and guidance's. Respond to queries and requests from Global Pharmacovigilance. Run monthly submissions compliance report and communicate with team members. Organize and ensure maintenance of the electronic filing and archiving system according to corporate and Canadian requirements. Document and update case information into the global safety database. Interact with other functional areas/departments to process adverse events efficiently & reliably. Collaborate in developing and maintaining the local Pharmacovigilance SOPs and procedures. Update the list of all Canadian drug licensing status and renewals, in conjunction with Regulatory Affairs. Participate in training of PV Associate on their assigned activities. Support associate with inbound and outbound case management activities as needed and as per corporate and local requirements and timelines. Provide overall support to the PV on all team activities. Maintain current knowledge of all relevant local Pharmacovigilance regulations in regard to drug, natural health and cosmetics products. Coordinate responses to questions and requests from Regulatory Authorities.
Location: Vancouver
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Purchase
Experience: 5 years
Be a courageous safety leader, leading by example and fostering a proactive safety and sustainability culture based on the common values on health, safety, environment, and communities shared by the asset owners As a member of a multi-disciplinary project team, collaborate and influence project activities to unlock the value of the resource through strategic investments, and the advancement of development options Manage the project contracts and procurement group and enable success by developing, recommending, and implementing contracting and procurement strategies, for both consultant studies and field program activities, as well as implementing strategies that best support project objectives Collaborate with external Legal Counsel, and other asset owner commercial groups, to develop, integrate and deliver best-practice project contract and procurement practices, policies, procedures and templates for management approval Manage and support Contract and Procurement Leads and other partners on all aspects of the Contracting and Procurement process Support and advise scope owners for interpretation of legal and commercial terms and the application of those terms to handle issues / disputes / claims. Step in as a leader to proactively resolve issues that arise between contractors/vendors and project teams with integrity. Proactively provide guidance to General Manager / Project Director / Project Services Manager and the broader project team regarding contract and procurement management strategies, options, and considerations throughout all stages of contracts and purchase order lifecycles Ensure all personnel are advised on and follow contracting and procurement policies and procedures, and ensure project team members are informed on any changes to the delegation of authority protocol and change management processes Prepare contract and procurement management plans, and reports as required Build, foster, and maintain relationships with the Tahltan, relevant team members, external service providers, and contractors Promote the company's commitment to sustainability, the environment, and health and safety, through leading by example, and demonstrating integrity, sincerity, and openness to feedback Contribute to a culture of teamwork across all constituents and stakeholders Foster a culture of open communication, focus on building relationships across the organization, with the Partners and external audiences, and invest in developing talent within the organization by providing recognition, challenge, and mentorship
Location: Vancouver or Calgary
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Controlling
Experience: 5 years
A courageous safety leader who adheres to and sponsors safety and environmental rules and procedures. Maintains and demonstrate commitment to safety and environmental protection as a core value. An effective problem solver with a results-oriented approach and ability. Responsible for mentoring, coaching, evaluating and providing feedback to a team of project accountants, project cost controllers. Responsible for conducting formal performance reviews and career advancement discussions, either as a direct line supervisor or matrix supervisor. Responsible for regular planning of the resource requirements across a range of project stages and execution models. Responsible to support, as required, any ad-hoc Project Controls, Projects or related initiatives. Responsible to review and approve internal Project Controls Management Plans and internal project setups in the various cost systems. Responsible for periodic review and modifications to the appropriate Overviews/Standards/ Templates of the Projects, Project Procedures Manual. Responsible for performing audits of projects and/or service providers for conformance to Projects Overviews and Standards. Responsible to support the independent review of a project at various points in its lifecycle via Setup Reviews, Health Checks, Stage Gates, or ad-hoc audits. Responsible to participate in Independent Peer Reviews of Projects led projects, other non-Projects led projects, or joint venture partnership projects, as required. Responsible to provide input to strategic direction of project controls department. Project Accounting specific: Responsible to develop project focused accounting policies, procedures and templates for best practices related to accounting in a project setting. Responsible to define roles and responsibilities of the Project Accounting function vs other accounting functions within the Organization. Responsible to interface with other Business Units on relevant matters to ensure alignment of expectations and requirements. Responsible to analyze Projects needs as they related to Project Accounting and ensure they are incorporated into overall strategic plans. Responsible to plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate Project Accounting operations, audits of project contracts and other financial services as required. Responsible to alert and report to senior management all critical trends with respect to the financial performance of various projects in the Projects portfolio.
Location: Toronto
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Research & Development
Experience: 2 years
Responsibilities Analyze Patient Support Program (PSP) data for outcomes research, including feasibility assessments, audits, and quality evaluations. Collaborate with the PSP team to guide program design, data capture, and system improvements with a medical evidence generation focus. Partner with cross-functional teams to navigate governance, SOPs, and end-to-end data management processes. Identify evidence needs and opportunities to leverage PSP data for research and insights.
So, you know the “passion for people” hashtag that is used everywhere? Those words are not just fluff. What I’ve experienced is that senior leadership really takes time to listen to the needs of its employees and makes sure that people stay engaged, motivated and happy in their jobs – regardless of whether that’s just accomplished by providing ongoing workforce training or by helping with a personal issue. So, I do feel like everybody – from senior stakeholders to recruitment to the back-office operations – really stands by this slogan.
In general, the recruitment cycle changes frequently as economic fluctuations have a direct impact on the recruiting market. Sometimes clients run the show and sometimes it’s the candidates. With today’s talent pool shortage affecting many sectors, candidates can cherry-pick the roles that suit them best, which puts recruiters in a tough spot. Apart from that, I would say that the entire recruitment process has changed drastically due to Covid-19.
Obviously, video interviews and virtual recruitment processes have become the norm. But I’ve also seen an increased focus on cultural fit. A few years back, the questions I was asked were along the lines of: “How much are they paying me and what am I supposed to be doing?” and not necessarily about: “Will I be happy in this job?” or “Am I going to fit in?”. Nowadays, I have the conversation about company culture and workplace flexibility with candidates every day. So, for us as a recruitment agency, we must ensure that we know all about the company culture of the clients we are supporting. Also, we have to be able to advise specialists on whether they’ll fit in with a hiring company’s values and culture.
Absolutely! This is why it is crucial for organizations to implement flexible work models such as hybrid work, remote work and part time. And I feel like Brunel is one of the companies that has really embraced the remote work culture. I’m actually a remote worker myself, and my entire team is spread from Calgary to Newfoundland. Even so, I should say that not all workers have remote-capable positions. Especially in some of the industries Brunel works in, working from home is simply not possible due to the nature of engineering work.
First, you must demonstrate that you trust your staff. That is fundamental to any successful experience of working from home. Second, effective communication and collaboration are key to enhance productivity. Video calls with individual team members usually happen daily, but formal meetings between our mining and energy group, for instance, happen twice a week. And with new hires or junior recruiters, it is important to make sure they get the chance to sit in with you on a (video) call.