Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Simple Gandotra , CPHR Candidate

Summary

Dynamic Human Resources Professional with over 5 years of progressive experience in large, unionized environments, specializing in employee relations, recruitment, labor relations, and HR process improvements. Proven ability to lead and support complex HR functions across diverse settings. Skilled in change management, EDI initiatives, and employee training, with a strong commitment to client service and operational excellence. Known for a collaborative approach, effective communication, and a high level of professionalism and confidentiality. Ready to bring a comprehensive HR background and strategic insights to support Vancouver Public Library’s values of creating an innovative, inclusive, and responsive workplace.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead, Human Resources Associates (Contract)

Langara College
10.2023 - Current
  • Labor Relations & Employee Relations: Serve as the primary contact for LR issues, supporting over 3,000 employees across three collective agreements. Provide guidance on policy interpretation, employee conduct, and dispute resolution, maintaining strong relationships with union representatives.
  • Change Management & Project Leadership: Successfully led the HRA job redesign, analyzing operational needs and implementing strategies that enhanced team efficiency, streamlined HR processes, and increased employee satisfaction.
  • Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Champion EDI by delivering training on inclusivity and respectful workplace practices. Support EDI initiatives across HR and ensure that all recruitment and HR practices align with the values of equity and fairness.
  • HR Operations & Compliance: Oversee HRIS processing, payroll, and benefits administration, collaborating with Payroll to troubleshoot and resolve payroll discrepancies and ensure policy compliance. Developed guides and training resources for team use to maintain up-to-date knowledge on HR practices.
  • Client Service Orientation: Known for providing responsive, solution-oriented support to internal clients, prioritizing clear communication and fostering trust across teams.

HR & Benefits Administrator (Contract)

Heidelberg Materials
09.2022 - 10.2023
  • High-Volume Recruitment & Talent Acquisition: Coordinated recruitment processes for unionized hourly roles, working closely with hiring managers to ensure alignment with workforce needs. Managed candidate pre-screening, interview scheduling, and testing processes.
  • Onboarding & Orientation: Led onboarding for new hires, including union employees, ensuring comprehensive orientation to company policies, benefits, safety protocols, and HR processes.
  • Payroll Processing & Compliance: Processed payroll for a large (over 450 employees), unionized workforce, overseeing employee time, production, and wage data for accuracy and compliance with employment contracts.
  • Benefits Administration & Employee Support: Acted as a primary contact for benefit-related queries, helping employees understand and navigate benefit options, vacation pay, and leave requests.
  • Data Management & Reporting: Maintained meticulous employee records within HRIS and payroll systems, contributing to workforce analytics by preparing regular reports on attendance, payroll accuracy, and turnover.

Office Administrative Assistant

Pizza Garden
05.2021 - 08.2022
  • HR & Payroll Support: Supported HR functions, including payroll processing and benefits administration, ensuring timely and accurate service delivery. Managed administrative records, contributing to a well-organized and compliant HR operation.
  • Employee Relations & Training Support: Assisted with onboarding, new hire orientations, and employee relations, addressing queries and ensuring clear communication of company policies. Strengthened team cohesion by supporting HR in addressing safety and compliance concerns.
  • Administrative Support & Recordkeeping: Maintained organized filing systems for HR and operational records, enabling efficient access to critical information. Enhanced productivity by retrieving, preparing, and digitizing documents, supporting a paperless initiative for easier data management.

HR Coordinator

Hotel KK
07.2018 - 04.2021
  • Full-Cycle Recruitment & Staffing: Managed all hourly staffing requirements, from job postings and candidate screening to interviews and hiring decisions. Worked with temp agencies to address peak staffing needs, maintaining seamless operational support for a 24/7 business environment.
  • Onboarding & Training Coordination: Designed and conducted onboarding sessions, including detailed orientation on company policies, job roles, and performance expectations.
  • Compensation & Benefits Management: Oversaw payroll for hourly employees, handled wage adjustments, processed leave requests, and administered benefits.
  • HRIS Management & Record-Keeping: Maintained accurate employee records within HR databases, processed employee changes, and coordinated with finance on payroll and benefits.

Education

Certificate - Sanyas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training

Provincial Health Services Authority

Post-Degree Certificate - Human Resources Management

Simon Fraser University

Post-Baccalaureate Diploma - Marketing Management

Douglas College

Master of Commerce - Commerce And Administration

Punjab University

Bachelor of Business Administration -

Punjab University

Skills

  • Labor Relations: Extensive experience working with multiple collective agreements in large unionized settings, supporting harmonious labor relations and interpreting union policies to address diverse HR needs
  • Change Management & Project Leadership: Proven ability to lead complex HR projects, including job redesign, resulting in enhanced team effectiveness and alignment with operational goals
  • Recruitment & Talent Acquisition: Comprehensive experience in full-cycle recruitment, including high-volume hiring in unionized environments, improving efficiency, and ensuring alignment with organizational culture
  • Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to fostering EDI through inclusive hiring practices, delivering diversity training, and promoting equitable treatment in all HR processes
  • HR Operations & Policy Compliance: Proficient in HRIS, payroll, benefits administration, and HR reporting, ensuring adherence to policies and efficient service delivery
  • Effective Communication & Client Service: Known for clear, responsive communication and a client-centered approach to managing HR inquiries

Timeline

Lead, Human Resources Associates (Contract)

Langara College
10.2023 - Current

HR & Benefits Administrator (Contract)

Heidelberg Materials
09.2022 - 10.2023

Office Administrative Assistant

Pizza Garden
05.2021 - 08.2022

HR Coordinator

Hotel KK
07.2018 - 04.2021

Certificate - Sanyas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training

Provincial Health Services Authority

Post-Degree Certificate - Human Resources Management

Simon Fraser University

Post-Baccalaureate Diploma - Marketing Management

Douglas College

Master of Commerce - Commerce And Administration

Punjab University

Bachelor of Business Administration -

Punjab University
Simple Gandotra , CPHR Candidate