Theresa John
Markham,Canada
Summary
Certified Human Resources Leader with 15+ years of progressive HR leadership experience across corporate and operational environments. A trusted advisor to leaders with a proven track record in organizational development, talent strategy, change management, and employee engagement. Adept at building scalable people programs, guiding leaders through growth and transformation, and fostering inclusive, high-performing cultures. Recognized for blending strategic insight with hands-on execution to align people-first solutions with business objectives.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources Manager
Toys R Us Canada
Vaughan, ON
06.2011 - Current
- Serve as a strategic partner to functional leaders, advising on organizational design, succession planning, and workforce transformation to align HR initiatives with business goals.
- Champion employee engagement and culture-building initiatives, delivering programs that achieved a 70%+ engagement score. Designed and executed engagement action plans that consistently improved morale and retention.
- Lead the design and implementation of scalable HR processes, including recruitment models, onboarding frameworks, learning programs, and technology rollouts (WMS, LMS, eLearning).
- Spearheaded HR support for new operational site launches, ensuring seamless workforce onboarding and scalability.
- Provide trusted guidance on complex employee relations, performance management, and compliance with employment legislation (ESA, OHSA, WSIB).
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Compensation, Learning & Development, and Operations to implement initiatives that improved retention, career growth, and workplace culture.
- Act as a change leader for enterprise-wide initiatives, including digital transformation, workforce restructuring, and new site launches.
Human Resources Generalist
Toys R Us Canada
Vaughan, ON
09.2007 - 06.2011
- Serve as a strategic partner to functional leaders, advising on organizational design, succession planning, and workforce transformation to align HR initiatives with business goals.
- Champion employee engagement and culture-building initiatives, delivering programs that achieved a 70%+ engagement score. Designed and executed engagement action plans that consistently improved morale and retention.
- Lead the design and implementation of scalable HR processes, including recruitment models, onboarding frameworks, learning programs, and technology rollouts (WMS, LMS, eLearning).
- Spearheaded HR support for new operational site launches, ensuring seamless workforce onboarding and scalability.
- Provide trusted guidance on complex employee relations, performance management, and compliance with employment legislation (ESA, OHSA, WSIB).
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Compensation, Learning & Development, and Operations to implement initiatives that improved retention, career growth, and workplace culture.
- Act as a change leader for enterprise-wide initiatives, including digital transformation, workforce restructuring, and new site launches.
Human Resources Coordinator
Rollstamp Manufacturing (Magna International)
Concord, ON
04.2003 - 09.2007
- Served as HR partner for all staffing, compensation, and employee relations functions in a manufacturing environment.
- Led full-cycle recruitment and onboarding, reducing time-to-fill through process improvements.
- Managed disability claims and WSIB cases, reducing related costs through proactive return-to-work programming.
- Supported annual wage surveys and employee engagement strategies that achieved 80%+ satisfaction ratings.
Human Resources Assistant
Weekenders Canada Inc.
Toronto, ON
12.1997 - 03.2003
- Delivered recruitment, training, and HR administration support.
- Maintained HRIS data integrity and supported internal communications and reporting.
- Liaised with WSIB and maintained a
Education
Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) -
Human Resources Professionals Association
Post-Diploma - Human Resources Management (Honours)
Seneca College
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology (Minor: Anthropology)
York University
G.C.E. O-Levels - undefined
University of London
Skills
- Ceridian Dayforce
- PeopleSoft
- HRIS Systems
- Talent Dashboards
- Compliance & WSIB Reporting
- LinkedIn Recruiter
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Human Resources Manager
Toys R Us Canada
06.2011 - Current
Human Resources Generalist
Toys R Us Canada
09.2007 - 06.2011
Human Resources Coordinator
Rollstamp Manufacturing (Magna International)
04.2003 - 09.2007
Human Resources Assistant
Weekenders Canada Inc.
12.1997 - 03.2003
Post-Diploma - Human Resources Management (Honours)
Seneca College
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology (Minor: Anthropology)
York University
G.C.E. O-Levels - undefined
University of London
Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) -
Human Resources Professionals Association
Community Service
Contributor to Toys R Us’ charitable and community initiatives, Active HRPA member and local HR networking participant, Committed to fostering inclusive, accessible, and high-performing workplaces
Additional Information
- Passionate about employee experience, inclusive hiring, and talent innovation
- Committed to continuous learning and staying current on HR legislation