Rachel Paul, CPHR, RPR

Strategic Human Resources Leader | Talent Aquistion | Talent Management | DEI Advocate | Board Member - Non Profit

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

About

As an HR professional, I am passionate about people and how I can help them reach their full potential. I push individuals beyond what they thought they were capable of — while ensuring we are meeting business objectives. I believe performance and people experience are not competing priorities; they are strongest when aligned. I am deeply purposeful in how I work. I prioritize what matters, focus on impact over activity, and align my effort to outcomes. There’s intention behind my decisions and discipline behind my execution. I understand that being busy isn’t the same as being effective. As a leader, I am tenacious and endlessly curious. I bring a fighting spirit, strong collaboration skills, and a love of challenge. I lead by example — empowering those around me through clarity, high standards, and shared accountability. I step into complexity, not away from it. And I am driven — not by ego, but by standards. I hold myself to a high bar and consistently move work forward, even when it’s complex, ambiguous, or high-pressure. I don’t drop balls. I don’t need constant oversight. I follow through. Personally, I am intensely goal-driven, full of laughter, and grounded by the people I care most about. I may have stumbled into Human Resources (which is no surprise, as I am incredibly clumsy), but I have intentionally stayed — learning, growing, and discovering every day just how much this field has to offer. The result? I can be counted on. When something critical needs to get done, I am the person leaders trust. Not because I am the loudest voice in the room — but because I consistently deliver. I create momentum, elevate people, reduce risk, and bring stability through reliability. In short: I take ownership. I work with intention. I execute with drive. And I finish what I start.

Experience

  • Human Resources Partner at University of Calgary
    May 2026 - Present · 2 mos

    My role as a Strategic HR Partner for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary isn't about managing transactions; it’s about shaping the future of our faculties. I collaborate directly with Deans/Vice Deans and faculty executives to ensure their leadership teams are structured, supported, and equipped to achieve their strategic mandates. Higher education demands a unique style of HR leadership; one that respects academic freedom and governance while driving modern talent practices. I act as a sounding board and strategist for senior leaders, advising on everything from organizational design and workforce sustainability to complex labor relations and culture shifts. By fostering psychological safety and aligning human capital with academic priorities, I help cultivate an environment where Calgary’s brightest minds can excel.

  • Senior Human Resources Business Partner at Critical Mass
    Apr 2024 - Apr 2026 · 2 yrs 1 mo

    Partner with Global HR Team to develop and execute cutting-edge HR strategies that align with company goals Serve as a strategic HR advisor to senior leadership, working primarily with VP's to C-Suite executives to drive organizational effectiveness and business performance Support implementation of new processes and procedures that help scale the organization Ignite the potential within employees through effective performance management programs that drive growth and development Act as the go-to HR expert for client groups spanning Canada and the US, with additional client group employees in Costa Rica, the UK, India and Germany, providing guidance to managers on all HR-related matters Handle employee relations with finesse, resolving conflicts, managing disciplinary actions, and overseeing grievance procedures Advocate for an inclusive and positive work atmosphere that boosts engagement and satisfaction Collaborate across talent pillars to enhance the employee experience while growing and simplifying global programming Serve as the Canadian HR representative on the CM DE&I Board, supporting 12 affinity groups

  • FLINT Corp. (Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
    • Recruitment Manager
      Jan 2023 - Apr 2024 · 1 yr 4 mos

      To support the growth and development of Flint by managing 4 Leads and 30 Recruitment team members and supporting our unique business units (Heavy Equipment Operation, Enviromental, Craft/Trades, Maintenance). Responsible for all facets of the talent acquisition process and play a key role in promoting a culture of high engagement and high performance. Responsible to ensure the recruitment business unit is efficient, effective and provides quality employees to internal stakeholders. Through innovative and creative approaches, I work with a skilled team to deliver strategies, processes and programs that enable Flint to be considered an employer of choice in an increasingly competitive talent market.

    • Recruitment Lead
      Jul 2022 - Jan 2023 · 7 mos

      Finding remarkable people using recruitment "Best Practices" to deliver results

  • Paladin Security Group Ltd (7 yrs 10 mos)
    • Manager, People and Culture
      May 2021 - Jun 2022 · 1 yr 2 mos

      Recruitment and Selection • Manage and lead a collaborative recruiting team • Analyze compensation and monitor the performance evaluation program • Implement new sourcing methods • Forecast future hiring needs • Recommend ways to optimize and showcase employer brand • Establish clear recruitment guidelines that are in line with Paladin Security's recruitment goals Employee Care and Retention • Effectively balance employee and company interests to manage risks and create a positive employee relations environment Performance Management • Define consistent data-driven metrics and goals for the People and Culture team • Advise on complex human resource topics such as disciplinary actions, investigations, terminations, performance management, workers' compensation, benefits, and employee management • Collaborate with the leadership team to ensure successful implementation of HR Metrics is achieved according to individual departmental needs and goals • Research and prepare occupational classifications, job descriptions, salary scales and competency appraisal measures and systems Learning, Development and Career Planning • Support management in planning, developing, and measuring learning and development programs Compliance and Legal • Proactively identify changes to legislation affecting human resources functions and ensures policies, procedures, and reporting are up to date and compliant with all governing bodies in the province of Alberta • Oversee active and historical human resources employee files • Advise management and employees on the interpretation of human resources policies, compensation and benefit programs and collective agreements Labour Relations • Team member to negotiate the collective agreement on behalf of Paladin Security • Support in mediation disputes and grievances and provide advice on employee and labour relations

    • Team Lead, People and Culture
      Sep 2018 - May 2021 · 2 yrs 9 mos

      Responsible for the Human Resources department for Calgary Provide guidance to the HR team and daily HR operations Work collaboratively to resolve issues with the Calgary and Southern Alberta Management team Support management in developing HR solutions and strategies for each portfolio Identify upcoming issues and challenges and advising management on best practices Administer discipline, performance management and employee engagement programs jointly with management Assist in the implementation and execution of corporate projects and programs Provide coaching and mentoring to the HR team

    • Human Resources Coordinator
      Sep 2017 - Sep 2018 · 1 yr 1 mo

      • Managed a Junior Talent Acquisition Assistant to help with the day to day recruitment process • Collaborate with the Human Resources Manager and Employee Care Coordinator to manage the employee recognition award program, including visits to sites to present awards within Calgary and Southern Alberta • Assist Client Service Managers and Regional Manager, People and Culture with staffing issues such as progressive disciplinary actions • Collaborate with the Client Service Managers and Scheduling department to identify employee development strategies, workforce planning, and overall talent management strategies • Manage potential employee relations issues, inquiries, and concerns • Partner with key internal stakeholders in driving culture change, enhancing organizational effectiveness, and finding creative solutions to issues • Responsible for the Human Resources department and team while the Human Resources Manager is not in the office • Over the last three years took part in hiring over 1100 front line employees

  • Calgary Construction Association (1 yr 6 mos)
    • Construction Information Service Coordinator
      Apr 2014 - Sep 2014 · 6 mos

      Assist members and allied professions with requests for services or other information to identify requirements for construction tender projects Coordinates with staff, contractors, vendors and owners as needed to provide required service and support regarding COOLNet alberta Compute monthly statistics Send weekly summary emails regarding upcoming projects Conduct in-house and web-based training Post time sensitive documentation to COOLNet Add/update and review all membership applications and membership users

    • Administrative Assistant
      Apr 2013 - Apr 2014 · 1 yr 1 mo

      Provided administrative support to all staff members to ensure day to day operations ran smoothly. Main Activities: Provide general administrative and clerical support including mailing, scanning, faxing and copying to management Perform data entry of company contacts (3000+) and members (700+) Provide front line service for members including directing calls and answering inquires Maintain office files Run company’s errands to post office and office supply store Prepare and modify documents including correspondence, reports, drafts, memos and emails