The key to attracting talent: Why cultural fit and flexibility should be important elements of your recruitment strategy
2023-01-25T16:04:00Z
The Workplace
Introduction
Jennifer Folkes, Mining Recruitment Manager for Brunel Canada, tells us all about the growing importance of flexible work arrangements and cultural fit at the workplace.
Hi, Jennifer! You started working at Brunel Canada in June 2021. Tell us more about your role as Recruitment Manager.
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.
Even though you just recently joined Brunel, you’re not new to the recruitment world, are you?
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.
That’s a long time! What prompted you to change jobs and join Brunel?
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.
Explore related vacancies
Pharmacovigilance Specialist
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 2 years
Responsibilities Collaborate in maintaining an efficient vigilance system in compliance with the Health Canada regulations and guidelines, participating in other Pharmacovigilance (PV) processes and ensuring appropriate contacts with internal and external stakeholders. Collect, pursue follow-up information to complete quality adverse event reports and transmit all local adverse events to Global Pharmacovigilance (GPV). Document and update case information into the PV safety database as as per Good Documentation Practices (GDPs). Analyze and process adverse events and safety reports with utmost quality and timeliness in accordance with Global and Local PV procedures. Respond to queries and requests from internal and external stakeholders. Evaluate domestic and foreign ICSRs (marketed and non-marketed drugs) for submission to Health Canada according to Canadian regulations and within prescribed timelines. Collaborate in developing and maintaining the local Pharmacovigilance standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions and job aids. Provide support in the Periodic Safety Report activities in accordance with Canadian regulations and corporate procedures. Support activities involving product launch, risk management plans, studies, safety queries, handling product alerts, and review of product monographs and protocols. Provide support in the maintenance of Canadian product list and reporting rules for PV database configuration. Support local literature review activities including oversight of the review performed by global vendors, maintaining lists of journals and products, and handling literature-related queries. Provide training and on-going support as well as perform quality assurance and quality control for work delegated to the global PV vendors (CPOC, i.e. Country PV Operating Center) and addressing issues. Provide support for Signal Detection and Local Safety Surveillance activities in accordance with regulatory and corporate requirements. Maintain current knowledge of all relevant local Pharmacovigilance regulations for Sanofi marketed products. Educate internal and external stakeholders on the implications of existing PV regulations and guidance documents along with local and global procedures and policies. Provide support in monitoring compliance with Canadian and foreign case management activities and implement corrective and preventative actions involving the PV team. Participate in the ongoing optimization of PV procedures as well as inter-departmental procedures affecting PV. Provide overall support to the PV team activities.
General Manager
Location: Eastern Ontario
Branche: Food Production
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 4 years
Oversee all daily operations of the Morrisburg facility including production, quality control, safety, maintenance, and logistics. Drive the facility startup phase, including operational commissioning, workforce recruitment and training. Ensure compliance with local regulations, health & safety standards, and environmental policies. Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure operational efficiency and continuous improvement. Team Development & Leadership Build, inspire, and lead a cross-functional team committed to excellence, accountability, and shared success. Foster a culture of open communication, continuous learning, and mutual respect. Provide hands-on coaching and development for staff at all levels. Work closely with executive leadership in Canada and Japan to align local activities with global objectives. Contribute to the development and execution of business plans, budgets, and forecasts. Identify and pursue opportunities for growth, innovation, and cost optimization. Cross-Cultural & Global Collaboration Serve as the primary operational Canadian liaison to Canadian and Japanese leadership and colleagues. Demonstrate cultural awareness, humility, and sensitivity in all interactions with the Japan-based team. Facilitate effective communication and understanding across time zones, languages, and business practices. Represent Alinova Canada within the Eastern Ontario community, supporting local employment initiatives and regional development goals. Build relationships with municipal leaders, local suppliers, and community stakeholders. Agility & Flexibility Take on additional responsibilities as needed in a dynamic and evolving environment. Adapt quickly to change and be prepared to address challenges beyond the traditional scope of a GM role.
Bilingual Administrative Support Representative
Location: Montréal
Branche: Renewable Energy
Expertise: Communications & Distribution
Experience: 0 years
Responsibilities Provide effective and efficient administrative support for Real Estate team. Preparing and distributing documents Scheduling and coordinating meetings Assistance to internal customers - including redirecting phone/email inquiries to appropriate personnel. Minute taking as requested Assist in the development of reports/ presentations Format all reports/presentations using Siemens Energy branding guidelines. Create and maintain SharePoint site for Siemens Energy Real Estate - customer facing, internal to team Format/create/distribute Posters/emails as required using provided templates Provide admin support for tasks such as Fire Safety Plans, annual procedure reviews Provide order processing support for creating vendor's shopping carts/processing invoices Support Vendor management & Onboarding Travel Management / quality gate for expense report Ad hoc requests from Regional Headquarters
Clerical Assistant
Location: Quebec
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Communications & Distribution
Experience: 2 years
Responsibilities Review and organize electronic documents filing. Upload files to the appropriate electronic folders and databases Verify the accuracy and completeness of electronic records Maintain confidentiality and follow company data-handling protocols Collaborate with team members to ensure project deadlines are met
Senior Discovery Scientist
Location: Toronto
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Research & Development
Experience: 3 years
Responsibilities Develop and perform biochemical and/or cell-based assays to characterize the activity of early-stage ligands, such as ELISAs, cytotoxicity assays, or fluorogenic reporter assays. Passage and prepare mammalian cells to be used in assays. Develop methods to assess compound affinity, retention, and internalization of compounds. Support the generation of in vitro assay data for established projects. Interface with external vendors to support early discovery activities. Critically assess data and methods, adapting and adjusting procedures as necessary. In conjunction with managers, establish priorities and meet timelines for key experiments. Provide clear communication of scientific data to co-workers through internal presentations and written methods. Support preclinical and late-stage assets as necessary.
Mechanical Equipment Engineer
Location: Peterborough
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 4 years
Provide execution of, and lead, design/analysis/test/commissioning activities for complex mechanical equipment and systems throughout the entire product life cycle. Prepare, approve, or lead design documentation (technical documents, drawings, BOMs), technical specifications, development/test plans, and engineering quotations. Develop and verify 3D models for conceptual design and perform stress analysis. Apply and guide design for manufacturability/assembly (DFMA) techniques. Provide technical support to CAD, Procurement, Manufacturing, Test, Quality, and Commissioning teams. Lead internal and external meetings (design reviews, technical presentations). Prepare and/or verify project deliverables including evaluations, reports, and assessments. Ensure engineering and product excellence, effective task management, on-time/on-budget delivery, and defect-free designs. Lead by example in adherence to processes, industry codes, standards, quality systems, and contractual requirements. Report on project status, identify risks, analyze solutions, and implement corrective actions. Support customer relationships and market alignment through direct interaction with clients, subcontractors, and cross-functional teams. Contribute to proposals, including scope review, estimates, and customer presentations. Provide technical oversight and direction for design activities, including document and drawing reviews. Ensure health, safety, and compliance in all activities. Travel occasionally to meet with clients and stakeholders.
Project Estimator
Location: Regina
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 4 years
Assist with the development and implementation of systematic reviews of Request for Proposals and Tender documentation to assess risks and opportunities. Assist with the preparation of tenders in general and tender qualifications and clarifications in particular. Take part in and assist with pre-award site visits and negotiations. Provide recommendations and assist in the implementation of standardized bidding formats to take advantage of historical project cost control information. Ensure that documents and records related to completed projects are filed appropriately and as required by law. Maintain a record of and ensure compliance with post-completion requirements such as warrantees, holdbacks, Final Certificate of Completion, the release of bonds or guarantees etc. Collect close-out reports (to be developed) from the area managers on the completion of each project and ensure that mining statistics for each project are documented for future estimating purposes. Ensure that all subcontracts and third-party relationships are properly documented, managed and executed. Adherence to all corporate and project policy, processes and procedures. Other tasks as assigned Supervisor. Knowledge of software systems such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project, Access, Visio, and SharePoint. Emphasizing the importance of safety through consistent messaging. Establishing clear safety accountability. Understanding and applying safety management systems. Open dialogue with co-workers and peers related to matters of safety.
Medical Information Associate
Location: Canada
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Communications & Distribution
Experience: 2 years
Responsibilities Handle escalated (2nd-line) medical information inquiries from the outsourced Medical Information Contact Centre (MICC) during Canadian business hours (approx. 4 hours/day, Monday to Friday). Respond to urgent inquiries after business hours, if necessary, in collaboration with local medical affairs. Ensure responses are accurate, timely, and compliant with regulations and company SOPs. Coordinate the creation, review, and maintenance of Canadian-specific technical and medical response documents, including: Scientific response documents (LSRDs) FAQs, Q&As, medical letters, and technical sheets Ensure alignment with global content and Canadian regulations. Collaborate with MICC vendor and cross-functional teams (Medical, Regulatory, CMC, Legal, Communications) to ensure up-to-date and appropriate content is available. Analyze customer inquiry trends and share insights with Commercial, Innovation, and Medical teams to better address customer needs. Present quarterly summaries at the CHC (Consumer Healthcare) monthly team meeting. Deliver training sessions on Medical Information processes to internal teams (e.g., commercial and field) and MICC agents, particularly for new products. Support the analysis and response to product discontinuations, crisis situations, or inquiries from Health Canada and other external stakeholders. Provide inquiry metrics to Pharmacovigilance (PV) and/or Quality Assurance (QA) teams to support AE-PTC reconciliation reporting. Contribute to audit and inspection readiness, including Opella Global Quality Audits (GQA) and Health Canada inspections. Conduct quality checks on MICC responses to ensure scientific accuracy and compliance, identify trends, and implement Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPAs) as needed. Maintain strong relationships with both Canadian and Global Medical Information teams to foster alignment and optimize knowledge sharing. Coordinate after-hours coverage and support logistics with MICC service providers.
Inventory Coordinator
Location: Toronto
Branche: Pharmaceuticals
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 2 years
Responsibilities Managing product samples, with the opportunity to transition into additional project work in Supply Chain and Order to Cash based on business needs Key emphasis will be on process improvement, driving efficiency, and consistency across operations. Oversee handling, tracking, and coordination of samples, including training sales reps on processes. Support cross-functional initiatives and transition to new projects as priorities evolve. Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency.
Lead Mechanical Engineer
Location: Toronto
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 5 years
Lead Mechanical Engineer Toronto or Burlington, Ontario (office) Introduction Brunel is currently looking for a Mechanical Lead for our mining client in their Toronto office. As a Mechanical Lead, you will be responsible for overseeing and executing all aspects of mechanical engineering design for large-scale mining projects. You will develop equipment specifications, review and approve detailed designs, resolve complex technical challenges, and ensure compliance with industry standards. Working closely with engineers, designers, and project teams, you will provide hands-on technical leadership, mentor junior staff, and drive the successful delivery of critical project phases from Basic and Detailed Engineering through to Construction. Responsibilities Deliver mechanical engineering design according to required timeframes and standards by supervising the performance of mechanical engineers, reviewing deliverables and providing high level technical expertise. Facilitate the purchase of appropriate equipment by specifying requirements and assisting procurement with the purchase of equipment. Contribute to the cost-efficient delivery of mechanical engineering by managing the man hour budget and reviewing and approving mechanical capital cost estimates, recommending alternative approaches where possible. Take on a mechanical lead role on major projects, including managing engineers and designers and organizing mechanical work on the project, managing project budget and schedule and reporting mechanical activities internally and to the client. Assist the development and review of relevant mechanical contracts by providing advice and input as required. Issue drawings and engineering deliverables for construction by working with engineers and designers. Motivate engineers and other project team members towards superior performance by supporting daily performance and providing ongoing mentoring. Requirements Undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering. Registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Canada. Extensive experience in the Minerals & Metals sector; Oil & Gas experience is considered an asset. 12-15 years of mechanical design engineering experience in relevant industries such as mining, mineral processing, and materials handling, with preference for gold and copper projects. Demonstrated ability to resolve complex technical issues efficiently using personal expertise, external consultants, and in-house resources. Proficiency in AutoCAD, 3D designs software, and Microsoft Office suite. Strong understanding of multi-disciplined engineering principles and integration. Proven commitment to mentoring, coaching, and developing engineering personnel. Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and influence teams at all levels. Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deliverables effectively.
Mechanical Department Manager
Location: Toronto
Branche: Mining
Expertise: Production & Manufacturing
Experience: 5 years
Mechanical Department Manager Burlington Or Toronto, Ontario Introduction Brunel is hiring on behalf of our mining client, Ausenco, for a Mechanical Department Manager to lead their mechanical engineering team in Toronto or Burlington (with flexibility for other office locations). This role will oversee engineering deliverables, execution strategies, budgets, and team performance across critical project phases, while providing high-level technical expertise and fostering a collaborative, client-focused environment. It's an excellent opportunity to take on a key leadership position with a global company in the mining sector. Responsibilities Manage the mechanical engineering team according to the required time frames and standards by supervising the performance of mechanical engineers, reviewing deliverables and providing high level technical expertise. Contribute to the cost-efficient delivery of mechanical engineering by managing the man hour budget and reviewing and approving mechanical capital cost estimates, recommending alternative approaches where possible. Ensures current technical standards, reference materials, software programs and tools are in place as necessary for the use of the Mechanical discipline. Review and approve discipline specific project execution strategies and engineering plans in conjunction with the assigned Mechanical lead on the project. Arrange for Technical reviews as specified in operating procedures and the project execution plan. Communicate effectively with clients to identify needs and evaluate alternative solutions. Collaborate with the leadership team in other offices to ensure appropriate inter-office resource sharing. In collaboration with People & Performance, manage the recruitment and selection of required resources for the group including selecting and hiring top performers and appropriately managing workload. Provide guidance and knowledge to engineers and other group members in support of their personal and professional development. Manage the performance of the Mechanical group by carrying out performance reviews and providing technical and leadership support where required. Foster a customer focused team environment that promotes openness, trust, empowerment, innovation, teamwork and high-quality performance for client satisfaction. Requirements Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. 15+ years' proven technical and management experience with an engineering consulting firm or other large organization; construction experience is desirable. Previous experience in a Minerals & Metals. Previous experience leading and guiding engineering teams. Registration as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng) A proven track record managing multiple projects simultaneously or a single project of major size and scope. A proven ability to deliver projects on time and on budget. An excellent understanding of Mechanical engineering specifications, industry standards, practices, applicable codes including national, provincial and local codes, acts and regulations. Strong problem solving and organization skills and ability to meet tight deadlines while providing exceptional service to our clients is a must. Understanding of Financial Reports and project budgets. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Willingness to travel.
Maintenance Planner
Location: Nanticoke
Branche: Conventional Energy
Expertise: Planning & Testing
Experience: 0 years
MAIN FUNCTIONS To be responsible for the planning and scheduling of all Maintenance activities. Should have good understanding of safety, health, and environmental requirements (SHE), work selection criteria, work planning, norms estimating, procurement practices, business practices and controls, contractor interface awareness, development of job packs, etc. Skilled in scheduling work tasks to ensure efficient resource utilization, excellent coordination between operations (equipment readiness / permitting), material availability, construction equipment support, and labor crew (skills) composition and assignment. Typical Job Positions may include: Maintenance Planner / Scheduler, Maintenance Lead, Planner/Scheduler. TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Demonstrates SAFETY is the top priority * Participates in planning with Core/Work Teams * Plans and schedules any Routine Maintenance work required * Works with Planner in developing schedule, cost estimates and equipment planning for Routine work to be accomplished during the Turnaround window * Able to plan complex job and develop resource plan with Scheduler, Execution lead, and Operations across all disciplines. Able to identify and monitor critical and sub-critical paths for major events. * Able to apply advanced functions of Planning & Estimating Tools, as applicable to the position. Able to educate field execution personnel on look-ahead schedules, and help ensure timely work progression. * Able to provide input to maintenance work Contracting/Procurement strategy and steward to that plan. * Able to resolve scheduling issues, including: Negative Float, Out-of-sequence updates, resource overloads, scope change, progress validation, etc. * Able to develop a complete job plan with materials, resources and timeline. * Able to provide input into material of construction selection and management. * Able to plan, estimate, track and schedule Field Order Changes (FCO's). * Able to apply planning logic, such as, lead, lag, critical path and milestones. * Able to adequately assess work contingencies with schedule impact, lead coordination activity between teams should contingencies arise.
Jennifer Folkes
Recruitment Manager for Brunel Canada
Jennifer says that with today’s talent pool shortage affecting many sectors, candidates can cherry-pick the roles that suit them best.
What exactly were you told, and how would you define Brunel’s culture now that you’re a part of the company?
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.
Given your extensive experience in the recruiting industry, have you witnessed any major changes in the business in the last few years?
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.
How so?
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.
You just mentioned workplace flexibility. I can imagine that candidates demand flexibility more than ever in the post-pandemic business world?
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.
What are your tips on successfully managing remote teams?
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.
.jpg?mw=250)
