Director, Human Resources

Who We Are: Xenon Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:XENE https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/xene) is a neuroscience-focused biopharmaceutical company dedicated to drug discovery, clinical development, and commercialization of life-changing therapeutics for patients in need. We are looking for great people who thrive in a respectful, collaborative, inclusive, and productive culture to join the Xenon team. What We Do: We are advancing an exciting product pipeline https://xenon-pharma.com/pipeline to address indications with high unmet medical need, including epilepsy, depression and pain. Our Phase 3 azetukalner program represents the most advanced, clinically validated potassium channel modulator in late-stage clinical development for multiple indications. In March 2026, we announced positive topline data from our Phase 3 X-TOLE2 study of azetukalner in focal onset seizures (FOS), and we anticipate submitting a New Drug Application to the Food and Drug Administration in the third quarter of 2026. Our Phase 3 epilepsy program also includes a second FOS study, X-TOLE3, which would support regulatory submissions outside the U.S., and the X-ACKT study in primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, which would support regulatory submissions for an additional epilepsy indication. We also have multiple Phase 3 azetukalner clinical trials underway in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar depression (BPD), based on topline data from our Phase 2 X-NOVA clinical trial. In addition, we are proud of our strong heritage in human genetics, deep understanding of ion channel biology, and expertise in novel chemistries to enable potent, selective ion channel targeting, and continue to advance an early-stage pipeline of novel therapeutic candidates. In 2025, we initiated Phase 1 trials for XEN1701 (targeting Nav1.7) and XEN1120 (targeting Kv7). Nav1.7 and Kv7 are important pain targets, and data from these Phase 1 studies are expected in 2026 to support Phase 2 proof-of-concept studies in acute pain. Backed by a strong balance sheet to support our growth plans, we continue to build a fully integrated, premier neuroscience company with strong discovery, clinical development, corporate, and commercial operations. About the Role: We are seeking a Director, Human Resources, to join our team. The Director, Human Resources, will have 3 key areas of responsibility: lead and manage HR Operations, act as Human Resources Business Partner for select departments in Discovery, and support key program areas such as HR policy and performance management. The Director, Human Resources will have proven leadership ability in a fast paced, multi-jurisdiction environment and will interact with all levels of internal staff, as well as external advisors and suppliers. The ideal candidate has a strong track record of ensuring accurate, auditable HR processes in a scaling environment, identify and mitigate operational risks, and uphold strong standards, controls, and compliance with a service‑oriented approach. In addition, the candidate will be comfortable rolling up sleeves to troubleshoot and resolve complex or sensitive operational issues when needed, with demonstrated ability to coach and develop team members on detailed or transactional activities. The candidate will ensure a respectful, collaborative attitude with decisiveness and a clear focus on productivity, follow-through, and results. This position reports to the Senior Director, Human Resource and will be based out of Vancouver, BC, Canada. This is a hybrid work arrangement position that requires a minimum of two onsite days per week. RESPONSIBILITIES: - As HR Program Lead for HR Operations: - Lead and manage and the HR Operations team to ensure end-to-end employee life cycle considerations and activities are executed in accordance with department and program objectives; ensure deliverables are timely and executed with high quality. - Collaborate with other HR Program Leads and Xenon departments, such as Finance, Legal and Corporate Affairs on data requests and cross-functional activities, to support company-wide processes and requirements. - Collaborate with HR Systems Lead and other HR Program Leads to facilitate and support new and evolving business systems and processes to enable rapid growth and change. - Develop and maintain relevant policies, procedures and systems relevant to the HR function’s operations team, including for various audit and reporting purposes, for example, quarterly financial and Sarbanes Oxley audits and other regulatory and compliance filings. - Oversee a broad range of HR operational activities, including records and documentation, templates and manuals, budget oversight, and team coordination. - As Human Resources Business Partner for Discovery: - Provide expert counsel to assigned departments in Canada and the US for all HR programs – workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, compensation, training and development, employee engagement and relations, succession planning, employee global mobility. - Collaborate with business and science leaders to coach and to ensure HR programs are optimally used by managers and employees to positively impact employee attraction, orientation, engagement, performance, development and retention. - As Program Manager for Performance Management - Manage all Performance Management program activities related to individual objectives, mid-year review, year-end review, and 360 Feedback process in accordance with the department and company calendar. - Collaborating with HRBPs, manage the build out of Career Framework competencies at the company, job family and function levels, ensuring consistent branding and quality. - Collaborate with EVP, HR to support the work of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Employee Committee. - Lead and/or support a variety of HR, legal, financial and other assigned projects and requirements - Act as a champion for Xenon’s culture and values. - Develop and propose short- and long-term objectives for the function in accordance with overall Company strategies and plans. - Plan and manage budget proposals and approved budgets in accordance with the Company’s strategic and operating plans and Finance policies. - Recruit, lead, direct, develop, coach and evaluate direct reports, if any, in accordance with the Company’s Human Resource policies and practices. - Act in accordance with Company policies, including, for example, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and ensure policies are understood and followed by direct reports, if any. - Other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: - At minimum, a relevant undergraduate degree; a graduate degree in Human Resources or Business Management is preferred, with focus in finance and/or legal training. - 10+ years of experience in progressive HR management in a public, multi-national company life sciences organization experiencing rapid growth and change is highly desired; previous experience working with scientific or technical teams is preferred. - Strong understanding of employee life cycle activities and HR processes, and the ability to connect the dots between process, systems, and technology. Ensures a high level of data integrity and knowledge of and experience with Canadian and US employment, human rights, and immigration laws. - Demonstrated ability to build and maintain accurate, auditable HR processes in a scaling environment, identify and mitigate operational risks, and uphold strong standards, controls, and compliance with a service‑oriented approach. - Strong abstract reasoning and critical thinking skills, strong business acumen. Ability to manage change and ambiguity to ensure solid decision making and recommendations. - Strong leadership with influencing, conflict resolution and collaboration skills; ability to build credibility and trust inside and outside of the Company. Previous experience working in a matrixed environment is preferred. - High level of empathy, maturity and sound judgment, ability to balance business needs with the role of employee advocate. - Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills. Our Total Rewards program includes base salary, target bonus, and stock options, as well as a full range of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short-& long-term disability, accidental death & dismemberment, and life insurance programs, Employee Assistance Program, travel insurance, and retirement savings programs with company matching contributions. Xenon encourages time to rest and re-charge through vacation, personal days, sick days, and an end-of-year company shutdown. Xenon highly values employee development and has an expanding Training, Learning & Development program, including a Tuition Assistance program for advanced degrees.