AVP, Human Resources Business Partner (Bilingual)
About The Position
Zurich Canada is seeking an AVP, Human Resources Business Partner to act as a trusted advisor to senior business leaders. This role involves translating business priorities into practical people strategies that enhance current business performance and build future organizational capability. The position reports to the SVP, Chief People Officer, Canada, and will collaborate with senior leaders and HR Centres of Expertise to develop and implement people strategies aligned with business objectives. Key areas of focus include workforce planning, organizational design, leadership capability, talent management, organizational effectiveness, and change management. The role utilizes workforce insights, technology, and innovative approaches to improve business performance and the employee experience. This is a high-visibility position for an experienced HR leader adept at solving complex business challenges, influencing senior stakeholders, and contributing to the future of HR at Zurich Canada. It offers an opportunity to grow knowledge and experience in a supportive environment. Zurich Canada employs AI-enabled tools in its recruitment process, but all hiring decisions are made by qualified hiring professionals. The role operates under a hybrid work model, requiring three days per week in-person presence, which can include office time or market-facing engagements.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including significant experience as an HR Business Partner supporting senior business leaders.
- Bilingual in English and French.
- Demonstrated success building trusted relationships and influencing leaders through sound judgement, business acumen and a consultative approach.
- Experience supporting organizational design, workforce planning, organizational effectiveness and change initiatives.
- Strong analytical capabilities with experience leveraging workforce data and business insights to influence decision-making.
- Excellent coaching, consulting, facilitation and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
- Ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, navigate ambiguity and balance strategic thinking with practical execution.
Nice To Haves
- CHRL (or equivalent), or designation in progress.
- Experience within financial services, insurance or another highly regulated industry.
- Experience working within modern HR operating models and supporting business transformation.
- Curiosity about emerging technologies, including AI, and how they can enhance business performance and the employee experience.
Responsibilities
- Build trusted relationships with senior business leaders, providing strategic advice on workforce, organizational and leadership priorities.
- Translate business strategies into practical people plans that enable business performance and long-term organizational success.
- Coach, influence and constructively challenge leaders on organizational, talent and workforce decisions.
- Partner on organizational design, workforce planning and operating model evolution.
- Lead and support change initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness and help leaders navigate ambiguity.
- Identify opportunities to improve team performance, collaboration, leadership effectiveness and organizational capability.
- Bring an enterprise mindset to business decisions, balancing client group priorities with broader organizational objectives.
- Lead talent review, succession planning and leadership development discussions.
- Coach leaders on performance management, employee development and career growth.
- Partner with leaders to build high-performing, inclusive teams and develop future capability.
- Work collaboratively with HR Centres of Expertise to deliver integrated talent solutions that support business objectives.
- Leverage workforce data and business insights to identify trends, opportunities and risks, translating analytics into actionable recommendations.
- Use data, judgement and business context to influence decision-making and strengthen organizational outcomes.
- Drive continuous improvement by simplifying processes and enhancing the employee experience.
- Contribute to the evolution of Zurich Canada's HR operating model by identifying innovative ways to improve how HR delivers value.
- Embrace emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to enhance decision-making, productivity and business outcomes.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health/benefits plan with varying levels of coverage
- Competitive total compensation package
- Minimum of four weeks of vacation per year
- Four personal days per year
- Access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
