At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we’ll give you what you need to make it happen. It won’t always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you’ll never run alone. Run what runs the world
This Position reports to:
Business Manager - EML North America
In the role of HR Business Partner (HRBP), which within the Emergency Lighting business equates to the Head of HR for North Ameria, reporting directly to the Business Manager of Emergency Lighting North America, you will be a part of the Executive Management Team and act as a strategic partner to the leadership team, providing HR expertise and support to drive business objectives. You will have the opportunity to develop and implement people strategy in line with business goals, fostering a positive work environment, and ensuring the effective implementation of HR policies and programs.
This is a temporary position covering a maternity leave for approximately 14 months.
The work model for the role is hybrid, at the office 3-4 days per week.
Your Role: Own the Challenge
- Strategic HR Partnership: Collaborating with leadership to understand business goals and develop HR strategies that support these objectives. Building and promoting HR pillars and priorities aligned with the Electrification business strategy.
- Talent Management: Overseeing talent acquisition, development, and retention strategies to ensure the unit has the necessary skills and capabilities. Identifying training needs and coordinating development programs to enhance employee skills and career growth.
- Employee Experience & Culture: Fostering a positive work environment by addressing employee concerns, mediating conflicts, and promoting a culture of open communication, engagement, and integrity.
- HR Operations & Compliance: Supporting the execution of HR processes across the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, performance management, salary reviews, internal equity, succession planning, and 1% training tracking. Managing CNESST files, Telus Health, medical files, and payroll administration (time admins). Ensuring compliance with local labor laws and ABB policies.
- HR Metrics & Reporting: Monitoring and analyzing HR metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement. Providing regular reports and updates to leadership, including monthly business reviews.
- Change Management & Organizational Development: Facilitating change management initiatives, supporting leaders through organizational changes, and driving continuous improvement across the business.
- Leadership Support: Acting as a strategic advisor to the NAM management team (5 leaders) and 12 hiring managers. Supporting conflict resolution, coaching, project follow-ups, organizational management, compensation reviews/adjustments, job offers, and engagement and retention initiatives.
- Operational HR Responsibilities: Managing health & safety, training coordination for production employees, and ensuring smooth onboarding processes. Overseeing recruitment activities (approx. 50 hires/year) and agency coordination.
- Team Management & Site Presence: Leading a small HR team (2 direct reports – HR Advisor and Recruitment), with a strong on-site presence (4 days/week) to effectively support employees and operations. You will be responsible for supporting approximately 250 employees across the business unit.
What it takes to run what runs the world
- 8–10 years of HRBP experience, including strategic partnership roles
- 3–5 years of management experience, including direct team leadership
- Experience in a manufacturing/production (non-unionized) environment, particularly with office workers
- Proven ability to support all levels of management across a national scope
- Strong knowledge of HR best practices and local labor laws
- Experience in change management and organizational development
- Passion for employee wellness, career development, and talent advancement
- Experience working in a large global organization and collaborating with Shared Services
- Bilingual (French and English) – essential for supporting employees and leaders across Canada. French is required. English is also required to communicate with customers outside Quebec on a regular basis.
Why ABB?
We empower you to take initiative, challenge ideas, and lead with confidence. You’ll grow through meaningful work, continuous learning, and support that’s tailored to your goals. Every idea you share and every action you take contributes to something bigger.
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#RunwithABB
#Runwhatrunstheworld
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ABB values the dedication, commitment, and expertise of our employees. As an Employment Equity Employer, we believe in an inclusive and diverse workforce. We are committed to ensuring that our policies and practices align with the Employment Equity Program, aiming for a workforce that is truly representative of the four designated groups:
Women
Indigenous peoples
Members of visible minorities
Persons with disabilities
ABB is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities and encourages candidates to self-identify during the application process.
