AVP, Human Resources Business Partner

The Opportunity

Are you looking for a caring, collaborative, values-driven workplace with inspiring teammates and leaders? Do you have the ambition and desire to be the best and thrive at the most impactful global insurance provider in the world? Look no further than Zurich Canada.

If you have experience in strategic human resources business partnering, organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, leadership development, and change management and are looking for a new challenge, we would love to hear from you.

Zurich Canada is currently looking for an AVP, Human Resources Business Partner to serve as a trusted advisor to senior business leaders, translating business priorities into practical people strategies that enable business performance today while building organizational capability for tomorrow.

Reporting to the SVP, Chief People Officer, Canada, you will partner closely with senior leaders and HR Centres of Expertise to develop and execute people strategies that align with business priorities. You will provide strategic guidance across workforce planning, organizational design, leadership capability, talent management, organizational effectiveness, and change management while leveraging workforce insights, technology, and innovative approaches to strengthen business performance and enhance the employee experience. This highly visible role is ideal for an experienced HR leader who enjoys solving complex business challenges, influencing senior stakeholders, and helping shape the future of HR at Zurich Canada.

This is a unique opportunity to build your knowledge and experience for the future in a supportive environment where your voice matters. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Zurich Canada uses artificial intelligence-enabled tools to support certain aspects of the recruitment process, including the initial review and screening of applications. Artificial intelligence is not the sole basis for candidate shortlisting or selection. All hiring decisions are reviewed and made by qualified hiring professionals.

Zurich follows a hybrid work model requiring three days per week of in‑person presence, which may include time in the office or market‑facing engagements.

What you will do

Strategic Business Partnership

• 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.

Talent, Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness

• 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.

Data, Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• 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.

What you bring to the table

Required

• 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.

Preferred

• 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.

Compensation

At Zurich Canada, we are committed to pay equity. We determine compensation based on objective criteria such as skills, experience, and internal equity. The salary range for this position is $115,000 to $140,000. This range reflects the expected pay for the role across Canada and may vary depending on factors like office location, specific responsibilities, and individual qualifications. As required by local law, Zurich provides in good faith a reasonable compensation range, but starting salaries may exceed this range based on a candidate's skills and experience.

Our Culture

• At Zurich, we are proud of our culture. We are passionate about Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging (DIEB). We want you to bring your whole self to work, and we want our employees to be reflective of the communities in which we live and work. Our DIEB initiatives are creating an environment where everyone feels welcome.
• We have a collaborative culture where diversity of thought is valued. We value your input and strive to give our employees the tools they need to make an impact.
• We care about our employees’ well‑being and offer a comprehensive health/benefits plan with varying levels of coverage to suit your specific needs and a competitive total compensation package.
• We understand how important it is to rest, recharge and do the things you love. At Zurich, all employees receive a minimum of four weeks of vacation per year to do just that.
• We also understand that employees require time off for personal reasons. Maybe you have an appointment during a workday, a cultural or religious holiday you would like to observe, or you need time off to focus on your mental health. Zurich employees receive four personal days per year to be used at their discretion.
• We are committed to continuous improvement and offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.
• We care about our communities. Our communities are where our customers, people, and shareholders live and work. While we can be proud of the contribution to society Zurich makes through our core business of insurance, we must also give back to our communities through our talent, time and resources.
• We have won numerous awards for our workplace culture. We are proud to be one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers and to have received Insurance Business Canada’s 5‑Star Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award.

Make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported. Love what you do. Work for us.

About Us

Zurich Canada is part of the Zurich Insurance Group, a multi‑line insurer with approximately 55,000 employees worldwide serving customers in global and local markets. Zurich Canada has been a leading insurance provider serving mid‑sized and large companies, including multinational corporations, in the Canadian commercial market for 100 years. With over 900 employees in offices across the country, Zurich offers the global strength of a top insurance provider combined with in‑depth knowledge of industries and local markets. Zurich Canada aspires to be risk management professionals’ first choice as their premier partner to help meet the risk challenges of today and tomorrow.

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