Director, Human Resources Business Partner

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. We have more than 6,400 employees and associates in our partner dental practices and operate nationwide.

Visit our website to discover how Sun Life is making life brighter for our customers, partners and communities.  

Sun Life embraces a hybrid work model that balances in-office collaboration with the flexibility of virtual work.

The opportunity: Director, Human Resources Business Partner

We are searching for a Director, Human Resources Business Partner that is passionate about shaping the employee experience, helping business leaders reach their goals and enabling employees to grow and thrive. 

The Director, HR Business Partner is an essential part of the business unit’s leadership team partnering with business leaders to understand the work they do, the challenges they face, and the goals they are working to achieve today and in the future. You will use that knowledge to guide, challenge and coach them to ensure they have the talent capabilities needed to drive and support their business objectives. 

How you will contribute: 

On any given day, you might:

• Act as a business leader to drive the talent and culture agenda at the department or group level; partner with business leaders to implement and measure the outputs of the talent strategy
• Strategize, develop and execute on specific talent priorities and needs of the division
• Practice an agile mindset; prioritize, re-prioritize and adjust time and effort on strategic advisory work to respond to the ever-changing business needs and focus on work that will provide maximum value to the department and its leaders; adjust HR and talent strategies to respond to ever changing business needs
• Establish HR and talent initiatives and solutions, consulting and influencing leaders and managers to address employee engagement at a divisional level
• Proactively stay on top of market and industry talent trends and best practices to evolve talent strategies
• Identify key talent trends and insights by taking a data-driven approach (e.g., synthesizing HR data and analytics against external best practices) to develop custom strategies and tactics that drive the right business outcomes
• Take a data-driven approach to uncover talent and culture insights to develop custom strategies and tactics that drive the right business outcomes
• Use effective storytelling to consult with leaders on performance and outcomes and to ensure programs are meeting expected outcomes for the business and conveying an intended story
• Serve as a coach and trusted advisor, providing coaching and career development to the divisions and their leaders and influence them to achieve tangible business outcomes
• Maximize one’s “seat at the table” by being an active strategic partner with leadership at leadership team meetings and one-on-ones
• Partner with U.S. Centers of Excellence (COEs) and Global COEs to advance HR initiatives and measure outcomes for the business
• Be an active advocate of change through fostering proper change management practices
• Constantly focusing on continuous improvement— both in business and HR matters—to support strategic initiatives and driving business outcomes
• Work with leaders to plan and execute Business as Usual (BAU)/annual talent activities (e.g., mid-year and year-end performance cycles, compensation reviews)
• Lead talent reviews and succession planning efforts with senior leadership
• Coach leaders and as needed, serve as the first point of contact on performance, compensation and other escalated employee issues in collaboration with the U.S. COE and/or HR Services
• Support the execution of HR and talent programs in the business in collaboration with U.S. COEs and/or Global COEs
• Consult and influence leaders on critical BAU matters and solutions that lead to tangible business outcomes
• Participate in high-impact recruitment efforts for the business, such as leadership interview panels, and executive assessment debriefs in collaboration with U.S. COEs and Global COEs
• Mentor others within HR including the Associate HRBPs

What you will bring with you: 

• A minimum of 7 years human resources generalist experience in progressively responsible roles supporting a diversity of functional groups preferred
• Broad understanding of all HR disciplines including organizational development, employee relations, talent acquisition, learning & development, and compensation
• Experience in building, linking and implementing programs and processes to business strategy
• A solution-minded approach, with strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Demonstrated ability to execute quickly, effectively and consistently
• Exercises discretion in handling confidential information, navigates sensitive situations with professionalism, diplomacy and tact
• Proven ability to effectively interact with all organizational levels and build strong and trusted relationships
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent consulting, coaching and conflict management skills
• Strong impact and influence skills
• Ability to work within a virtual team environment
• Confidence interacting with and experience working as a trusted advisor to senior management
• Strong business acumen with a keen aptitude to quickly assimilate new information
• Ability to function independently, with minimal supervision, and thrive within a fast-paced and sometimes ambiguous environment
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to quickly interpret data, identify trends, and recommend multiple solutions
• Ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities with grace and efficiency
• Proficient user of MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint and HRIS systems

At our company, we are committed to pay transparency and equity. The salary range for this role is competitive nationwide, and we strive to ensure that compensation is fair and equitable. Your actual base salary will be determined based on your unique skills, qualifications, experience, education, and geographic location. In addition to your base salary, this position is eligible for a discretionary annual incentive award based on your individual performance as well as the overall performance of the business. We are dedicated to creating a work environment where everyone is rewarded for their contributions

  Salary Range: $145,000 - $217,500

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We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees feel they belong, are supported and empowered to thrive.  We are dedicated to building teams with varied experiences, backgrounds, perspectives and ideas that benefit our colleagues, clients, and the communities where we operate.  We encourage applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds.

Life is brighter when you work at Sun Life

At Sun Life, we prioritize your well-being with comprehensive benefits, including generous vacation and sick time, market-leading paid family, parental and adoption leave, medical coverage, company paid life and AD&D insurance, disability programs and a partially paid sabbatical program.  Plan for your future with our 401(k) employer match, stock purchase options and an employer-funded retirement account.  Enjoy a flexible, inclusive and collaborative work environment that supports career growth.  We’re proud to be recognized in our communities as a top employer.  Proudly Great Place to Work® Certified in Canada and the U.S., we’ve also been recognized as a "Top 10" employer by the Boston Globe's "Top Places to Work" for two years in a row.  Visit our website to learn more about our benefits and recognition within our communities.

We will make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of otherwise-qualified individuals with disabilities or special disabled veterans, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. Please email thebrightside@sunlife.com to request an accommodation.

For applicants residing in California, please read our employee California Privacy Policy and Notice.

We do not require or administer lie detector tests as a condition of employment or continued employment.

Sun Life will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including applicable fair chance ordinances.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.