HR Business Partner

Job Description

Our team is growing and Seaspan is looking for HR Business Partners to support our Operations Team. The Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) serves as a strategic advisor and trusted partner to operational leaders within a complex, unionized manufacturing environment. This role provides forward‑looking human capital guidance that aligns HR strategies with business objectives, fostering a high‑performance and collaborative workplace culture.

The HRBP collaborates closely with the HR Centres of Excellence to deliver integrated enterprise‑wide HR solutions in areas such as Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, Organizational Development, and HR Systems. The role acts as the key HR liaison for their assigned portfolio, ensuring alignment between workforce capabilities, operational needs, and organizational strategy. The HRBP builds trusted relationships with leaders, employees and union representatives, promoting a culture of accountability, respect and continuous improvement.

Note:
Due to business needs, this position is required to be fully on‑site at 50 Pemberton Avenue, North Vancouver. After 90 days of onsite work and onboarding, this position will allow working from home one day per week.

• Partner with Trade Superintendents to translate organizational strategy into actionable people plans that support productivity, innovation and engagement across the operation.
• Collaborate with leaders and union representatives to cultivate constructive labour relations, leveraging interest‑based problem‑solving and proactive communication to resolve issues before escalation.
• Guide leaders through performance management, coaching and development planning, reinforcing accountability and alignment with organizational values.
• Lead and support workplace investigations, disciplinary processes and dispute resolution.
• Provide guidance on employment legislation, collective agreement and policy interpretation, and HR governance to mitigate risk and ensure consistent application across the business.
• Act as the strategic partner between operations and HR COEs, ensuring seamless delivery of services in talent acquisition, compensation, learning and development, wellness and HR systems.
• Lead the administration and oversight of attendance and absence management programs, ensuring consistency, fairness and compliance with collective agreements and applicable legislation. Analyze attendance data and trends to identify root causes, develop action plans and support continuous improvement in attendance outcomes.
• Address attendance issues proactively through coaching, progressive discipline and interest‑based problem‑solving in partnership with supervisors and union representatives.
• Collaborate with Wellness and Disability Management teams to support safe and timely return‑to‑work programmes and workplace accommodations.
• Support organisational transformation initiatives by embedding effective change management practices and ensuring people impacts are anticipated and addressed.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in a professional HR role, with at least 2 years in a unionised environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in conflict resolution, workplace investigations and progressive discipline/performance management.
• Proven experience as an HR Business Partner or senior HR generalist supporting operational teams in a unionised setting. Prior experience in construction, supply chain, logistics, or a large‑scale manufacturing environment is preferred.
• CPHR designation or equivalent considered an asset.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships across all levels of the organisation.
• Strong decision‑making capabilities that align HR strategies with broader business objectives.
• In‑depth knowledge of provincial employment legislation, including the BC Human Rights Code, Workers Compensation Act and Employment Standards Act.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Solid understanding of HR best…