HR Business Partner - The role ensures smooth execution of HR processes across the employee lifecycle while partnering closely with managers to support operational needs, employee engagement, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
HR Operations & Compliance
- Manage and organize all HR activities and processes for the assigned population
- Ensure compliance with labor law regulations and internal company policies (including Wabtec rules and workflows)
- Ensure accuracy and effectiveness of all HR processes across the full employee lifecycle (employment administration, labor-law matters, onboarding, mobility, and terminations)
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee data in HR systems (Workday and corporate platforms)
- Ensure accuracy of time and attendance tracking (Comarch system)
Recruitment, Onboarding & Development
- Coordinate recruitment and selection processes in collaboration with the HR Manager and managers
- Support workforce planning aligned with budget guidelines
- Oversee onboarding procedures, including administrative setup, HSE training, and medical check-ups for new hires
- Organize and track training initiatives; monitor planned vs. completed sessions
- Support employee development, performance management, and talent review processes in close partnership with managers
- Support internal mobility (lateral moves, promotions)
HR Reporting, Budget & Administration
- Prepare and provide HR reports (e.g., absenteeism, personnel costs, headcount, staffing data) for all departments
- Contribute to the preparation of HR budgets and annual forecasts
- Be responsible for regular HR reporting and data accuracy
Employee Relations & Communication
- Act as a point of contact for employees, facilitating communication and addressing workplace concerns
- Support managers in day-to-day employee relations topics
- Ensure effective communication and cooperation across departments
Projects, Continuous Improvement & Governance
- Propose and implement improvements to HR processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs
- Continuously adapt HR practices to new technologies and tools
- Participate in HR audits and certifications (e.g., Top Employer)
- Liaise with external partners, consultants, and authorities
- Cooperate cross-functionally to solve and plan personnel-related matters
- Participate in corporate HR initiatives and perform additional tasks as assigned by the direct manager
Expectations:
Industry Experience
- Min. 4 years years of progressive experience in Human Resources Business Partnership, preferably within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Strong exposure to shop-floor HR operations, including direct cooperation with production employees, shift-based workforces, and line managers.
- Practical understanding of production realities, operational dynamic, and workforce challenges, with shop-floor presence considered a significant advantage.
Labor Law & Health and Safety Knowledge
- Solid and practical knowledge of labor law, employment regulations, and collective labor practices, working time tracking.
- Strong understanding of Health & Safety (H&S / EHS) regulations and procedures, particularly in environments with elevated occupational risk.
- Experience supporting organizations with shift work, overtime management, absenteeism, and compliance requirements.
HR Expertise
- Employee engagement and motivation, with a strong focus on production workforce needs.
- Building trust-based relationships with employees and managers across all organizational levels.
- Supporting change management initiatives in dynamic production environments.
Recruitment for production roles
- End-to-end onboarding and induction processes for new hires.
- Support of training and development programs, including mandatory, technical, and soft-skills training.
- Support for performance management and workforce planning.
Business Understanding
- Strong ability to link HR activities with business strategy and operational goals.
- Active contribution to initiatives focused on productivity improvement, employee retention, cost efficiency, and workforce optimization.
- Understanding of key production KPIs and their impact on HR decisions and policies.
Leadership & Partnership
- Trusted business partner for production managers, supervisors, and plant leadership.
- Ability to challenge and coach leaders while maintaining strong collaboration.
Data Analysis & Strategic Thinking
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret HR metrics and data (turnover, absenteeism, engagement, recruitment effectiveness).
- Using data insights to support decision-making and propose proactive HR solutions.
- Strategic thinking combined with a hands-on, pragmatic approach to HR execution.
Personal Attributes
- Strong communicator with a practical, solution-oriented mindset.
- High level of resilience, adaptability, and organizational awareness.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?
At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.
If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
Who are we?
Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.
Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.
Culture powers us and the possibilities.
We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.
We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.
Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.
Opportunities Everywhere
From engineering to operations, there’s a role waiting for you.
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