Head of Human Resources Business Partners, Americas

AXA XL; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 155,000 - 258,000; Full time

Job summary

AXA XL is seeking a Head of Human Resources Business Partners, Americas to lead HRBP, Employee Relations and Immigration for ~3,000 colleagues across the region. You will set regional people strategy, build a team of ~17 HR professionals and drive HR transformation with AI-enabled practices while ensuring privacy and compliance.

You will report to the Chief Human Resources Officer, Americas and participate in the Americas HR Leadership Team, shaping workforce planning, leadership development and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business or related field; an advanced degree is preferred.
• Significant senior HR leadership experience in a complex, global matrix organization; financial services or insurance experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading large-scale transformation from strategy through adoption and measurable benefits.
• Practical understanding of generative AI, automation, people analytics and digital HR platforms.

Responsibilities

• Shape the people strategy: translate business priorities into an integrated Americas talent agenda.
• Lead enterprise transformation: sponsor and deliver organization, operating-model and culture changes.
• Advance responsible AI and digital HR: identify opportunities to use AI and automation while ensuring privacy and human oversight.
• Build an insight-led HR function: use workforce data to anticipate talent risks and drive actions.
• Develop future-ready capabilities: lead strategic workforce planning, succession and internal mobility.
• Strengthen leadership and culture: coach leaders on effectiveness, engagement and inclusion.
• Elevate the colleague experience: analyze feedback and co-create improvements.
• Lead a high-performing team: develop HR Business Partners, Employee Relations and Immigration talent.
• Connect globally and execute locally: scale enterprise solutions while meeting regulatory requirements.
• Maintain governance: ensure policies and AI-enabled processes comply with laws and standards.

Skills

Executive leadership

Analytical thinking

Change management

Communication

Data storytelling

Business acumen

Leadership coaching

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

HR platforms

AI-enabled HR tech

Job description

USA

AXA XL Human Resources supports more than 10,000 colleagues globally through an integrated network of Human Resources (HR) Business Partners and Centers of Expertise spanning Talent Acquisition and Development, Compensation, Benefits and HR Operations. Together, these teams translate business strategy into a forward-looking people agenda and a consistent, high-quality colleague experience.

Human Resources is evolving how AXA XL attracts, develops, engages and retains the talent required to deliver its strategy. Our ambition is to combine trusted partnership and human judgment with data, digital capabilities, automation and responsible artificial intelligence (AI). We simplify processes, strengthen workforce insights and design scalable solutions that improve business outcomes while protecting privacy, promoting fairness and maintaining appropriate human oversight.

As Head of Human Resources Business Partners, Americas, you will lead the HR Business Partner, Employee Relations and Immigration teams supporting approximately 3,000 colleagues across the region. You will set the regional people strategy, build the capability of a team of approximately 17 HR professionals and deliver consistent, locally relevant support across the employee lifecycle. A central part of the mandate is to lead HR transformation—redesigning operating practices, advancing digital and AI-enabled ways of working and equipping leaders and colleagues to adopt change successfully.

This position reports to the Chief Human Resources Officer, Americas. The successful candidate will serve as a member of the Americas HR Leadership Team.

What You’ll Be DOING

What will your essential responsibilities include?

• Shape the people strategy: Translate the priorities of Underwriting, Claims and Corporate Functions into an integrated Americas workforce and talent agenda in partnership with senior business leaders and the CHRO, Americas.
• Lead enterprise transformation: Sponsor and deliver complex organization, operating-model and culture changes, defining clear outcomes, governance, road maps, adoption measures and benefits realization.
• Advance responsible AI and digital HR: Identify and prioritize opportunities to use AI, automation and modern HR technology to improve decisions, colleague experiences and productivity while ensuring privacy, security, fairness, transparency and human oversight.
• Build an insight-led HR function: Use workforce data, predictive indicators and scenario planning to anticipate talent, capacity, skills and organizational risks; convert insights into practical business actions and measurable outcomes.
• Develop future-ready capabilities: Lead strategic workforce planning, succession, talent reviews, internal mobility and skills development, including the capabilities leaders and colleagues need to work effectively with AI.
• Strengthen leadership and culture: Coach and challenge leaders on organization effectiveness, performance, engagement, inclusion and complex people matters; build accountability and change resilience across the region.
• Elevate the colleague experience: Combine listening data, employee feedback and operational insights to identify friction points, co‑create solutions and track improvements across key moments that matter.
• Lead a high‑performing team: Inspire, develop and deploy HR Business Partners, Employee Relations and Immigration talent; establish clear priorities, modern ways of working and a culture of collaboration, experimentation and continuous improvement.
• Connect globally and execute locally: Partner with global HR Business Partners and Centers of Expertise to scale enterprise solutions while meeting regulatory and market requirements.
• Maintain sound governance: Ensure HR policies, employee relations practices and AI‑enabled processes comply with applicable employment laws and internal standards, with effective controls, documentation and escalation.

What You Will BRING

We’re looking for someone who has these abilities and skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business or a related field, or equivalent professional experience; an advanced degree is preferred.
• Significant senior HR leadership experience in a complex, global matrix organization; financial services or insurance experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading large‑scale business, workforce or HR transformation from strategy through adoption and measurable benefits.
• Practical understanding of generative AI, automation, people analytics and digital HR platforms, including their opportunities, limitations and responsible‑use considerations.
• Strong business and financial acumen, with the ability to connect people decisions to growth, productivity, risk and client outcomes.
• Advanced analytical judgment and data storytelling skills; able to challenge assumptions, synthesize complex information and influence executive decisions.
• Substantial employee relations experience in the United States and strong knowledge of relevant employment‑law and regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability to lead, coach and develop diverse, high‑performing teams and to build effective partnerships across business and HR.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation and change‑leadership skills, with the credibility to influence senior executives and engage colleagues through ambiguity.
• High integrity, discretion and sound judgment, with a commitment to inclusive leadership, ethical decision‑making and responsible innovation.

Who WE Are

AXA XL, the P&C and specialty risk division of AXA, is known for solving complex risks. For mid‑sized companies, multinationals and even some inspirational individuals we don’t just provide re/insurance, we reinvent it.

How? By combining a comprehensive and efficient capital platform, data‑driven insights, leading technology, and the best talent in an agile and inclusive workspace, empowered to deliver top client service across all our lines of business − property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty.

With an innovative and flexible approach to risk solutions, we partner with those who move the world forward.

Learn more at axaxl.com

What We OFFER

Inclusion

AXA XL is committed to equal employment opportunity and will consider applicants regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity and origins, marital status, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic. At AXA XL, we know that an inclusive culture and enables business growth and is critical to our success. That’s why we have made a strategic commitment to attract, develop, advance and retain the most inclusive workforce possible, and create a culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work and reach their highest potential.

It’s about helping one another — and our business — to move forward and succeed.

• Five Business Resource Groups focused on gender, LGBTQ+, ethnicity and origins, disability and inclusion with 20 Chapters around the globe.
• Robust support for Flexible Working Arrangements
• Enhanced family-friendly leave benefits
• Named to the Diversity Best Practices Index
• Signatory to the UK Women in Finance Charter

Learn more at Inclusion & Diversity at AXA XL | AXA XL. AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Total Rewards

AXA XL’s Reward program is designed to take care of what matters most to you, covering the full picture of your health, wellbeing, lifestyle and financial security. It provides competitive compensation and personalized, inclusive benefits that evolve as you do.

We’re committed to rewarding your contribution for the long term, so you can be your best self today and look forward to the future with confidence.

Sustainability

At AXA XL, Sustainability is integral to our business strategy. In an ever-changing world, AXA XL protects what matters most for our clients and communities. We know that sustainability is at the root of a more resilient future. Our 2023-26 Sustainability strategy, called “Roots of resilience”, focuses on protecting natural ecosystems, addressing climate change, and embedding sustainable practices across our operations.

Our Pillars

• Valuing nature: How we impact nature affects how nature impacts us. Resilient ecosystems - the foundation of a sustainable planet and society – are essential to our future. We’re committed to protecting and restoring nature – from mangrove forests to the bees in our backyard – by increasing biodiversity awareness and inspiring clients and colleagues to put nature at the heart of their plans.
• Addressing climate change: The effects of a changing climate are far‑reaching and significant. Unpredictable weather, increasing temperatures, and rising sea levels cause both social inequalities and environmental disruption. We're building a net zero strategy, developing insurance products and services, and mobilizing to advance thought leadership and investment in societal‑led solutions.
• Integrating ESG: All companies have a role to play in building a more resilient future. Incorporating ESG considerations into our internal processes and practices builds resilience from the roots of our business. We’re training our colleagues, engaging our external partners, and evolving our sustainability governance and reporting.
• AXA Hearts in Action: We have established volunteering and charitable giving programs to help colleagues support causes that matter most to them, known as AXA XL’s “Hearts in Action” programs. These include our Matching Gifts program, Volunteering Leave, and our annual volunteering day – the Global Day of Giving.

For more information, please see Sustainability at AXA XL.

The U.S. base salary range for this position is $154,900 to $258,100 USD.

Actual pay will be determined based upon the individual’s skills, experience and location. We strive for market alignment and internal equity with our colleagues’ pay.

At AXA XL, we know how important physical, mental, and financial health are to our employees, which is why we are proud to offer benefits such as a competitive retirement savings plan, health and wellness programs, and many other benefits. We also believe in fostering our colleagues' development and offer a wide range of learning opportunities for colleagues to hone their professional skills and to position themselves for the next step of their careers. For more details about AXA XL’s benefits offerings, please visit US Benefits at a Glance 2026.