HR Business Partner

Job description

Cespira is a joint venture between Volvo Group and Westport Fuel Systems, dedicated to advancing sustainable transportation solutions. With offices in Gothenburg (Sweden), Vancouver (Canada), and Brescia (Italy), Cespira is leading the way in developing and commercializing High-Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) technology for heavy-duty engines. This innovative technology supports the use of hydrogen and renewable fuels, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Our mission is to provide practical, scalable solutions that accelerate the transition to a decarbonized future, ensuring cleaner air and a better world for future generations. We are committed to building on our strong reputation for excellence and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in transportation.

Position Overview

Are you looking to grow your career in HR and make an impact? At Cespira, we’re building the future of sustainable transportation — and we know our people are at the heart of that journey.

We’re looking for an HR Business Partner / HR Advisor to join our Vancouver HR team. As one of two HR Business Partners on site, you’ll work closely with leaders and employees across the employee life cycle — from recruitment and onboarding to performance, compensation, and development. You’ll also collaborate with international HR colleagues and global managers, giving you exposure to a broad range of HR practices. This is a broad role where you’ll balance being a trusted advisor and business partner with rolling up your sleeves to manage HR processes end-to-end.

This role is open both to HR professionals ready for their next step into a Business Partner position, and to those with established HR advisory experience who want to broaden their impact. If you’re approachable, resourceful, and motivated to help people and teams succeed, coupled with strong technical skills interested in accountability across a broad HR spectrum, we’d love to hear from you.

Job requirements

• 5+ years of progressive generalist or advisory experience in HR, ideally in a manufacturing, engineering, or STEM-focused organization.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or a related field
• Core HR Expertise: Hands-on experience in compensation (including merit, bonus, and benchmarking), employee relations, performance management, and recruitment.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Data & systems literate, comfortable with working with people data, preparing reports in excel
• Familiarity with HR systems (Hibob, Dayforce, ADP workforce now)
• Excel proficiency – VLOOKUP, pivot tables,
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Intercultural competence and ability to work effectively across global teams.
• Collaborative team player with the maturity & confidence to work with senior leaders and managers across levels
• CPHR designation (or in progress) preferred.
• Proficiency in Italian (verbal and written) highly desirable

Job responsibilities

HR Advisory and Business Partnering

• Act as a trusted advisor to managers and employees, providing guidance on employee relations, performance, and workplace issues with professionalism and discretion.
• Build strong relationships with leaders in Vancouver and globally to understand priorities, align HR practices, and support organizational changes.
• Deliver core HR programs for your client group, including performance management, compensation reviews, recognition, and employee development.
• Provide advice on team structures, talent development, and workforce planning to strengthen organizational capability.
• Support employee lifecycle activities such as onboarding, job changes, transfers, and leaves, ensuring smooth transitions and a positive employee experience.
• Contribute to building and sustaining a values-based, inclusive workplace culture.

Compensation

• Coordinate annual merit, bonus, and promotion cycles.
• Support compensation survey participation (i.e. summarizing data, reviewing submissions, etc.)
• Prepare and distribute compensation-related communications to employees and managers.

Talent Acquisition and Onboarding

• Partner ith hiring managers to lead end-to-end recruitment, from job postings and sourcing through interviews, offers, and negotiations.
• Deliver a eamless onboarding experience, coordinating orientation, systems setup, and documentation in partnership with internal teams.
• Monitor talent market trends to help attract and retain top talent.

Reporting & Compliance & Miscellaneous

• Ensure accuracy of employee data in the HRIS (e.g., HiBob, Dayforce) and generate HR metrics and reports to support data-driven decisions.
• Maintain HR documentation (employee letters, organizational charts, etc.) and support day-to-day HR administration.
• Track and report training and development participation, supporting company-wide learning initiatives.
• Ensure HR processes comply with our Quality Management System (QMS) and relevant standards (IATF, ISO).
• Support and lead HR projects as needed to strengthen efficiency and employee experience.

Job benefits

Work structure: Hybrid program offered (we are an office-first hybrid workplace combining in-office and remote work, all employees must work from the office a minimum of 3 days per week)

Why Join Us?

At Cespira, our HR team plays a vital role in supporting our growing business as we build sustainable transportation solutions. As a close-knit team, we work together to create a positive and supportive environment based on our core values where everyone can contribute to our company’s success. Here, you’ll be hands-on in shaping our culture and helping our team members develop their potential. If you’re looking for a place where your ideas are valued, and you can make a real difference in partnership with our people leaders, join Cespira HR and be part of a company that’s committed to innovation and growth.