Business People Partner - HDD Operations (HR Business Partner)

Company Description

At Western Digital, our history is rich. Our customer-base is prolific. Our patent portfolio is one of the most valuable in the world. And, we are charting an exciting future as we “Create what’s next.” It’s an opportunity-rich time to be at Western Digital (WDC), and it’s through our mission of unlocking the potential of data by harnessing the possibility to use it that we’ll achieve our purpose of being the world’s iconic data storage company. At the core of this digital transformation is a focus on human potential. Be part of the People Solutions (Human Resources) team leading the way for how we attract, develop, and engage talent to live out our values of thinking big, creating possibility, making it happen, and doing it together.

It’s through cutting edge technologies that position us as a leading innovator in data storage that impact the lives of billions of people every day. Join the People Solutions leadership team, as VP, People & Business Partner, providing strategic people consultation to the leaders of our Flash Business and Technology & Strategy group. In this role, you will report to the Chief People & Inclusion Officer and lead a team of People Partners. You will partner with the business to execute and realize the goals of our people strategy and support the strategic direction of the talent development and enablement needs of a fast-changing industry and global workforce.

Job Description

Job Description

As a Business People Partner, you’ll provide strategic people consultation across the Operations function for Hard Disk Drives (HDD) in the US. This includes translating business plans into talent, engagement, and organization plans. If you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, are looking to be a part of a team that is hands-on in developing people-first experiences and are eager to take on a new challenge with a sense of urgency and enthusiasm, then this could be the opportunity for you. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Provide strategic workforce and talent thought partnership to senior HDD Ops leaders 

• Pro-actively own the strategic functional-level people agenda in alignment to the group strategy 

• Engage as a trusted advisor and strategic consultant to the senior leaders for mid-to-long-term planning focusing on workforce planning, succession planning, leadership development, etc.  

• Diagnose organizational design and effectiveness gaps and implement associated actions to mitigate risks and drive efficiencies 

• Build trusted partnerships with factory general managers, and develop a strategic understanding opportunities and challenges for solution partnering 

Drive and execute on functional talent strategy in alignment with the People Solutions priorities 

• Execute on HDD Ops Strategic Workforce Planning agenda for the U.S. with a focus on addressing the evolving workforce demographics and building a pipeline of talent through university recruiting  

• Partner and advise on solutions to institutionalize deep expertise and intellectual property in niche areas across the talent portfolio 

• Execute the phases of WD’s integrated talent management process including goal-setting, performance feedback, and development conversations 

• Execute on our key development, rewards, engagement, and retention programs  

• Drive key talent metrics focus, reporting impact/gaps and delivering on mitigation plans 

• Analyze external and internal trends and conduct regular, inclusive listening sessions to develop data-driven insights to drive optimal employee engagement and experiences  

• Amplify and embed a focus on inclusion across life-cycle of talent programs  

• Forge strong partnerships with people ecosystem, including center of excellence partners, to design relevant talent programs and scale the impact of these programs to effective execution 

Coach senior leaders to align talent priorities with business needs and foster a high performing culture anchored in WD’s values  

• Assess, develop, and coach senior leaders to drive high performance and potential  

• Facilitate change management initiatives with a focus on culture, leadership capabilities, and engagement   

• Act as an early warning signal for senior leaders and the People Solutions leadership team; respond as needed to global or local crises affecting WD employees 

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent with relevant certification preferred 

• 8+ years of experience in Human Resources or People Organization 

• Prior experience as a Business Partner for Manufacturing preferred, but not required 

• Proven track record of influencing, lead