Human Resources Business Partner – Manufacturing

THE ORGANIZATION

CoolIT Systems is a global leader in advanced liquid cooling solutions, designing and manufacturing highly efficient thermal management systems for data centers, supercomputers, and enterprise computing environments. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, the company has built a strong reputation over more than 25 years for innovation, quality, and technical excellence in a rapidly evolving sector.

CoolIT operates at the forefront of one of the most critical challenges in modern computing—cooling the infrastructure that powers artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and cloud technologies. Its solutions are used by some of the world’s largest and most sophisticated technology organizations, positioning the company as a key enabler of next-generation digital infrastructure.

The organization is currently experiencing a period of significant and sustained growth. Over the past two years, CoolIT has scaled rapidly—from approximately 100 employees to nearly 700—driven by accelerating global demand for AI and data-intensive computing. This growth has been recognized externally, including rankings among the fastest-growing companies in the Americas and multiple Deloitte Fast awards.

Looking ahead, CoolIT is entering an exciting new chapter through its acquisition by Ecolab, a global leader in water, hygiene, and energy technologies. This partnership positions CoolIT to further expand its global reach, manufacturing scale, and innovation capabilities, while continuing to lead in sustainable cooling solutions for the data economy.

At its core, CoolIT is driven by a mission to deliver innovative, high-performance cooling technologies that enable more efficient and sustainable computing. The company fosters a culture grounded in innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, bringing together passionate, forward-thinking individuals who are committed to solving complex challenges and shaping the future of technology.

For more information, please visit: https://www.coolitsystems.com/

 

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a unique opportunity to join CoolIT Systems at a pivotal stage of rapid growth and transformation. As a Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP), you will be embedded within the manufacturing facility, working closely with operational leaders across manufacturing, engineering, automation, EHS, facilities, and maintenance. Supporting a workforce of approximately 400 employees, including both hourly and salaried professionals in a non-unionized, high-growth environment, you will play a key role in aligning people strategies with operational priorities.

We are seeking a results-oriented, highly adaptable professional who thrives in a fast-paced, complex setting. Acting as a trusted advisor, you will partner with leaders to navigate growth, enhance performance, and build scalable people practices. Working in close collaboration with the HR Shared Services team, you will ensure programs and initiatives are effectively brought into operations, delivering practical, business-aligned HR support that enables continued success.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Business Partnership

• Build strong, trusted relationships with operational leaders to understand business objectives, workforce needs, and evolving priorities.
• Act as a strategic advisor, aligning people & culture initiatives with manufacturing and operational goals.
• Provide guidance on organizational design, workforce planning, and team effectiveness in a high-growth environment.

 

Employee Relations

• Lead and support employee relations matters, including performance management, workplace conflict, investigations, and disciplinary actions.
• Ensure fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes while balancing business needs and employee experience.
• Provide coaching and guidance to leaders on policy interpretation and best practices.

 

Performance & Talent Management

• Partner with leaders to drive effective performance management practices, including goal setting, feedback, and development planning.
• Work with operational leaders to identify hiring needs and partner with the Talent Acquisition team to attract and hire talent aligned to business requirements.
• Support talent development, succession planning, and retention strategies across both hourly and salaried teams.
• Contribute to building a high-performance, accountable, and engaged workforce.

 

Leadership Development & Capability Building

• Support the development of leaders through coaching and training on HR best practices, people management, and applicable employment legislation.
• Equip leaders with the knowledge and tools to effectively manage their teams, elevate capability, and mitigate organizational risk.

 

Operational HR Execution

• Collaborate with HR Shared Services to implement programs, policies, and initiatives seamlessly into operations.
• Ensure accurate and compliant employee data management within HRIS systems.
• Support the execution of HR programs across compensation, wellness, and total rewards.

 

Data & Workforce Insights

• Leverage HR metrics (e.g., turnover, absenteeism, engagement) to inform decision-making and identify trends or risks.
• Provide insights and recommendations to leaders to improve workforce effectiveness and operational outcomes.

 

Compliance & Best Practices

• Maintain strong knowledge of employment legislation and labour standards, ensuring compliance across all HR practices.
• Promote consistent application of policies and procedures across the organization.

 

FIRST YEAR – MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Build strong, trusted relationships with leaders and employees across the manufacturing operation, establishing credibility and becoming a go-to HR partner.
• Develop a deep understanding of business operations to proactively add value in areas such as workforce planning, employee relations, and performance management.
• Elevate manager effectiveness by providing consistent HR support, coaching, and leadership development, strengthening capability and reducing organizational risk.

 

THE INDIVIDUAL

The ideal candidate is a seasoned HR Business Partner with a strong foundation in HR practices within an industrial or manufacturing environment, supporting both hourly and salaried employees across a diverse workforce. They thrive in organizations experiencing rapid, exponential growth, where change is constant and the ability to adapt is essential. This individual approaches HR as a true business partner – focused on enabling operations, removing obstacles, and driving performance – rather than acting as an enforcer of policy.

Confident and experienced, they are comfortable navigating complex and often challenging conversations with professionalism, respect, and a high level of emotional intelligence. They bring a proactive, preventative mindset – working to anticipate and mitigate issues before they arise – while building strong, trusting relationships across all levels of the organization. With resilience, grit, and a sense of humor, they can roll with the punches and remain solutions-focused in a fast-paced environment. Above all, they are someone who values being present and engaged – walking the manufacturing floor, connecting with teams, and deeply understanding the business to make a meaningful impact.

 

Education & Certifications

• Post-secondary education in Human Resources, Business, or a related discipline.
• CPHR designation (or in progress) is considered an asset.
• Ongoing commitment to professional development and staying current with HR best practices and employment legislation.

 

Experience

• Minimum of 6 years of progressive HR experience, ideally in a generalist or HR Business Partner capacity.
• Demonstrated experience supporting operations within a manufacturing, industrial, or production environment, working with both hourly and salaried employees is an asset.
• Strong foundation across core HR disciplines, including employee and labour relations, talent management, organizational development, compensation and total rewards, wellness, and disability management.
• Proven ability to manage complex employee relations matters, including investigations, conflict resolution, performance management, and corrective action.
• Experience partnering with leaders on workforce planning, organizational design, and business-aligned people strategies in fast-paced, high-growth environments.
• Familiarity with HRIS platforms (e.g., UKG) and comfort leveraging data, metrics, and reporting tools (e.g., Power BI) to inform decision-making.
• Experience working in multi-jurisdictional or global environments is considered an asset.
• Legally authorized to work in Canada without sponsorship.

 

Competencies and Knowledge

• Business Acumen: Aligns HR strategies with operational priorities to drive business performance and support growth.
• Employment Law & Compliance: Applies strong knowledge of employment legislation, labour standards, and HR policies to ensure compliant and consistent practices.
• Communication & Influence: Communicates with clarity and confidence, effectively influencing and coaching leaders at all levels.
• Critical Thinking & Judgment: Assesses complex situations with sound judgment, providing practical, balanced, and solutions-oriented guidance.
• Relationship Management: Builds strong, trust-based relationships across diverse teams, fostering collaboration and credibility.
• Adaptability & Prioritization: Effectively manages multiple priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment with strong organizational skills.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverages HR metrics and insights to identify trends, inform decisions, and support workforce planning.

 

Personal Profile

• Business Partner Mindset: Operates as a true partner to the business, focused on enabling success and removing obstacles rather than enforcing policy.
• Confidence & Courage: Approaches difficult conversations with confidence and professionalism, balancing firmness with respect and empathy.
• Emotional Intelligence: Demonstrates high EQ, understanding people dynamics and responding thoughtfully to diverse perspectives.
• Proactive & Preventative Approach: Anticipates challenges and implements solutions to mitigate risk before issues arise.
• Resilience & Grit: Thrives in high-growth, ever-changing environments, maintaining composure and effectiveness under pressure.
• Solutions Orientation: Takes a practical, problem-solving approach, consistently focused on outcomes and continuous improvement.
• Engagement & Presence: Builds strong connections by being visible and involved, actively engaging with teams on the manufacturing floor.
• Positive Energy & Humor: Brings a balanced, approachable demeanor with a sense of humor that contributes to a strong team culture.

 

COMPENSATION

An excellent compensation package awaits the successful candidate.

 

LOCATION

Calgary, Alberta

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The role is based at the manufacturing facility, operating Monday to Friday with one flex day per week, offering a balance of on-site engagement and flexibility. Candidates must have access to a vehicle, as the role may require travel between the manufacturing site and the corporate office located approximately 10 minutes away.

 

HOW TO APPLY

For the opportunity to join CoolIT Systems in the role of Human Resources Business Partner, please email your resume to DreamBig@profoundtalent.com referencing Position ID # AWEV-550684.

Should you have an inquiry regarding this position, please contact Craig Edhart at 587-200-0114 ext. 106.

For further information on ProFound Talent Inc. please visit: www.profoundtalent.com

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

ProFound Talent is a woman owned and operated business, recognized and certified by Women Business Enterprise (WBE). We pride ourselves in supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives in our recruitment processes and in our work environment, where every individual feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals to which you may confidentially share your accommodation needs at time of application. We will adjust our processes to ensure you have an inclusive, fair, and respectful experience that allows you to represent yourself in your unique and most authentic way.

 

* We thank all applicants for your submissions, however only candidates being considered for this role will be contacted. *