Global Head of People Operations

Head of Global HR Operations & Services

This role sits within ABB’s Robotics business, a leading global robotics company. We’re entering an exciting new chapter as we’ve announced the plan for SoftBank Group to acquire ABB Robotics. SoftBank is a globally recognized technology group and investor/operator focused on AI, robotics, and next-generation computing.  By joining us now, you’ll be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of robotics—working alongside world-class experts in a fast-moving, innovation-driven environment.

In this role, you will design and lead the HR operations and services backbone of Robotics NewCo. You will be responsible for creating and implementing the global HR Operations model that ensures efficient, scalable, and employee-friendly HR services across the organization.

From back-end HR services and front-office support to HRIS tools, processes, payroll, and people analytics, you will build the foundations of an agile, digital-first HR services organization. In collaboration with the HR Program Manager for the carve-out, you will also be accountable for defining and implementing the payroll structure that supports a seamless transition into NewCo.

Your work will ensure operational excellence while creating an HR services model that reflects the unique carve-out culture of Robotics NewCo - hands-on, agile, and tech-driven.

The work model for the role is: hybrid

Key stakeholders include the HR PMO, Business Leaders, HRBPs, and global functions.

You will be mainly accountable for:

• Designing and implementing the HR Operations model for Robotics NewCo, ensuring it is efficient, scalable, and aligned with business needs.
• Lead seamless HR Service delivery across all regions, building and overseeing back-end HR services, front-office employee support, and shared services in compliance with the local labour regulations and corporate policies.
• Owning and optimizing the payroll structure in collaboration with the HR Program Manager for the carve-out, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and employee satisfaction.
• Leading the deployment and optimization of HR tools and processes, digital tools, and end-to-end HR processes, creating a seamless employee experience.
• Establishing a strong people analytics function that delivers actionable insights to leaders and enables data-driven decision-making.
• Driving continuous improvement and automation initiatives to enhance service quality, efficiency, and agility.
• Ensuring strong governance, compliance, and quality standards across all HR services globally.
• Develop service delivery metrics, KPIs, and SLAs to track and improve HR service performance.
• Manage external vendors and outsourced service providers to ensure service excellence and cost-effectiveness.
• Own the HR technology strategy and systems (HR Systems, payroll platforms, employee self-service tools)
• Partnering with finance team to improve data consistency between finance and HR to enable more meaningful insights for business leaders while ensuring transparency of HR cost base and HR-driven cost.
• Act as an advisor to senior leadership on HR operational risks and opportunities.
• Establish a “customer service mindset” and foster a culture of accountability and collaboration.

Qualifications for the Role

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in global HR operations, shared services, or HR technology leadership, ideally within technology, robotics, or innovation-driven industries.
• Proven ability to design and implement HR operations models in complex, international contexts.
• Strong expertise in payroll design and governance, including experience collaborating with HR program teams during carve-outs, integrations, or large-scale transformations.
• Demonstrated success in managing HR tools and systems, digital tools, and process design.
• Track record of building and leveraging people analytics to deliver measurable business outcomes.
• Hands-on, results-driven mindset, with the agility to balance strategic leadership and operational delivery in a carve-out environment.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior executives and partner globally.
• Degree in HR, Business Administration, Economics, Information Systems, or a related field; certifications in HR technology, payroll, or project management are a plus.
• Fluent in English; additional languages are an advantage.

What’s in it for you?

• Be part of a once-in-a-lifetime journey: design and implement the global HR Operations and payroll model for Robotics NewCo.
• Impact at scale: your work defines how employees worldwide experience HR every day.
• Freedom to innovate: shape digital-first, agile HR services and payroll solutions in a high-tech carve-out.
• Grow with us: gain exposure to global leadership, carve-out program design, and cutting-edge HR technology and analytics.
• Collaborative culture: join a diverse, energetic team that values creativity, celebrates achievements, and supports each other.