Unum Group

VP, HR Business Partner

Unum Group • $144K — $273K *
Business Services
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred in HR, Business, or related field.
  • 12+ years of progressive HR experience, particularly in HR Business Partner roles.
  • Proven track record in driving organizational transformation and workforce strategy.
  • Strong business acumen with understanding of enterprise strategy and financial implications.
  • Exceptional communication skills with the ability to engage with senior leadership effectively.
  • Demonstrated capability in organizational design and talent planning.
  • Innovative mindset with interest in leveraging technology and AI in HR practices.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leaders on talent and organizational matters.
  • Develop and execute Human Capital strategies aligned with business objectives.
  • Lead enterprise-level initiatives in workforce planning and change management.
  • Drive efforts to improve organizational agility and operational efficiency.
  • Provide strategic coaching to enhance leadership capability and team effectiveness.
  • Utilize workforce analytics to inform decision-making and improve talent outcomes.
  • Foster a high-performance culture that encourages innovation and collaboration.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive healthcare benefits including health, vision, and dental.
  • Insurance benefits including short & long-term disability.
  • Performance-based incentive plans.
  • Paid time off for work-life balance.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 5% and additional contributions.
Full Job Description
Job Posting End Date: October 14

General Summary:
This is a highly visible strategic leadership role reporting to the SVP, Global Talent & Inclusion. The incumbent will partner closely with executive leadership teams to develop and execute integrated talent and organizational strategies that enable enterprise transformation, strengthen leadership capability, and drive business performance. This role plays a critical part in aligning people strategies with evolving business priorities, helping leader areas scale effectively while fostering organizational agility, accountability, and high performance.

They will be an integral member of the People and Communications extended leadership team working collaboratively with senior executives across the enterprise to develop and drive our Human Capital strategy to support Unum's growth and transformation as we scale new initiatives.

As a member of the broader People & Communications leadership team, this role will collaborate across HR Centers of Excellence and enterprise stakeholders to deliver forward-thinking talent solutions that support Unum's strategic priorities, operational effectiveness, and culture aspirations.

The incumbent will bring strong executive presence, enterprise thinking, business acumen, and demonstrated success influencing senior leaders through periods of transformation and change. This role requires a balance of strategic advisory capability and executional excellence, with the ability to translate complex business challenges into practical and impactful people solutions.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic thought partner to executive leaders on organizational, talent, leadership, and workforce matters.
  • Partner with senior leadership teams to develop and execute Human Capital strategies aligned to enterprise priorities, transformation efforts, and business objectives.
  • Lead enterprise-level talent and organizational initiatives including workforce planning, leadership effectiveness, succession planning, organizational design, change management, and culture evolution.
  • Drive organizational effectiveness efforts that improve agility, accountability, collaboration, and operational efficiency across corporate functions.
  • Provide strategic coaching and consultation to executives and leadership teams to strengthen leadership capability, team effectiveness, and organizational health.
  • Partner closely with HR Centers of Excellence to deliver integrated talent solutions across areas such as talent acquisition, leadership development, performance management, learning, inclusion & diversity, employee engagement, and total rewards.
  • Lead and support large-scale transformation initiatives, helping leaders navigate organizational change, evolving operating models, and workforce impacts.
  • Utilize workforce analytics, talent insights, and external market trends to inform strategic decision-making and identify opportunities to improve organizational performance and talent outcomes.
  • Assess organizational capabilities and identify talent gaps, risks, and succession considerations while developing actionable strategies to strengthen bench strength and future readiness.
  • Influence and guide organizational design decisions, including role clarity, team structures, spans and layers, and capability alignment to support business strategy and enterprise transformation objectives.
  • Foster a high-performance, inclusive culture that enables innovation, collaboration, accountability, and employee engagement.
  • Partner with leaders to proactively manage organizational risks, employee relations matters, and complex people issues with sound judgment and business alignment.
  • Build strong partnerships across the enterprise and contribute to broader People & Communications strategic initiatives and priorities.
  • Lead, coach, and develop HR team members while fostering collaboration, strategic thinking, and execution excellence.
  • Stay informed on emerging workforce trends, market practices, AI-enabled workforce strategies, and evolving organizational models to continuously strengthen talent and business outcomes.
  • May perform other duties as assigned.


Job Specifications
  • Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Human Resources, Business, Organizational Development, or related field preferred.
  • 12+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including significant HR Business Partner leadership experience supporting senior executives in large, complex organizations.
  • Demonstrated success partnering with executive leaders to drive organizational transformation, workforce strategy, and talent outcomes aligned to business priorities.
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to understand enterprise strategy, operational drivers, and financial implications impacting corporate functions and enterprise performance.
  • Proven ability to influence and build credibility with senior executives through strategic insight, executive presence, and trusted partnership.
  • Strong organizational effectiveness and change leadership capability, including experience supporting large-scale transformation initiatives and evolving operating models.
  • Demonstrated capability in organizational design, talent planning, succession management, leadership coaching, and workforce strategy.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to leverage data, workforce insights, and market intelligence to inform decision-making.
  • Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, highly matrixed, and evolving environments while managing multiple priorities and stakeholders.
  • Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively across functions, levels, and teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity, influence without authority, and lead through change with resilience and agility.
  • Innovative mindset with an interest in leveraging technology, AI-enabled solutions, and modern talent practices to improve organizational effectiveness and employee experience.
  • Exceptional communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with executives, senior leadership teams, and enterprise stakeholders.
  • Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to manage highly sensitive and confidential matters.
  • Ability to travel up to 20%.
  • Position to be based in Chattanooga, TN


~IN1

#LI-CW1

The base salary range for applicants for this position is listed below. Unless actual salary is indicated above in the job description, actual pay will be based on skill, geographical location and experience.
$144,900.00-$273,800.00

Additionally, Unum offers a portfolio of benefits and rewards that are competitive and comprehensive including healthcare benefits (health, vision, dental), insurance benefits (short & long-term disability), performance-based incentive plans, paid time off, and a 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match up to 5% and an additional 4.5% contribution whether you contribute to the plan or not. All benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of individual Plans.

Company:
Unum

About Unum Group

Since their founding in 1848, Unum has been known for breaking new ground in the business of benefits. Integrity, determination, innovation and leadership were at the core of their company 165 years ago, and they are just as relevant to their business today. Just as long-lasting has been their commitment to being there when people need us most, a simple but compelling philosophy that began before the Civil War during a time when investing in insurance to protect yourself from the financial effects of illness and injury was a radical idea. They persevered during the fledgling insurance landscape then, and we're equally committed today to educating consumers about the value of financial protection benefits. Take a look below at Unum and its predecessor companies throughout the years.

Unum Group Careers

Join the Unum Group team today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and diversity. As a leading provider of financial protection benefits in the United States and the United Kingdom, Unum Group offers unparalleled job opportunities in a variety of professional fields.

Work You’ll Do

At Unum Group, you will contribute to a culture that supports the growth and development of its employees through targeted diversity training and robust career advancement opportunities. Our team is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every team member’s skills and ideas are valued.

Explore Professional Growth

Unum Group is not just a company; it's a place where you can shape your future. Whether you're looking for an internship, ready to lead at the managerial level, or anywhere in between, Unum has a position that will match your skills and ambitions. We are dedicated to fostering leadership and innovation at every level of our organization.

Join Our Dynamic Team

Our team at Unum Group thrives on collaboration and the free exchange of ideas. We believe that diversity fuels innovation and we strive to create a workplace where all employees can achieve their professional goals. With a focus on continuous improvement and employee empowerment, Unum offers a dynamic work environment designed to develop top-tier professionals.

Benefits and Culture

Unum Group is committed to offering competitive benefits that enhance the lives of our employees and their families. From health and wellness to financial and retirement planning, our benefits are designed to promote a healthy, fulfilling life both inside and outside of work. Our culture emphasizes work-life balance, community involvement, and the well-being of our employees.

Career Development Opportunities

Invest in your future with Unum Group’s comprehensive career development programs. From professional development workshops to leadership training, we provide the tools and resources necessary for personal and professional growth. Our commitment to career development ensures that our employees are well-equipped to meet the challenges of today’s job market.

Innovative Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to identify and attract the best talent. From the initial resume submission to the final interview, each step is an opportunity to showcase your unique abilities and learn more about the Unum culture. We value straightforward communication and transparency, ensuring that all candidates understand what it takes to be a part of our team.

Networking and Community

At Unum Group, networking doesn’t end with the job interview. We encourage our employees to continue building professional relationships and sharing insights through our internal networking platforms. This connectivity allows for ongoing professional development and community building across the company.

Join Unum Group

Discover the exciting career opportunities waiting for you at Unum Group. Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Ready to start your journey with us? Explore job openings, read more about our company culture, and apply today to become part of something great.

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Learn more about Unum Group
Size
10,100 employees
Market Cap
$8 billion
Industry
Net Income
$793 million
Founded
1848
5 Year Trend
+1.6%
Revenue
$13.1 billion
NASDAQ

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