Senior Specialist, Human Resources

Make a meaningful difference to patients around the world. Our talented people are central to the future of Edwards Lifesciences, which is why our Human Resources teams help design, guide, and deliver inspiring experiences for our people. With a fundamental understanding of how to build a supportive community and organizational capability, you'll deliver solutions to attract and retain talent. Your work will enable our teams to thrive as they help patients live healthier and more productive lives.


The Senior HR Specialist supports HR Business Leaders and Centers of Excellence teams as a trusted advisor, delivering strategic HR solutions that address complex people and organizational challenges while aligning talent strategies with the client group needs and overall business goals.

The position will be on-site at our Irvine headquarters.

How you'll make an impact:
• Provide front-line manager coaching on a variety of HR topics (e.g., career development, pay review, performance management and team dynamics)
• Resolve complex HR issues (e.g., tier 2) while partnering with COEs and HR Solutions shared services team (e.g., Total Rewards, Talent Acquisition and Employee Relations) for assigned area(s)/business units.
• Provide complex analysis, formulate, and propose alternative solutions and recommendations for talent initiatives
• Perform front line HR duties for the assigned business unit including policy/program interpretation, and advising management as it relates to local compliance/regulatory requirements
• Assess HR issues that require considerable judgment and risk management where EW policies and practices do not exist
• Develop and continuously improve processes, tools, and systems in collaboration with HR COE teams
• Other incidental duties

What you'll need (Required):
• Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent in in related field, 5 years experience of previous HR and/or related experience or equivalent work experience based on Edwards criteria Required or
• Master's Degree or equivalent in in related field, 3 years experience of previous HR and/or related experience or equivalent work experience based on Edwards criteria Required

What else we look for (Preferred):
• Experience managing common workforce issues
• Experience providing feedback and coaching to managers and employees
• Experience and understanding of enabling technologies (e.g., case management, employee and manager self-service) and how they work within a customer service business environment (ServiceNow preferred)
• Experience with an ERP system (Workday preferred)
• Experience with Microsoft tools and applications required
• Exceptional customer service orientation
• Effective facilitation and presentation skills
• Creative problem-solving, organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills including influencing, consulting, negotiation, conflict resolution, and relationship management with the ability to drive achievement of objectives
• Substantial knowledge of relevant employment laws and awareness of ongoing changes in the labor and business market
• Thorough understanding of human resources processes and/or systems
• Proven success leading local/regional/global projects and driving adoption
• Demonstrate a high degree of confidentiality and sensitivity to compliance-related matters
• Ability to build credibility with HR country leader and balance the needs of the BU, Region, and Global EW
• Ability to make decisions in the face of different alternatives and without formulas or guidelines
• Ability to interact professionally with all organizational levels while establishing a positive reputation
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Adhere to all company rules and requirements (e.g., pandemic protocols, Environmental Health & Safety rules) and take adequate control measures in preventing injuries to themselves and others as well as to the protection of environment and prevention of pollution under their span of influence/control
• Travel (day and overnight by car, air, train, etc.) will vary. Percentage of time is determined by Management

Aligning our overall business objectives with performance, we offer competitive salaries, performance-based incentives, and a wide variety of benefits programs to address the diverse individual needs of our employees and their families.

For California, the base pay range for this position is $81,000 - $116,000 (highly experienced).

The pay for the successful candidate will depend on various factors (e.g., qualifications, education, prior experience). Applications will be accepted while this position is posted on our Careers website.


Edwards is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.

COVID Vaccination Requirement

Edwards is committed to protecting our vulnerable patients and the healthcare providers who are treating them. As such, all patient-facing and in-hospital positions require COVID-19 vaccination. If hired into a covered role, as a condition of employment, you will be required to submit proof that you have been vaccinated for COVID-19, unless you request and are granted a medical or religious accommodation for exemption from the vaccination requirement. This vaccination requirement does not apply in locations where it is prohibited by law to impose vaccination.