Human Resources Business Partner

Department: Human Resources

FLSA Status: Exempt

The Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) serves as a strategic and operational partner to leaders and employees across assigned regions. This role is responsible for employee relations, labor relations support, performance management guidance, compliance execution, employee onboarding, and workforce support. The HRBP must have a strong working knowledge of California employment laws and regulations, including leaves of absence, with union and labor relations experience preferred. The HRBP provides coaching and guidance to managers, ensures consistent application of company policies, and supports a compliant, stable, and engaged workforce.

The following duties are representative of the essential functions of the position and are not exhaustive. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Serve as the primary HR partner for employee relations matters, including workplace concerns, investigations, and conflict resolution

Advise and guide managers on employee relations issues, ensuring fair, consistent, and compliant application of company policies

Conduct or support employee investigations as appropriate, including documentation, findings, and recommendations

Identify employee relations risks and escalate complex or high-risk matters in accordance with established procedures

Support union-related matters, including coordination and administration of grievances in alignment with collective bargaining agreements

Partner with leaders and labor representatives to address workplace issues and support productive labor relationships

Ensure documentation and processes related to union matters are consistent and compliant

Provide guidance and coaching to managers on performance management, corrective action, and disciplinary processes

Support managers in documenting performance issues and applying progressive discipline in a consistent and compliant manner

Enable leaders through coaching and education on effective people management practices

Support execution of HR policies and procedures in compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws

Coordinate and complete required employment-related documentation for state agencies, including California Employment Development Department (EDD) filings related to unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and paid family leave

Partner with payroll, benefits, and third-party administrators to ensure timely and accurate submissions

Respond to agency inquiries, claims, and audits in accordance with company procedures and legal guidance

Provide guidance and support for leaves of absence, including FMLA, CFRA, ADA, and applicable state programs

Support the interactive process for employee accommodation requests

Ensure proper documentation, communication, and coordination with internal teams related to leave and accommodation matters

Support and execute employee HR onboarding for assigned districts, ensuring completion of required employment documentation, policy acknowledgements, and system access

Serve as an HR point of contact for new employees during onboarding, addressing HR-related questions and concerns

Partner with hiring managers, operations, payroll, and benefits teams to ensure onboarding practices are timely, consistent, and compliant

Support workforce stability and retention through proactive employee engagement and issue prevention

Maintain clear and professional communication with leaders, employees, and HR stakeholders

Track, document, and report on employee relations cases, trends, and outcomes

Escalate sensitive or complex matters with appropriate context and recommendations Judgment, Confidentiality & Discretion

Exercise independent judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential employee information

Maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism in all employee and business matters

Apply sound judgment when evaluating employee relations risks and recommending courses of action