Human Resources Business Partner

Summus; Cincinnati (OH); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Summus is looking for an HR Business Partner to align people strategies with business objectives. You will serve as a strategic advisor, supporting performance management and employee relations. The role requires at least 5 years of HR experience in a manufacturing environment and offers a hybrid work model of 4 days in the office and 1 day from home.

The ideal candidate should have strong communication and analytical skills. The salary range is $80k to $105k. We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of Human Resources experience required.
• Experience in HRBP, HR Generalist or similar role.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Partner with business leaders to translate operational goals into people strategies.
• Manage and resolve complex employee relations matters.
• Support hiring strategies and workforce planning.

Skills

Verbal and written communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Analytical skills

Knowledge of employment laws

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

HR Information Systems

Job description

Summus, through its divisions and subsidiaries, provides a range of custom engineering, custom manufacturing and product repair and support solutions for mobile and industrial fluid power and motion control products and markets. With access to a vast multi‑brand inventory, on‑site support, and engineered solutions, nothing can stop you now. Many companies face issues like delivery delays, faulty designs, and subpar service, which hinder progress. With Summus, you can finally keep everything moving smoothly—no gaps, no games, and no guesswork. Our unique approach is why over 1,000 customers rely on us for multi‑faced solutions. It’s also why 95% of our customers are repeat buyers and how we continue to grow.

About the Role

The HR Business Partner (HRBP) serves as a strategic advisor and trusted partner to leaders, aligning people strategies with business objectives. This role provides both strategic guidance and hands‑on HR support across employee relations, performance management, talent staffing and planning, and organizational effectiveness. HRBP works closely with leaders and other members of HR to deliver consistent, compliant, and high‑impact HR solutions that support employee engagement, retention and business performance.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Business Partnership
• Partner with business leaders to understand operational goals and translate them into effective people strategies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders on workforce planning, organizational design, talent needs, and change initiatives.
• Provide coaching to leaders on people leadership, decision‑making, and effective management practices.
• Employee Relations & Performance Management
• Manage and resolve complex employee relations matters, including performance issues, policy interpretation, investigations, and corrective actions.
• Ensure consistent and fair application of HR policies, practices, and employment laws.
• Guide leaders through performance management processes, including goal setting, feedback, performance improvement plans, and annual review cycles.
• Talent Management & Workforce Planning
• Partner with leaders to support hiring needs, strategies, background checks, onboarding, offboarding, and workforce planning.
• Meet with leaders regularly one on one, provide proactive guidance.
• Participate in talent reviews, succession planning, and development discussions to strengthen internal pipelines.
• Organizational Effectiveness & Change
• Support organizational change initiatives, including restructuring, role changes, and process improvements.
• Analyze HR metrics and trends (e.g., turnover, engagement, performance data) to identify risks and recommend proactive solutions.
• Partner with leaders to drive employee engagement, retention, and culture initiatives.
• Collaborate effectively and professionally with all HR teams and cross‑functionally across the organization, to ensure aligned and effective delivery of HR programs.
• Provide guidance to leaders on compensation‑related decisions in partnership with Total Rewards.
• Maintain data integrity with timely and accurate updates and enhancements to HR technology systems.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and internal policies.
• Support unique projects, audits and litigation related to employees or HR functions.
• Contribute to the development, communication, and continuous improvement of HR policies and practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Minimum of 5 years of Human Resources experience required, including experience in HRBP, HR Generalist or similar role.
• Prior experience in manufacturing environment. Experienced with multi‑state entities is a plus.
• Experience working with HR Information Systems, Paylocity is a plus.

Required Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to prioritize activities and delegate them when appropriate.
• Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Knowledge of employment laws, regulations and HR policies.

Preferred Skills

• SHRM‑CP or SHRM‑SCP Certification and/or SPHR/PHR Certification preferred.

Pay range and compensation package

80k-105k

Hybrid Position - 4 days in office 1 day from home

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices.