Human Resources Business Partner

Wabtec; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Wabtec is seeking a Human Resources Business Partner located in State College, USA. In this role, you will support leaders in real-time by navigating employee relations issues and workforce challenges. You'll drive HR strategies in a practical manner, ensuring leaders feel supported while fostering employee engagement.

Your key responsibilities include building relationships, coaching on performance management, and managing grievances, while utilizing data to enhance decision-making and strengthen team performance.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of HR Business Partner experience supporting large, non‑exempt populations.
• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365 with the ability to analyze data.

Responsibilities

• Build trusted relationships with managers and employees across business units.
• Coach leaders on employee relations and performance management.
• Manage employee investigations and provide actionable recommendations.

Skills

Employee relations

Performance management

Coaching

Microsoft 365

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

Power BI

HRIS platforms

Job description

Human Resources Business Partner

As a Human Resources Business Partner, you’ll sit right in the middle of the work that matters most, supporting leaders in real time as they navigate people decisions, employee relations issues, and day‑to‑day workforce challenges. As a trusted HR advisor you will help guide state and operations leaders across Oregon as situations unfold. You’ll drive HR strategies in a practical, people‑centered way, coaching leaders through employee relations and performance conversations, managing investigations, and helping ensure consistency, fairness, and compliance across the region. You’ll also support workforce planning and use data and insight to help leaders make decisions that strengthen both performance and retention. In this role, you’ll help ensure leaders feel supported, employees feel heard, and teams feel connected to both the work and the mission in a meaningful way.

What You’ll Do

• Build trusted relationships with managers and employees across your business units.
• Coach leaders on employee relations, performance management, team development, and change management.
• Lead onboarding for new leaders and provide ongoing guidance on HR policies, benefits, and compliance.
• Manage employee investigations, track grievances, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with HR peers to deliver consistent, proactive, and solution‑oriented support.

Qualifications

Must Have

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• HRBP Experience: 3+ years of HR Business Partner experience supporting large, non‑exempt populations.
• HR Knowledge & Expertise: Strong knowledge of employee relations, performance management, and compensation, with experience across core HR functions, including high‑volume recruiting and organizational development, and skills in investigations, coaching, employee development, and change/project management.
• Microsoft 365 & Power BI: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint), with the ability to analyze data and present actionable insights; Power BI experience a plus.
• HR Compliance: Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws, multi‑state compliance, and diversity & inclusion.

Nice to Have

• HR Leadership: Ability to influence and support leaders through coaching and performance management; prior leadership or mentoring experience is a plus, especially when partnering with operations.
• HR Technology Expertise: Experience with HRIS platforms such as Workday, UltiPro (Ultimate Software), or similar systems, along with familiarity with ATS and LMS platforms (e.g., Relias, Cornerstone).
• Industry Experience: Background in healthcare, human services, or other regulated, multi‑state environments preferred.
• Professional Certifications: SHRM‑CP, SHRM‑SCP, PHR, or SPHR.
• Additional credentials: In Coaching, Mediation, or Project Management (PMP, CAPM).

Skills Critical for Success

• Strategic & Analytical Thinking: Connects people strategy to business goals, uses data and insights to assess workforce trends, and makes sound decisions aligned with company values and strategy.
• Relationship Building & Influence: Builds trust quickly, fosters collaboration, coaches leaders, and communicates HR guidance clearly to employees and management.
• Emotional Intelligence & Problem Solving: Navigates sensitive situations with professionalism and empathy, resolves conflicts constructively, and brings innovative solutions to complex workforce challenges.
• Adaptability & Change Agility: Thrives in fast‑paced, evolving environments, supporting others through transitions while maintaining focus on outcomes and continuous improvement.
• Leadership & Coaching: Partners with leaders to mentor and develop teams, promoting engagement, accountability, and a high‑performance culture.
• Organization & Project Management: Manages multiple priorities and initiatives across business units with attention to detail, efficiency, and accuracy.
• Compliance & Integrity: Ensures adherence to employment laws, regulations, and company policies while maintaining confidentiality and credibility.
• Technical & HR Systems Proficiency: Leverages HR technology to streamline processes, improve decision‑making, and enhance workforce management.

Why You’ll Love This Role

If you’re a people‑focused professional, this role lets you make a real impact. You’ll partner with leaders to shape culture, strengthen teams, and drive business outcomes through people‑centered strategies. Join a collaborative HR team that values innovation, learning, and genuine connection. You’ll be the person leaders turn to when situations are complex, unclear, or sensitive, and your guidance will directly influence how teams are supported, how issues are resolved, and how leaders grow. No two days look the same, and the work is always tied to real people and real outcomes.

Important Information

At Dungarvin, diversity and inclusion are a part of what makes our organization strong. Together, we can continue to work towards an inclusive culture that supports our employees and persons served. Compass, Cambrian and Dungarvin are affirmative action and equal opportunity employers.