Human Resources Business Partner II

Aqua; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Aqua, part of Essential Utilities, is seeking an HR Business Partner II to drive HR initiatives aligned with business goals. This role involves managing employee relations, developing engagement strategies, and providing counsel on HR topics. The ideal candidate will have extensive HR knowledge and experience in a larger firm, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and be capable of building senior-level relationships.

Aqua offers a competitive benefits package and is committed to sustainable growth. Join us to help improve the environment and protect natural resources.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of HR generalist or business partner experience in a mid-sized or larger company.
• SPHR/PHR certification is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage conflict and creatively solve problems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead people strategies for business objectives.
• Provide employee and labor relations support.
• Track and analyze employment-related data.

Skills

Human resources knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Business acumen

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business or related field

Tools

Workday

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we’re delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. If you’re looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team!

About Essential Utilities
Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status – including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities. We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.

HR Business Partner II

A strategic partner who collaborates with key business leaders to drive HR initiatives that align with bold business objectives. This position serves as a strategic consultant to management on human resource related issues, handling complex employee and labour relations issues, and assessing, anticipating, and resolving HR needs. You forge partnerships across the business to deliver value‑added service to management and employees that align with the organization’s objectives.

Essential Duties

• Develop and lead people strategies for the business segment in partnership with the leadership team to achieve desired business objectives.
• Develop and lead employee relations strategy to continuously improve engagement while meeting business objectives.
• Develop and lead the business segment’s strategy regarding its unionized workforce and any acquired unionized workforce.
• Provide guidance to leaders on HR topics including coaching, counseling, performance management, career development, compensation, and workforce planning.
• Maintain knowledge of labour/union issues and best practices to promote positive labour relations.
• Provide employee and labour relations support, counseling employees and managers on ways to improve performance and collaboration.
• Conduct investigations in response to complaints from various sources.
• Partner with leadership to develop succession plans.
• Collaborate with HR Centers of Excellence (benefits, HRIS, talent acquisition, payroll, and compensation) to develop creative solutions, programs, and policies that create a workplace where talented people want to come, stay, and thrive.
• Track and analyze employment‑related data, identify trends and engagement opportunities, and propose creative solutions to enhance employee experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of all aspects of human resources, including employee and labour relations, organisational design, workforce planning, employment law, HR best practices, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to quickly understand organisational structure, practices, and interdepartmental communications.
• Demonstrated business acumen and willingness to lead and effect change.
• Demonstrated personal leadership and executive presence, with in‑depth experience working with senior management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and Workday.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written, verbal, listening, public speaking). Ability to develop creative, confidential solutions with complex variables.

Experience and Education Requirements

• 5–7 years of HR generalist or business partner experience in a mid‑sized or larger company.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, human resources, labour relations, or a related field.
• Advanced PowerPoint and Excel skills and demonstrated ability to build financial models.
• Demonstrated ability to manage conflict and creatively solve problems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects, set priorities, and achieve results.
• Demonstrated ability to build senior‑level relationships and influence functions outside HR to achieve business results.
• Travel approximately 10% to Essential Utilities work sites.
• SPHR/PHR certification a plus.

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, is an Equal Opportunity / affirmative action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered‑veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.