Principal, Human Resources Business Partner

American Water; Camden (NJ); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

American Water is seeking a Principal, Human Resources Business Partner to align business and HR strategies across a defined client group. You will partner with leaders to implement talent, labor relations, development, and compensation programs, serving as a trusted advisor on workforce design, change management, and people analytics.

The role offers a hybrid work model within a large enterprise, with travel up to 30% as needed.

Qualifications

• Detailed knowledge of key HR functions including organization design, change management, workforce planning, recruiting, performance management, employee development, compensation, succession planning and employee and labor relations.
• Thorough understanding of regulatory requirements in recruiting, performance management, employee development, compensation, succession planning and employee and labor relations.
• Ability to navigate AW technologies and quickly learn emerging technologies.
• Ability to proactively engage with the team and business on necessary data and deadlines.
• “Whatever it takes" approach; sense of urgency, professionalism, and positive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Partner with line leaders and HRBP teams to grow talent and technical capability pipelines for the business.
• Act as part of the local leadership team and provide guidance and HR consultation to business leaders.
• Manage design and implementation of structures that improve individual and organizational performance.
• Support leadership in development and implementation of change-management strategies.
• Coach line leaders to support HR management, problem solving and performance management.
• Support recruitment processes and HR operations for the assigned business unit.
• Deliver proactive HR solutions and collaborate across the business.
• Facilitate training on various HR topics and participate in project teams.

Skills

HR knowledge

Change management

Recruitment

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Principal, Human Resources Business Partner

Posting Start Date: 10/23/26

Important Information

Posted range is $101,760-170, 050

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.

This position may be eligible for annual incentive pay and you will have the opportunity for continued salary growth. In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more! American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k),DefinedContribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

Primary Role

To serve as the HR partner to ensure alignment of business and HR strategies and service delivery. This role will recommend and deploy solutions related to employee matters in conjunction with Centers of Expertise in the following areas: Employee and Labor Relations, Organizational Development, Talent Acquisition, Learning and Development, Compensation, and Benefits/LOA. Serves as the primary point of contact for a defined business group.

Key Accountabilities

• Partner with line leaders and other HRBP teams to grow talent and technical capability pipelines for the business.
• Act as part of the local leadership team and provides guidance and HR consultation to business leaders.
• Manage the design and implementation of structures that improve individual and organizational performance.
• Support line leaders in the development and implementation of strategies that enable the organization to thrive through periods of change.
• Provide coaching to line leaders to support their human resources management, problem solving and performance management.
• Support implementation of standardized processes for the assigned business unit
• Participate in the execution of Labor Relations strategies and the resolution of Labor Relations issues – under the leadership of Labor Relations
• Support line leaders in the recruitment process.
• Supports a culture of passionate, values-driven, customer-obsessed people
• Delivers fluid and timely people processes that allow for quick action and flexibility
• Uses technologies to operate at the pace of the customer
• Offers foundational HR practices that can be personalized with focus on business need and impact

Additional Key Accountabilities

• Provides proactive solutions through synergies and collaboration across the business
• Partners with COEs to:
• Implement performance management and learning and development
• Ensure reward structures reward performance
• Execute recruitment processes
• Ensure successful resolution of LR issues
• Customize business specific solutions
• Facilitate and deliver training on a variety of HR topics
• Joins project teams in support of the
• Broader HR team and business initiatives.
• Uses information systems to prepare and communicate metrics and quantitative data on HR and employee related activities.

Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to collaborate with virtual teams and also face to face, and to provide excellent internal customer service. Must be able to deliver results and possess courage.
• Detailed knowledge of key human resources functions including organization design, change management, workforce planning, recruiting,
• performance management, employee development, compensation, succession planning and employee and labor relations.
• Thorough understanding of regulatory requirements in recruiting, performance management, employee development, compensation, succession planning and employee and labor relations.
• Ability to navigate existing AW technologies. Ability to quickly learn emerging technologies.
• Ability to proactively engage with the team and business on necessary data and business critical deadlines.
• “Whatever it takes" approach; sense of urgency, exemplary maturity, professionalism & positive attitude.
• Openness to change and risk-taking (outside of compliance/safety); enthusiastic learners.
• Agility; Continued/expanded use of pop-up teams.
• True collaboration within the function and across the business. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with excellent usage of grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Must have the ability to deal with strict confidentiality. Exceptional logical thinking skills.
• Strategic thinking skills, including ability to influence.
• Strong communication skills, strong team work as well as the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Experience/Education

• Minimum 7 years applicable experience, which should include serving at least one large team:
• Has led a department organization redesign
• Has been involved in or led recruitment of senior talent
• Has participated in multiple compensation review cycle.
• Has participated in merger, acquisition or divesture
• Desirable experience includes:
• Participation in development program of HR Leaders
• Prior Business Partner experience in similar organization
• Participation in cross-functional project team and has dealt with different employee segments
• Worked in an environment with a represented workforce
• Bachelors Degree in a related field, or equivalent work experience.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 30% overnight travel may be required.

Work Environment

• Indoor office environment
• Hybrid schedule 3 days onsite 2 days remote.

Competencies

• Plans & Aligns
• Decision Making
• Communicates Effectively
• Builds Networks
• Action Oriented