R&D People Partner Lead — High-Impact HRBP for Tech

Gusto; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 158,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Gusto is seeking a high-ownership People Business Partner to support Engineering, Data Science, and Security/IT. You will partner with technical leaders, drive core People programs, and serve as the link between R&D and the broader People team.

The role emphasizes hands-on execution and a bias toward action, with the ability to stress-test ideas and implement changes. Ideal candidates have 10+ years in HRBP or People Partner roles within technical environments, strong analytical aptitude, and

Qualifications

• 10+ years of HRBP or People Partner experience, with meaningful time supporting technical organizations — Engineering, Data Science, Security, or similar.
• Strong operator mindset and bias toward action; able to move quickly and deliver.
• Experience influencing senior technical leaders and managing complex HR programs.

Responsibilities

• Build trusted partnerships with Engineering, Data Science, and Security/IT leaders, surfacing friction and guiding performance, promotions, leveling, and employee relations with sound judgment.
• Synthesize People data (gPulse, performance cycles, attrition, headcount) into actionable reads for leaders.
• Operationalize core talent programs including performance cycles, calibration discussions, promotions, and manager enablement.
• Reinforce high performance standards, accountability, and clarity around expectations, feedback, and growth across technical orgs.
• Serve as liaison between R&D and the broader People team, translating company-wide programs for technical teams.
• Identify risks and opportunities using People insights and organizational data.
• Build scalable People frameworks and repeatable processes to improve consistency.
• Own end-to-end execution of org changes, including transition planning and communication sequencing.

Job description

Gusto is seeking a high-ownership People Business Partner to support Engineering, Data Science, and Security/IT. You will partner with technical leaders, drive core People programs, and serve as the link between R&D and the broader People team.

The role emphasizes hands-on execution and a bias toward action, with the ability to stress-test ideas and implement changes. Ideal candidates have 10+ years in HRBP or People Partner roles within technical environments, strong analytical aptitude, and