Senior Human Resources Business Partner

UMass Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

UMass Amherst is seeking a Senior Human Resources Business Partner to supervise a team of HR professionals and translate university strategy into people plans. You will partner with unit leaders to shape staffing, employee engagement, and HR programs that support teaching, research, and service goals.

The role requires eight years of HR experience, strong ER expertise, and a track record of influencing senior leaders.

Qualifications

• Eight years of progressive HR experience with employee relations.
• Experience coaching managers on ER practices and conflict resolution.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and drive HR strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR strategy development for assigned business units.
• Mentor and supervise HR professionals to deliver high-quality services.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, compensation, engagement, and labor relations.
• Develop staffing plans and succession strategies.

Skills

Employee relations expertise

Coaching and management

Strategic HR leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Job description

Title: Senior Human Resources Business Partner

Executive Area: Human Resources

College/School/MBU: Human Resources

Department: Office of Human Resources

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Senior Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) supervises and mentors a team of HR professionals in assigned business unit(s), ensuring high-quality service delivery and continuous improvement. The Senior HRBP develops and implements HR strategies that foster a positive organizational culture, improve employee engagement, and support the goals of the business unit(s).

Essential Functions

• Supports HR transformation initiatives and the strategic planning process, driving change and ensuring alignment with the University's strategic plan. Influences senior leadership and key stakeholders within a centralized embedded services model to achieve organizational goals.
• Develops a thorough knowledge and understanding of assigned business unit(s) including their leadership structure, culture, and organizational objectives. Takes the lead role in driving HR strategy, setting priorities, and ensuring the efficient execution of HR programs and processes. Partners with senior leadership within the unit(s) to create short- and long-term strategic plans.
• Provides expert guidance to managers and employees on a comprehensive range of HR matters, including but not limited to recruitment, benefits, onboarding, compensation, employee engagement, training and development, HR administration, labor and employee relations, and talent management. Assumes a leadership role in addressing and resolving highly complex HR issues escalated from direct reports, ensuring effective and efficient resolution.
• Creates long-term staffing plans to optimize the organizational structure of the department. Develops and supports succession planning efforts. Establishes and maintains effective programs for workforce retention and promotions, with clear metrics to measure program success and impact on employee satisfaction and engagement.
• Manages the employee exit process including the strategic analysis of exit interview data for faculty and staff. Assesses trends, creates retention strategies, and provides recommendations to leadership with the goal of improving the employment life cycle.
• Remains current on employment law and compliance and participates as required in MCAD and EEO issue resolution including the conduct of investigations. Assures HR functions are performed effectively and efficiently and comply with regulatory standards and university policies.
• Leads collaborative initiatives with HR business centers and campus leadership to develop and integrate strategic HR solutions that address complex organizational needs and advance institutional priorities.
• Maintains on-site presence to remain closely aligned with division-specific priorities and workflows.

Other Functions

• May supervise employees as HR shared services model evolves.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and eight (8) years of progressive human resources experience.
• Senior-level experience with managing employee relations matters, ensuring equitable, consistent, and defensible outcomes.
• Experience coaching and developing managers on employee relations best practices, conflict management approaches, and resolution strategies

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business Administration, or related field.
• Higher education campus operations, facilities, auxiliary, or public-sector experience.
• Strong background in employee relations, investigations, and/or unionized environments.
• Active HR certification (i.e. PHR, SHRM-CP).

Additional Details

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a standard office or indoor university environment and involves minimal physical exertion.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5 pm.

Salary Information

Pay Grade:PSSAP Grade 31

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified.