"HR Business Partner, Performance & Culture- Wharton Human Resources & People Operations"

Job Description

At Wharton Human Resources & People Operations, we believe that people are the foundation of organizational success. We are seeking a dedicated HR Business Partner to play a pivotal role in fostering a thriving workplace where every individual feels valued and empowered to succeed.

This dynamic role offers the opportunity to manage a variety of complex, high-impact responsibilities in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

Duties:

• Serve as a trusted advisor, managing complex and varied employee relations cases with fairness and integrity.
• Partner with leaders to enhance performance management practices and deliver meaningful development opportunities & feedback.
• Contribute to the design and execution of employee experience programs that build community, strengthen engagement, and promote equal opportunity, as well as other professional development opportunities.
• Contribute to ongoing efforts to innovate and modernize HR operations. Leveraging data analytics to inform strategic decision-making and drive operational excellence.
• Provide expert guidance on HR policy, compliance, and workplace challenges while contributing to a positive and people-centered culture.

What We're Looking For:

We are seeking a highly organized, collaborative professional with strong HR generalist experience who thrives in a dynamic, matrixed environment. The ideal candidate brings a combination of strategic thinking and hands-on HR expertise, with a passion for fostering engaging and energized workforces. Success in this role requires adaptability, teamwork, and a commitment to supporting both individual stakeholder groups and the broader Wharton HR team.

Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of progressive HR experience are required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required experience includes:

• HR Generalist Expertise: Demonstrated experience managing employee relations, talent acquisition, and compensation reviews, with the ability to provide strategic support on workforce planning, recruitment, and retention initiatives.
• Compliance & Policy Knowledge: Solid understanding of HR policy compliance, legal requirements, and navigating employer policies, with the ability to apply this knowledge effectively to workplace challenges.
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders and provide practical, empathetic HR coaching and support.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making: Demonstrated ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, resolve employee issues, and proactively manage sensitive workplace situations.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Experience working within a matrixed environment and willingness to support Wharton HR colleagues when additional support is needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• HR Certification: PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification.
• Project Management Experience: Demonstrated ability to lead and manage HR-related projects, including wellness initiatives, employee engagement programs, or organizational development efforts.
• Technology Skills: Experience using HR systems and technology platforms such as Workday, Qualtrics, and AI-driven tools to enhance HR operations and employee experience.
• Advanced Compensation Knowledge: Strong understanding of job classifications, salary reviews, and adjustments, particularly within a higher education setting.
• Survey Design & Analytics: Experience with survey design and analysis to gather insights on employee engagement and workplace culture.

Key Attributes for Success:

• Empathetic and highly emotionally intelligent, with a genuine passion for supporting people through challenges and opportunities.
• Strong sense of accountability and integrity, ensuring fairness and consistency in all HR practices.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to see both the big picture and the operational details.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly.