Human Resources Business Partner

As an People Business Partner (HRBP) at Openwork, you’ll work closely with both leaders and employees across the business to support teams, navigate challenges, and strengthen a consistent, people-first employee experience. This role has a strong focus on employee relations. You’ll serve as a trusted advisor and point of contact for employees and managers alike, helping navigate performance issues, workplace concerns, and sensitive situations while ensuring fair, consistent, and thoughtful outcomes. You will help guide difficult conversations, supporting investigations, and keeping key HR processes running smoothly. If you’re someone who builds trust quickly, listens first, and knows how to balance empathy with sound business judgment, this could be the role for you.

Responsibilities

Partner with leaders on day-to-day people matters including performance conversations, coaching, feedback, and employee relations issues; Serve as a trusted resource for employee relations guidance, helping managers work through situations and escalating when needed; Lead and support workplace investigations, document findings, and recommend next steps; Support key points in the employee lifecycle including onboarding, internal changes, leaves of absence, and offboarding; Provide guidance and training to managers and employees on HR policies, processes, and tools; Manage and track leaves of absence (FMLA, ADA, and state-specific leaves), ensuring compliance and employee support; Maintain accurate employee data across HR systems and support HR transactions tied to payroll and reporting; Review exit feedback and identify trends to help improve retention and employee experience; Monitor and respond to HR inbox inquiries in a timely and thoughtful manner; Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with HR policies, processes, and documentation standards; Support the development and improvement of HR processes, policies, and internal tools; Assist with internal communications and rollout of HR programs, updates, and initiatives

Requirements

5+ years of experience in Human Resources or an HR Business Partner role; 3+ years of experience in the staffing or recruiting industry; SHRM-CP certification required; Strong employee relations experience, including coaching managers and handling sensitive situations; Experience conducting workplace investigations and documenting findings; Solid understanding of HR compliance, policies, and employment law basics; Strong communication skills with the ability to build trust and influence at all levels; Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment with shifting priorities; High attention to detail with strong follow-through and organizational skills; Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution; Must reside in an Openwork market: Houston, Dallas, Austin, Atlanta, Charlotte, Greenville or Raleigh and be available for onsite work

Benefits

Competitive base salary with monthly commissions or bonus potential; Generous PTO and paid holidays; Comprehensive healthcare benefits; Dog-friendly offices; People-first culture built on collaboration, accountability, and shared growth