Senior Human Resources Business Partner

Job Details

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

Summary:

Partner with Laboratory Organizations on strategic issues relating to talent development, organizational assessment, employee relations, legal compliance, change management and organizational design.  May lead and will support the development and implementation of a variety of human resources programs, policies, processes and services. Learn about and understand the incredible business of JPL to partner with leaders and employees to determine the right human capital solutions and project work to best support the business and its goals. Collaborates with Talent Development and Business Managers to guide, advise and support leaders with strategies and priorities for their respective organizations. Responsible for resolving complex HR issues related to HR programs that include but are not limited to Talent Acquisition, Workforce Planning, Compensation, Benefits, Talent Development, LOA and Employee Relations. Provides input on HR policies and programs to functional HR organizations and management. Consults with employees and management to resolve inquiries and, as necessary, escalate issues. Provides communications support for specific HR programs that include but are not limited to Tuition Reimbursement, Relocation, Awards, and New Employee Orientation. Provides project management and administrative support for the projects and programs within the AskHR Solutions Center.

Job Description:

JPL is a world-class organization, performing world-class work. On the cutting edge of space exploration technology and science, you are working with the best and brightest creative and technical minds, at all levels across the laboratory.

Your Mission:

Partner with Management and employees at all levels to provide human capital solutions and support the organization in hiring, developing and retaining the best talent. Your organization base for this role is approximately 1000 Engineering focused employees. You also will lead and/or be a member of HR project teams such as Leadership Development Programs and Employee Engagement.

To achieve the mission for this position, you must produce the following critical actions and results:

• Develop & Support Business Goals: Define human capital needs, solutions, processes, and capabilities that will ensure the organization’s ability to attract, retain and develop the best talent at all levels.

• JPL Relationship Building: Develop strong working relationships with peers and with managers and employees across all assigned organizations, ascertaining their needs and partnering as appropriate on HR related processes and activities. Work through any resistance, establish credibility, demonstrate sensitivity to manager and employee’s needs and make it easy for managers and employees to partner with HR in a productive manner.

• Workforce Planning: Partner with Business Managers, compensation specialists, and other key HR team members, in workforce planning to align with the strategy and goals of the organization. Support succession planning, talent reviews, identification of critical talent and development needs.

• Compliance: Serve as the Subject Matter Expert for compliance and maintain in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance. Provide HR policy guidance and interpretation. Partner with the legal department as needed and/or required.

• Employee Relations: Support managers in resolving general employee relations issues through coaching and consulting support.  Partner with JPL’s Employee Relations team as they manage investigations and complex employment issues. Provide day-to-day performance management guidance to line management (e.g., coaching, counseling, career development, disciplinary actions).

• Data Analysis: Identify and utilize data to support effective decision-making.  Ensure management is measuring its human capital in meaningful ways that impact decisions and the future direction of the organization.

• Learning and Development: Collaborate with the Talent Development team and partner on effective organizational development, learning and technical training programs for the organizations you support.

Qualifications:

Here’s what you bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business or related field, typically relevant professional experience are as follows: Bachelor's degree with 9 years of related experience, Master's degree with 7 years of related experience, and PhD with 5 years of related experience.

• 9+ years relevant HRBP and/or Sr. HR Generalist experience.

• In addition to HRBP experience, you must have significant experience in leadership and organizational development and one or more of the following: employee relations, workforce planning, continuous process improvement, and change management.

• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing complex organizational change and communication strategies, including designing and delivering an implementation plan with related process and communication documents.

• Outstanding leadership and coaching skills and experience influencing and presenting to senior management.

• Experience in consulting with business units about workforce planning, talent assessments and performance management.

• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing a variety of human capital strategies in support of business objectives and goals.

• Strong understanding of federal and state employment laws and regulations as it pertains to employment related matters.

• Excellent communication, problem solving, and negotiation skills.

• Desire and ability to professionally influence managers to help them reach effective, comprehensive business decisions

• Able to balance independent consultation and problem-resolution while understanding broader context of JPL’s culture and obligations as an FFRDC, partnering effectively with other areas of the business, both inside and outside of HR

• Ability to manage competing priorities, from strategic priorities to day-to-day consulting, in partnership with other areas of HR as appropriate

• Working well independently and on teams; demonstrating agility and the ability to work creatively and effectively in consideration of business requirements

• Strong collaboration skills with all levels within the organization.

Preferred Skills:

• Expertise in additional fields of Human Resources

• Experience with a complex and dynamic organization Experience in an HRBP role supporting STEM talent in the fields of engineering or software is preferred.

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EEO is the Law.

EEO is the Law Supplement

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are U.S. Citizens, Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.