what is an HR business partner?
As an HR business partner, you are a senior human resource professional. You leverage your human resource capabilities to support your organizational goals. You develop and manage the company's talents to support business objectives. Many companies hire HR business partners to incorporate human resource functions into the company strategy. As an HR business partner, you collaborate with the company's senior leadership. While it is a new HR structure, HR business partners are instrumental in improving employee engagement, maximizing staff retention, and improving company performance.
The work of an HR business partner is purely strategic. You do not handle operational issues in the human resource departments, like managing personnel or addressing employees' daily activities. HR business partners are advisors and consultants for senior business leaders, helping them decide on long-term human resource strategies. For instance, you improve the talent acquisition policy to attract better talent. You also interpret the role of employees in achieving business outcomes.
As an HR business partner, you require proficiency in digital tools to keep track of spending and improve communication strategies. Since you work in large companies or multinationals, you require cross-cultural competence to understand various regions' business practices, compensation structures, and labor laws.
Would working as an HR business partner suit your strategic planning skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an HR business partner role.
view jobs near youaverage HR business partner salary
An HR business partner earns a salary of $126,230 per year. The salary may be higher or lower depending on your experience and the size of your company. When you are new in the role or working as a junior HR business specialist, your earnings start at $62,290 yearly.
factors that improve HR business partner salary
As an HR business partner, your compensation package depends on your experience. When you are a senior HR business partner, you earn a higher salary due to your expertise and qualifications. Junior HR business partners perform minimal tasks in the company and are likely to make less. The size of the company also determines your salary. You are likely to earn more when you work for a large company with unlimited resources.
Multinationals and large companies are likely to pay more due to the complexity of the work and the additional qualifications required. The location of the company could also increase or reduce your earnings. Working in large cities improves earning prospects due to the high demand for the role.
Wondering what you can earn as an HR business partner? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of an HR business partner is.
types of HR business partners
Some of the types of HR business partners include:
- junior HR business partners: As a junior HR business partner, you analyze and evaluate the human resources functions of an organization. You determine the metrics that guide decision-making in the company. You also assess the HR policies to ensure compliance with employment standards.
- senior HR business partners: As a senior HR business partner, you work with business leaders to align the company goals with human resource strategies. You advise senior leaders on strategic decisions in human resource management.
working as an HR business partner
As an HR business partner, your primary role is aligning company strategies with organizational goals. If these responsibilities sound appealing, explore HR business partners' tasks, duties, and work schedules.
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HR business partner job description
Some of the daily duties of an HR business partner include:
- strategic planning: As an HR business partner, your main role is strategic planning. Your job involves tracking human resource analytics and using the relevant data to understand employee engagement and satisfaction. You determine the improvement measures from the data and develop strategies that improve business outcomes.
- conducting assessments: You conduct investigations on the human resource functions in various departments. From the investigations, you determine the areas of improvement and training requirements for employees in various departments.
- coaching executives about HR issues: You are the bridge between the executives and employees in other departments. You coach the senior leaders on human resource issues affecting the company. You also provide ways to leverage HR strategies to improve company success.
- driving human resource initiatives: As an HR business partner, you champion HR initiatives. For example, an organization's goal may be to retain customers, and as an HR business partner, you can suggest implementing an employee recognition program to improve customer satisfaction.
- monitoring and evaluating departments: You assess the departments in the company to ensure their human resource strategies align with the organizational goals. You conduct follow-up assessments and ensure teams accomplish their targets.
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HR business partner work environment
HR business partners work in various industries, from manufacturing to technology companies and marketing consulting firms. The role is office-based, and you spend time meeting with the executives or researching on your computer. Sometimes, you attend meetings offsite or go to conferences and industry events.
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who are your colleagues?
As an HR business partner, you work with various professionals, from HR managers to chief executive officers. You work closely with HR coordinators, finance managers, and recruitment consultants. You also work with business development managers, operations managers, and accountants.
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work schedule
HR business partners work up to 40 hours a week. Most of the roles are full-time positions. While part-time opportunities are available, they are rare. Some HR business partners work on short-term contracts consulting for the company. You will typically work regular office hours with occasional evening meetings and weekend events to attend.
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job outlook for HR business partner
You start your career as an HR business partner in a junior-level human resource position. When you have experience in human resource management, you become a junior HR business partner. You progress to a senior HR business partner before becoming the chief human resource executive in the company. Some HR business partners improve their experience and become consultants in human resources.
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benefits of working for randstad as an HR business partner
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as an HR business partner is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
HR business partner skills and education
Some of the qualifications of an HR business partner include:
- education: Pursue a relevant undergraduate degree, such as human resources or business management, to grasp the foundational aspects of being an effective human resource manager. Consider completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master's in Business Management to deepen your expertise and strategic thinking. You may also want to pursue a Society of Human Resource Management certificate.
- experience: Gain experience through an internship in an HR and entry-level positions. HR business partners require experience in managing personnel. For that reason, working in human resource positions is valuable. Most employers require experience of over four years with supervisory expertise before you become a junior HR business partner.
skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of an HR business partner include the following:
- business knowledge: As an HR business partner, your job requires an in-depth understanding of finance, risks, and business outcomes. Your industry-specific knowledge helps you develop strategies that support the organization in acquiring talent that drives company growth.
- communication skills: You communicate with business leaders and provide them with key information on human resource strategies. You also relay feedback from board-level executives to junior employees. Your communication skills are useful in preparing reports as well.
- interpersonal skills: Your job will be to collaborate with others and form trusting relationships with employees. You work with employees at different company levels, and interpersonal skills like friendliness, patience, and active listening help you build productive working relationships.
- adaptability: The human resource environment is constantly changing, and you must handle unexpected matters like employee conflicts. It is important to be adaptable to the changing work environment. Adaptability helps you resolve problems at hand and avoid disputes.
- leadership skills: As an HR business partner, you are the company's most senior human resource professional. Since you are an authority figure, you require leadership skills to lead the organization. Leadership skills make you dependable and an inspirational figure in the company.
FAQs about working as an HR business partner
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about an HR business partner.
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what is the main role of an HR business partner?
You'll find yourself collaborating with both sides to make the workplace thrive. This position's primary goal is aligning HR strategies with the company's big goals, boosting growth, and driving positive change. Along with that, you relay important insights between executives and team members, ensuring everyone's on the same page.
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is an HR business partner a good job?
The HR business partner position is an incredible opportunity for anyone in a people-facing role. You'll be the bridge between company leadership and employees, shaping strategies that fuel growth and positive change. With impactful communication and strategic prowess, you'll be at the forefront of creating a harmonious workplace.
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is an HR business partner higher than an HR manager?
An HR business partner holds a higher strategic role, working closely with leadership to align HR strategies with business goals. While an HR manager oversees specific HR functions, stepping into the HR business partner role means you're at the forefront of driving organizational growth and change.
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what qualifications do you require to be an HR business partner?
You'll need a combination of qualifications to thrive as an HR business partner. Start with a bachelor's degree in human resources or business management. You might want to consider elevating your expertise with a master's degree, such as an MBA. Remember, it's about blending education, experience, and certification to excel in this role.
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what are the different titles for HR business partners?
The HR business partner role has different titles, such as HR strategic partner or HR relationship manager. All these titles encompass the pivotal responsibilities of aligning HR strategies with business goals and collaborating closely with leadership to steer organizational success.
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how do I apply for an HR business partner vacancy?
Applying for an HR business partner job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our financial analyst jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state of the art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
