Business Partnering Manager (HR)

Human Resources Business Partner
Washington, District of Columbia | Hybrid (2 to 3 days onsite) | Contract-to-Hire


This is a high-impact HR role for a true business partner.
We are seeking a seasoned Human Resources Business Partner who operates with credibility, sound judgment, and confidence in complex environments. This role is designed for someone who has fully owned the most critical aspects of the employee lifecycle and is comfortable advising senior leaders through nuanced and often sensitive situations.
This is not a generalist position. This is a role for an experienced HR professional who leads, influences, and drives outcomes.

Why This Opportunity Stands Apart
  • Clear path to permanent placement based on performance and mutual fit
  • Meaningful ownership of a defined client group
  • Direct partnership with senior leaders on high-stakes people decisions
  • A mission-oriented, values-driven environment where HR is respected as a strategic function

The Role

As a Human Resources Business Partner, you will serve as the primary advisor to your client group, delivering practical, thoughtful, and consistent HR guidance across employee relations, performance management, and organizational effectiveness.


Core Responsibilities
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders on employee relations, performance management, and team effectiveness
  • Lead complex employee relations matters from initial intake through investigation and resolution
  • Coach leaders through performance concerns, including performance improvement plans and terminations
  • Support organizational and team changes with clear guidance, structured communication, and people strategy
  • Analyze people data to identify trends, risks, and actionable insights
  • Draft high-quality written materials including leadership communications, talking points, and performance guidance
  • Triage and manage competing priorities with strong ownership and follow-through
  • Partner across HR and leadership teams to deliver programs, projects, and process improvements

What Success Looks Like
  • You establish immediate credibility and trust with leaders
  • You bring clarity and structure to complex or sensitive situations
  • You drive issues to resolution with confidence and sound judgment
  • You operate independently while knowing when to align and escalate
  • You consistently deliver thoughtful, high-quality work

What We Are Looking For


Required Experience
  • Ten or more years of HR experience with deep HR Business Partner expertise
  • Proven ownership of:
    • Complex employee relations investigations from start to resolution
    • Performance management including PIPs and terminations
    • Coaching leaders through difficult employee and team dynamics
  • Experience in complex, structured, or mission-aligned environments such as associations, corporate HR functions, or matrixed organizations

Critical Soft Skills
We are prioritizing candidates who demonstrate:
  • Executive presence and the ability to influence at senior levels
  • Sound judgment and discretion in high-risk situations
  • Strong emotional intelligence and the ability to navigate sensitive dynamics
  • The ability to influence without formal authority
  • Ownership, accountability, and disciplined follow-through
  • Structured thinking and the ability to bring clarity to ambiguity
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Technical Strengths
  • Deep knowledge of employee relations and performance management practices
  • Ability to apply policy with consistency and sound judgment
  • Strong data fluency with the ability to translate insights into action
  • Project management capability with a track record of execution
  • Proficiency in HRIS systems such as Workday, ADP, or Oracle

Who Will Thrive in This Role

This opportunity is best suited for someone who:
  • Is seeking long-term alignment rather than interim work
  • Values being trusted to operate independently
  • Takes pride in handling complex, high-stakes situations well
  • Is motivated by impact, accountability, and meaningful contribution

Important Considerations
  • This role requires the ability to step in and contribute immediately
  • Prior experience in similar environments is essential for success and retention
  • We are focused on identifying candidates who demonstrate true ownership of the HR Business Partner function