HR Business Partner

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Who We Are

About the Ross School of Business:

The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is a diverse learning community grounded in the principle that business can be an extraordinary vehicle for positive change in today's dynamic global economy. The Ross School of Business mission is to build a better world through business. Through our powerful ideas, purpose-driven leaders, and positive impact, we empower business leaders to make a positive difference in the world.

Learn more about Ross HERE.

Additionally, the Ross Human Resources Department is a collaborative team of Human Resources (HR) professionals providing a full complement of talent lifecycle services to more than 425 staff. The HR team supports over 300 faculty, lecturers, and graduate employees. Our areas of expertise include talent acquisition, compensation, employee and labor relations, employee health and wellness support, performance management, and training and development.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Human Resources Director of Staff Operations, the Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) serves as a strategic HR partner for an assigned portfolio of units with ~150 staff. The HRBP will be the staff operations subject matter lead providing consultation and support for workforce planning, workforce analytics, compensation planning support, and budget cycle planning. You will partner with department leaders on employee lifecycle matters, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and organizational effectiveness initiatives. The HRBP provides technical HR support, policy interpretation, and consultation across the full employee lifecycle - from hiring through offboarding.

For additional details, read the full job description HERE.

This is a hybrid position based in Ann Arbor, MI.

Responsibilities*

HR Business Partner (60%)

• Provide HR partnership to assigned units, serving as a consultative resource to leaders and managers.
• Coordinate with Assistant HR Director on matters of complexity, including workplace investigations, employee/labor relations matters, and leadership development.
• Responsible for workforce planning, hiring and job design, staff development, performance management, employee relations and FMLA/ADA case management.
• Identify and track key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide data-informed recommendations to support unit goals.

Workforce Planning, Analytics, & Compensation (35%)

• Lead workforce planning and analytics, compensation program support, internal equity reviews, and annual budget planning activities.
• Partner with the Assistant HR Director to build tools and reports for staffing decisions.
• Analyze workforce trends and provide data-driven recommendations.
• Prepare reports and presentations for leadership and oversee annual reporting.
• Support salary planning, benchmarking, and compensation reviews.
• Conduct internal equity reviews and make recommendations to address compensation and workforce-related concerns.
• Partner with HR leadership, finance staff, and unit leaders during the annual budget process to align staffing plans, compensation strategies, and budget priorities.

Other (5%)

• Maintain a general understanding of university benefit programs and relevant legal requirements.
• Recommend process improvements to enhance HR service delivery and departmental efficiency.
• Update HR information systems and generate data reports using Business Objects or similar tools.
• Lead or support HR projects, ensuring planning, scheduling, and completion.
• Build relationships with HR partners across schools and units.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.
• Partner with Finance Portfolio Managers to advise business units on feasibility of workforce strategies with respect to budget limitations.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of professional HR experience with exposure to employee relations, recruitment, performance management, and HR program implementation.
• Experience working with compensation structures and conducting compensation analysis.
• Experience collaborating with or supporting leaders and decision-makers at multiple organizational levels.
• Experience using Microsoft Office software, Google Office infrastructure tools, AI integration and email platforms to create, edit, and distribute communications efficiently.
• Working knowledge of relevant federal and state employment laws and regulations.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Generous time off, including family leave
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Ross onsite fitness center

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

Salary Information:

The salary offer range for this position is $75,300 to $97,300. Salary offers are determined based on several factors, including a candidate experience, skills, and qualifications, along with internal equity considerations. It is not common for new hires to be offered the top of the range.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.