Sr. Manager, HR Business Partner

Job description

City Woodland Hills State California Job Location Woodland Hills Regional Office Position Type Regular We are seeking a strategic and dynamic Sr. Manager, HR Business Partner to join our team and support key client groups across Corporate and Field Operations , with a focus on the Field Operations side of the company . This role serves as the primary HR contact for assigned business units, delivering consultative support in employee relations, performance management, and overseeing leaves of absence/interactive process/reasonable accommodations . The HR Business Partner will lead and mentor a team of HR professionals—including HRBPs and Specialists—while ensuring compliance, mitigating risk, and driving a positive workplace culture. As a leader, this role will oversee HR Specialists supporting employee relations, leaves of absence and reasonable accommodation, workers compensation, and associated functions. WHAT YOU WILL DO: Serve as a trusted advisor to business leaders and managers, providing guidance on performance management, organizational structure, and employee engagement. Lead employee relations matters including investigations, conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and performance improvement plans. Oversee and mentor HR team members, including HR Specialists supporting leaves of absence, accommodations, employee relations, or other employee services. Partner with leaders to develop and implement HR strategies that align with business goals, ensuring consistent application of policies and procedures. Identify opportunities to enhance organizational effectiveness and recommend innovative solutions in HR practices. Provide oversight and subject matter expertise for leaves of absence, accommodations, and the interactive process across the organization, including complex leave and ADA/FEHA/WAPFML cases, in partnership with Tilt and the LOA Specialist. Oversee Workers Compensation administration in conjunction with Workers Compensation Specialist and in partnership with company safety coordinator and committee. Facilitate HR compliance across all functional areas including labor law, safety standards, and required training programs. Collaborate with Learning & Development to deliver relevant training and promote professional growth within client groups. Partner with our Talent & Culture team to execute key HR programs such as annual performance assessments and workforce planning. Provide tools, templates, and coaching to support managers in handling performance and behavioral issues constructively. Act as a change agent to support organizational initiatives, enhance team effectiveness, and build a high-performance culture. WHAT YOU WILL NEED: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience). 5+ years of progressive HR experience, with a strong focus on employee relations, performance management, and leaves of absence/interactive process, reasonable accommodations. Proven experience coaching leaders at all levels in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. In-depth knowledge of California employment law, HR compliance, and workplace investigations. Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence across levels. People manager experience preferred, but not required Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion and integrity. Proficient in HRIS systems and MS Office Suite; tech-savvy and data-driven. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. Valid driver’s license and automobile insurance required for occasional travel. WHAT THE JOB REQUIRES: Primarily office-based with hybrid flexibility; occasional travel to field locations required. May involve light physical activity (e.g., climbing stairs, lifting up to 15 lbs). Regular use of computers and phone requiring repetitive motion The position includes in-person work requirements consistent with the hybrid policy located at Essex's corporate offices in Irvine or Woodland Hills. The hybrid policy is subject to change at Essex’s sole discretion. WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE TABLE: A collaborative mindset with a genuine interest in building strong partnerships across the organization. A customer-centric approach grounded in empathy, responsiveness, and solution-oriented thinking. Ability to maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and handle sensitive matters with discretion. Ability to manage competing priorities, complex HR initiatives, and a high volume of employee matters with strong organizational skills, while delivering exceptional service and business results. Consistent demonstration of conflict-resolution skills, professional resilience, and diplomacy when working with associates and leaders. Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, paired with exceptional attention to detail. A proactive approach to continuous improvement, coupled with the ability to identify opportunities to elevate HR processes, employee experience, and operational efficiency. Effective facilitation and presentation skills to educate stakeholders on policies, programs, and best practices. #LI-Hybrid #LI-AS1 All full-time regular associates are offered competitive salaries, experience career growth, and are eligible for benefit packages that include medical, dental, vision, paid parental leave, 401k employer match, excellence rewards, wellness programs, and much more. With our 12 paid holidays and 15 PTO days, work/life balance is a priority! Additionally, most positions are eligible for a housing discount of 20%. Essex provides great communities in which to live, work and invest. We are a purpose-driven company, and we pride ourselves on promoting an internal culture of growth and opportunity by engaging, enabling, and empowering our teams. Working at Essex is not a destination. It is a journey where you can confidently build your career. New hires generally start between $123,000.00 - $153,000.00 per year. The final salary offer will be determined after reviewing relevant factors, including but not limited to skill sets; relevant experience; internal equity; and other business and organizational needs. This role is also eligible to participate in Essex’s discretionary Annual Bonus program that is commensurate with the level of the position.