An HRBP (human resources business partner) works closely with members of an organization’s senior leadership to develop HR strategies that support the company’s goals. Larger organizations may assign different HRBPs to individual departments like sales and marketing. For smaller companies, these HRBP responsibilities may belong to senior HR specialists or HR leaders.
What Does an HRBP Do?
HRBPs combine their experience in various HR functions and their strong business acumen to work with business leaders to develop HR strategies that support recruiting, onboarding, growth and retention of employees while ensuring that these people strategies are closely aligned with organization-wide strategic planning.
HRBP Responsibilities
HRBPs focus on the bigger picture, working with executives and company leadership to design people strategies that support broader organizational goals. They may also coach department heads to ensure people and company goals remain aligned across all teams. While HRBPs can help with specific tasks like payroll and talent acquisition, these everyday operations are usually handled by HR generalists. An HRBP’s duties ultimately depend on the organization, but these are some typical responsibilities:
- Partner with business leaders and departments in developing HR strategies
- Develop HR programs aligned to business needs
- Manage employee relations issues like work-life balance, conflict resolution and workplace safety
- Oversee performance management
- Evaluate recruiting needs like developing a talent pipeline and addressing skills gaps
- Communicate relevant HR updates
Common HRBP Skills and Qualifications
Becoming an HRBP requires years of building up one’s skills and experiences. Below are a few qualifications that aspiring HRBPs need:
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field
- Strong understanding of various HR functions
- Understanding of local, state and federal labor laws and regulations
- Strong communication skills
- HRBP certifications
Is HRBP a Good Career?
Becoming an HRBP is a rewarding career for many HR professionals and is a good alternative route for those who prefer a non-managerial role. The HRBP career track allows an HR professional who has experience in various HR functions, such as people operations and recruiting, to use those experiences to help an organization or a specific department achieve their goals.
Due to the consultative approach of HRBPs in their partnership with business and department leaders, many companies value and invest in hiring HRBPs to help them with the creation and implementation of people strategies that will achieve business goals.
How Much Does an HRBP Make?
The salary and benefits for an HRBP depends on a variety of factors including the size of a company, industry, experience level needed, location and responsibilities. The overall market salary rate may also change based on economic factors such as inflation. To get a sense of the open human resources business partner positions and salary ranges in your region, head over to Built In’s salary tool.
How Do I Become an HRBP?
Whether becoming an HRBP is your dream job or just the next step in your career, it’s important to consider what background and skills your ideal employer is looking for. Depending on the company or industry, the required qualifications for an HRBP opening may vary. Here’s a closer look at the common skills and qualifications to consider as you work toward an HRBP role.
Bachelor’s Degree
Depending on the company, a degree from an institution of higher education may or may not be required. However, a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field is a great way to gain a general understanding of HR functions. If you’re interested in advancing your career even faster, you might explore a master’s program in human resources or labor and employment relations.
Experience With Various HR Functions
The responsibilities of an HRBP require an understanding of all facets of HR including people operations and talent development. It’s important for HR professionals who want to grow into an HRBP role to gain experience in various HR functions.
Understanding of Labor Laws and Regulations
HRBPs are required to navigate compliance requirements, employee relations and HR processes within an organization or a specific department. As a result, they need to be familiar with local, state and federal labor laws and regulations such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Equal Pay Act.
Communication Skills
To be an effective HRBP, it’s critical to strengthen one’s communication skills as an HR professional. Being an HRBP means you’re constantly collaborating and partnering with business leaders and various stakeholders. Some of these communication-related responsibilities include meeting with stakeholders to identify organizational needs while also delivering important information and key messages to employees.
HRBP Certifications
The Human Capital Institute offers a Strategic HR Business Partner (SHRBP) Certification that focuses on how to become a high-impact HRBP to stakeholders. However, other general HR certifications from SHRM, HRCI and AIHR are also helpful as they relate to gaining knowledge in preparation for an HRBP role.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an HRBP do on a daily basis?
An HRBP works with company leadership and executives to create people strategies that contribute to the larger goals of the organization. With a focus on the bigger picture, HRBPs can coach department heads to make sure people strategies are effectively implemented across teams.
Is an HRBP a manager?
An HRBP is a senior-level role, but HRBPs are not managers. They build partnerships with company leadership and offer coaching to department heads as needed. However, they do not take on the role of direct manager.
What qualifications do I need to become an HRBP?
HRBPs need a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field and any necessary HRBP certifications, depending on the company. They must also have a strong understanding of various HR topics, labor laws and effective communication.
