Sr. HR Business Partner

Step into a future fueled by innovation, sustainability and purpose. At our Fortune 1000 diversified energy company, we’re not just shaping a cleaner energy future, we’re building a workplace where you can thrive. Join a team that values community, flexibility and growth, and enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits and a culture that supports your personal and professional development. Let’s energize the future together.

New Jersey Resources (NJR) is seeking a Sr. HR Business Partner to provide day-to-day HR business partnership and labor relations support to employees and managers in assigned businesses, with a significant focus on supporting operations in a unionized environment. The role builds constructive labor-management relationships and ensures consistent application of collective bargaining agreements to support the Company's current and long-term business goals.

Major Responsibilities

• Partner closely with operational leadership to provide practical HR and labor-relations guidance that balances operational requirements and collective bargaining obligations.

• Develop and maintain constructive and professional labor-management relationships through regular, open communication with union representatives, supervisors, managers and HR leadership.

• Interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements, Company policies, and established practices, and advise managers on work rules, attendance, performance management, corrective action, and discipline for represented employees to ensure consistency and compliance to labor and employment requirements.

• Support the grievance process, including investigating grievances, gathering relevant documentation, researching contract provisions and past practices, assisting with preparation of management responses, participating in grievance meetings, and assisting with resolution.

• Support collective bargaining and contract negotiations, as assigned, including preparation and research, bargaining proposals review, contract language analysis, identification of operational impacts, and implementation and communication of negotiated changes.

• Handle employee relations matters and complaints of varying complexity, maintain appropriate documentation and identify patterns, recurring issues, or emerging labor-relations concerns that may warrant proactive management attention.

• Provide training and guidance to supervisors and managers on collective bargaining agreement administration, employee relations, documentation, performance management, corrective action, effective communication, and labor-relations practices.

• Conduct thorough, timely, and objective internal investigations involving alleged violations of the Company’s Code of Conduct, workplace policies, and other employee-relations matters. Responsibilities include conducting interviews, gathering and reviewing relevant documentation and evidence, assessing credibility, documenting factual findings, and preparing clear and objective investigation summaries and reports.

• Manage employee separations, including resignations, retirements, reductions in force, and involuntary terminations, for represented and non-represented employees, partnering with Legal and other functions to ensure consistency and compliance with collective bargaining agreements and legal requirements.

• Review assigned Human Resources policies and procedures and recommend updates to support operational needs, consistent HR practices, collective bargaining obligations, and applicable employment requirements.

• Respond to employee questions on HR policies, procedures, and practices.

• Review and validate HRIS transactions and employee data, as assigned, to ensure accuracy and compliance with HR processes.

• Coordinate and respond to unemployment compensation inquiries and claims.

• Conduct exit interviews with separating employees.

• Partner with HR stakeholders and business leaders on ADA accommodation matters and reasonable-suspicion of impairment concerns, providing guidance on Company policies, collective bargaining requirements, documentation, and appropriate next steps.

• Analyze employee survey data and partner with business leaders to communicate results and coordinate follow-up, including facilitating focus groups.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, labor relations or a related field.

• Minimum of 7 years of HR business partner experience, including 5 years of labor and employee relations experience.

• Demonstrated experience working with collective bargaining agreements and union-represented employees.

• Working knowledge of labor relations principles, grievance administration, collective bargaining, workplace investigations, performance management, and corrective action.

• Strong consultation, conflict-resolution, problem-solving, and written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Demonstrated ability to build trusted working relationships with union representatives, managers, and employees.

• Proficiency with HR technology and business applications; experience with Workday preferred.

• Working knowledge of the National Labor Relations Act, workers’ compensation, and employment laws (e.g., ADA, FMLA).

• Ability to travel to field locations as needed to support union-represented employees.

• The above job description is reflective of the primary duties of this position and in no way limits the supervisor from assigning any other duties, responsibilities or initiatives as deemed necessary.

Location type is hybrid.

Compensation: Expected base pay range for this role will be $92,500 - $125,000.

Base pay is based on several factors including, experience, skills, and knowledge.

This role will be eligible to participate in an annual short term incentive program.

Benefits That Support You

• Day one medical coverage, including prescription, vision and dental plans, so you’re supported right away.

• Our 401(k) plan has a generous company match to help you invest in your future.

• Direct Stock Purchase Plan (with optional payroll deductions for employees) so you can share in the company’s success.

• Wellness perks, including free on and off site fitness centers and other programs to keep you feeling your best.

• A confidential Employee Assistance Program to support your wellbeing.

• Professional development and tuition reimbursement to help grow your skills and advance your career.

• Vacation and company-paid holidays, so you can rest and recharge.

• Flexible work arrangements with many roles offering hybrid options based on job responsibilities and business needs.

New Jersey Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, disability, veteran, or other protected status.