The HR Business Partner focuses on all aspects of HR, including employee relations, performance management, organizational development, compensation and benefits, and compliance. The HRBP collaborates with leadership and functional teams to develop workforce strategies that attract and retain top talent, foster employee engagement, and drive operational excellence with the mission-driven context of the clean energy industry. As an HR Business Partner, you will serve as a strategic advisor and hands-on resource to leaders and employees in a dynamic department that includes both office-based professionals and field-based construction and safety personnel. You'll deliver HR Solutions that drive engagement, performance, compliance, and talent development, while ensuring alignment with business objectives and our mission. Position is full-time, in-office at our Durham NC headquarters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic HR Partnership
• Serves as a trusted strategic partner to business unit leaders, providing expert HR counsel on workforce planning, organizational design, talent development, and employee engagement.
• Partners with the HR Director to develop, implement, and continuously improve HR programs, policies, and processes that align with Strata's business goals and culture.
• Proactively identifies HR trends and workforce challenges within assigned business units and develops targeted solutions to address them.
• Leads and facilitates management coaching and development programs to build leadership capability across the organization.
• Collaborates with the Talent Acquisition team to support workforce planning and provide guidance on hiring strategies for assigned departments.

Employee Relations & Compliance
• Leads and manages complex employee relations investigations including employee and civil rights complaints, harassment allegations, workplace conflicts, and disciplinary matters, exercising sound judgment and ensuring thorough documentation.
• Partners with employees and management to communicate and enforce human resource policies, procedures, employment laws, and government regulations.
• Coordinates with the HR Director in responding to all EEOC, DOL, and other agency charges.
• Maintains records of all disciplinary actions and ensures consistent and equitable application of corrective action processes across the organization.
• Ensures timely and accurate completion of I-9 and E-Verify processes; maintains file compliance and integrity for all HR records.
• Supports and may lead components of affirmative action and employment equity programs.
• Serves as a contact for the anonymous employee grievance hotline, ensuring timely and confidential resolution of all submissions.

HR Operations & Programs
• Manages and oversees the field performance review program, including calendar coordination, training managers on the process, and ensuring timely completion across all assigned business units.
• Conducts exit interviews, analyzes data, identifies trends, and presents findings and recommendations to the HR Director and business leaders for corrective action and continuous improvement.
• Facilitates or provides training, including new employee orientation, manager development, and compliance-related topics.
• Assists with and may lead coordination of employee recognition programs, supporting a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Manages and maintains field per diem programs and responds to inquiries in a timely and accurate manner.
• Manages and responds promptly to inquiries received through the HR email inbox, ensuring a high standard of service and professionalism.
• Responds to outside requests for employment verification and information in accordance with company policy.
• Assists with benefits administration as needed, serving as a resource and liaison between employees and the benefits team.
• Serves as a liaison between the HR and Payroll departments to ensure accurate and timely processing of HR-related transactions.
• Assists with maintaining and updating the HR SharePoint website to ensure content accuracy and accessibility.
• Represents management in investigating, answering, and settling employee grievances in a fair and timely manner.
• Generates and analyzes HR reports via HRIS and other systems; provides data-driven insights to support HR and business decision-making.

• Other duties as assigned

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or a related field required; equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered. HR certification (e.g., SHRM - CP, PHR) a plus.
  • Master's degree (MBA or MS in HR/Organizational Development) strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive HR generalist or HR business partner experience required; experience in a fast-paced, high-growth, or multi-site environment supporting both office and field/construction workforces strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated expertise in employee relations, including conducting investigations involving complex or sensitive matters.
  • Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations (e.g., FLSA, ADA, FMLA, Title VII, EEOC, DOL requirements).
  • Experience managing or contributing to HR compliance programs, including I-9/E-Verify, affirmative action, and EEOC/DOL charge response.
  • Proficiency with HRIS systems and HR reporting; ability to analyze data and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
  • Experience in the energy, construction, or field operations industry is a plus.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to field sites as needed

Key Competencies
• Strategic thinking and sound business judgment
• Strong employee relations and conflict resolution skills
• Excellent communication and influencing skills at all levels of the organization
• High degree of discretion and ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management capabilities
• Collaborative, solutions-oriented team player with a continuous improvement mindset
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles

Physical Requirements/Work Environment:

• Work is primarily performed in an office environment. Occasional travel to Strata field sites, operations centers, or other company locations may be required (up to 15%).

Perks and Benefits: we offer medical/dental/vision insurance plans, PTO, and 401K with a company matching portion.

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