Northern Trust

Sr HR Business Partner

Northern Trust$143K — $185K *
Business Services
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of progressive HR experience, focusing on employee relations, performance management, and talent development.
  • Preferred experience in professional services or creative/design-driven organizations.
  • HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) is advantageous.
  • Expert knowledge of California employment law is essential.
  • Strong business acumen to align HR strategies with organizational objectives.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to influence and build relationships across all levels of the organization.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Analytical mindset for utilizing HR data and metrics in decision-making.
  • Proficiency with HR systems and Microsoft Office; familiarity with performance and learning platforms is beneficial.

Responsibilities

  • Partner with business leaders to understand and translate priorities into actionable people strategies.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor on workforce planning, organizational design, and talent development.
  • Support the implementation of job architecture and career paths in collaboration with talent management.
  • Coach managers on employee relations, performance conversations, and team dynamics.
  • Foster an inclusive and high-performing culture aligned with company values.
  • Monitor engagement trends and recommend actions to enhance retention and employee experience.
  • Support performance management processes that promote ongoing feedback and clear expectations.
  • Identify high-potential employees and collaborate on growth plans with learning and development teams.
  • Utilize HR data for insights that influence talent and organizational decisions.
  • Ensure compliance with various employment laws and partner with Talent Acquisition on hiring needs.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package for employees working 24+ hours weekly, including medical, dental, and life insurance.
  • 401(k) contribution included in the benefits plan.
  • Paid parental leave and paid time off are offered.
  • Potential eligibility for an annual bonus and/or success-sharing program.
  • Flexible work arrangements support work-life balance.
  • Opportunities for ongoing career growth in a creative, project-driven environment.
Full Job Description
Overview

National multi-disciplinary architecture & engineering firm is seeking a Senior HR Business Partner to join their growing team! The Senior HR Business Partner serves as a strategic advisor to leaders, aligning people practices with business goals to drive performance, engagement, and growth. This role partners closely with leadership and employees to shape talent strategies, strengthen a high-performance culture, and ensure HR programs are effectively implemented. The HRBP acts as a bridge between HR initiatives and the needs of a creative, design-driven environment, supporting employee development, organizational effectiveness, and a healthy workplace culture.

This position supports teams in both San Francisco and San Jose and requires regular travel between the two locations. The role is hybrid, with an expectation of being in the office at least three days per week.

Responsibilities

Strategic partnership
  • Partner with business leaders to understand priorities and translate them into actionable people strategies.
  • Serve as a trusted advisor on workforce planning, organizational design, and talent development.
  • Support the implementation of job architecture, competency frameworks, and career paths in collaboration with talent management.

Employee relations and engagement
  • Coach and advise managers on employee relations, performance conversations, and team dynamics.
  • Help foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing culture aligned with company values.
  • Monitor engagement trends and recommend actions to improve retention and employee experience.

Performance and talent management
  • Support performance management processes that encourage ongoing feedback and clear expectations.
  • Help identify high-potential employees and partner with learning and development on growth plans.
  • Use workforce and HR data to provide insights that inform talent and organizational decisions.

HR program delivery
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, with deep expertise in California requirements.
  • Partner with Talent Acquisition on strategic hiring needs and workforce planning.
  • Collaborate with Compensation & Benefits to ensure pay practices align with job architecture and market competitiveness.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including employee relations, performance management, and talent development.
  • Experience supporting professional services or creative/design-driven organizations preferred.
  • HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) is a plus.
  • Expert knowledge of California employment law.
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to align HR strategies to organizational objectives.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels.
  • Comfort managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Analytical mindset and ability to use HR data and metrics in decision-making.
  • Proficiency with HR systems and Microsoft Office; experience with performance and learning platforms is helpful.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this role is $143,100-$185,000, depending on qualifications, experience, and location within the Bay Area. Actual compensation will be based on experience, education, and overall skill set, and will be confirmed at the time of offer. Employees regularly working 24 or more hours per week are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which may include an annual bonus and/or success-sharing program, 401(k) contribution, paid parental leave, medical, dental and life insurance, paid time off, and disability coverage.

The organization is committed to an inclusive, people-centered culture that values curiosity, collaboration, and thoughtful design. It supports flexibility, work-life balance, and ongoing career growth within an interdisciplinary, project-driven environment.

About Northern Trust

Northern Trust is a global leader in delivering innovative investment management, asset and fund administration, and fiduciary and banking solutions to corporations, institutions, and affluent individuals. They have evolved with the changing needs of their clients and their world.

Northern Trust Careers

Joining Northern Trust means becoming part of a global financial services institution that is dedicated to providing expert guidance and innovative solutions to its clients. At Northern Trust, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of leadership, diversity, and innovation, which makes us a premier destination for career growth in the financial industry.

Work You’ll Do

At Northern Trust, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the financial sector. Our team is committed to excellence and equipped with a diverse range of skills that contribute to our dynamic environment. Here, you will have the opportunity to lead projects that transform our services and drive significant value for our clients across the globe.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you are starting your career or looking to make a significant impact in the financial industry, Northern Trust offers a variety of job opportunities and internships that will help you achieve your professional goals. From entry-level positions to leadership roles, our company is actively hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and driven to excel.

Innovative Work

Northern Trust is at the forefront of financial innovation. Our employees are encouraged to think creatively and leverage cutting-edge technologies to solve complex problems. By joining our team, you will work on pioneering solutions that redefine the standards of financial services.

Be Part of a Great Team

Our team at Northern Trust is more than just a group of employees – we are a community. We value collaboration, and our culture is built on mutual respect and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Working with us, you will experience a supportive network that is passionate about sharing knowledge and ideas.

Future-Proof Your Career

Northern Trust is dedicated to your professional development. We offer comprehensive benefits, diversity training, and numerous resources to help you grow your career. With our support, you can expand your skills, gain valuable experience, and achieve professional certifications that will enhance your career trajectory.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team

Discover the perfect role for you at Northern Trust by exploring our current job openings that match your skills and interests. We are looking for professionals who are solution-driven and eager to contribute to our legacy of financial excellence.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with the latest career tips, industry insights, and professional growth opportunities—all available through our careers blog. At Northern Trust, we ensure that our team members are always ahead in the industry.

Job Alert Emails

Customize your experience by subscribing to job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences. At Northern Trust, exciting and rewarding opportunities are always on the horizon, and we are eager to see where your talents can take us. Join Northern Trust today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and a diverse and inclusive workplace. Here, every position is a chance to contribute to something bigger and to turn your job into a meaningful career.
Learn more about Northern Trust
Size
21,100 employees
Market Cap
$18.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.2 billion
Founded
1889
5 Year Trend
+4.9%
Revenue
$6.1 billion
NASDAQ

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