Human Resources (HR) Business Partner

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Human Resources Business Partner to provide day-to-day HR support for a university environment in Cleveland, Ohio. This Long-term Contract position will help maintain consistent HR operations by advising leaders and employees on workplace matters, compensation, job classifications, and labor relations issues. The role requires someone who is detail oriented and can work effectively in a largely onsite setting, use sound judgment, and contribute to smooth departmental operations while key team members are assigned to a major HR system initiative.

Responsibilities

• Advise supervisors and staff on employee relations matters, workplace concerns, and the practical application of HR policies and procedures.
• Partner with managers to address performance issues, disciplinary actions, layoffs, and other sensitive personnel situations with appropriate documentation and guidance.
• Review and develop position descriptions, evaluate reclassification requests, and support organizational decisions related to role structure and staffing needs.
• Conduct compensation analysis by assessing internal alignment, market expectations, and salary considerations while maintaining compliance with applicable standards.
• Provide support in labor relations matters, including interpreting union agreements, responding to grievances, and working through contract-related questions.
• Assist with investigations and issue resolution involving employee concerns to reduce operational risk and support fair employment practices.
• Use PeopleSoft and related HR administrative tools to maintain records, process transactions, and support ongoing personnel administration.
• Help sustain daily HR service levels and workload balance while portions of the team are dedicated to the Workday project.
• Offer generalist HR support across a range of functions, including manager coaching, policy interpretation, and workforce-related planning.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of experience in human resources, including direct exposure to employee relations and HR administration.
• Demonstrated background in labor relations, with the ability to work with union environments and interpret union contract provisions.
• Hands-on experience with compensation analysis, including salary benchmarking, position evaluation, and pay-related decision support.
• Strong knowledge of HR policy, compliance considerations, and employment practices affecting disciplinary actions, layoffs, and workplace investigations.
• Experience preparing or reviewing job descriptions, reclassifications, and related position documentation.
• Proficiency with PeopleSoft and comfort using HR systems to support personnel processes and reporting.
• Solid analytical skills with the ability to assess issues carefully and make well-supported recommendations.

Skills

• Detail oriented