Principal HR Business Partner, R&D

About the role

The Principal HR Business Partner for R&D at BetterUp is a transformative role that requires a deep understanding of modern software development methodologies, organizational design, and technical innovation. This role involves leading large-scale R&D transformations, guiding platform transformations, and driving strategic adoption of AI and data analytics in talent management.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale R&D transformations including platform engineering reorganizations, product-led growth initiatives, and technical architecture realignments
• Architect organizational structures that optimize for speed, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration in complex technical environments
• Serve as internal management consultant to VP+ and C-level R&D leaders on complex people challenges
• Design and execute end-to-end change strategies for major transitions such as global expansion, hybrid/distributed engineering model optimization, and cultural transformation initiatives
• Guide R&D organizations through platform transformation journeys, understanding the talent implications of establishing platform teams
• Translate complex technical initiatives into organizational design, capability building, and talent acquisition roadmaps
• Audit organizational readiness for platform shifts and proactively design workforce planning, skills development, and team restructuring to accelerate technical transformation outcomes
• Pioneer the adoption of AI and intelligent tooling in all aspects of R&D talent management
• Leverage real-time data and advanced analytics to diagnose systemic organizational health issues, identify leading indicators of performance or engagement concerns, and drive preemptive interventions
• Champion responsible AI adoption in talent processes while ensuring ethical use, transparency, and continuous validation of AI-enabled tools and insights
• Support ELT discussions on R&D effectiveness, technical talent strategy, innovation velocity, and competitive positioning in the talent market
• Shape company-wide people practices by piloting innovative approaches in R&D that can be scaled enterprise-wide
• Develop multi-year talent strategies aligned with R&D product roadmaps, including workforce planning for emerging skill needs
• Design capability frameworks and competency models for technical roles that enable clear career progression, accurate leveling, and strategic hiring decisions
• Partner with Talent Acquisition to reimagine sourcing strategies, candidate experience, and hiring processes that attract top technical talent in competitive markets
• Guide leadership on complex talent decisions including organizational restructuring, reduction-in-force planning, span-of-control optimization, and succession planning for critical technical roles
• Provide high-touch coaching and development to VP and Director-level R&D leaders on people leadership, organizational effectiveness, and executive presence
• Design and facilitate leadership development programs tailored to the unique challenges of technical leaders
• Mentor and develop other HRBPs and People team members, elevating decision-making quality and strategic thinking across the function
• Cultivate change resilience in leadership teams during periods of uncertainty, helping technical leaders navigate ambiguity while maintaining team stability and productivity

Requirements

• 12+ years of HRBP or consulting experience supporting Engineering, Product, or R&D organizations in high-growth tech companies
• Experience leading R&D organizations through platform transformations—technical migrations or organizational platform models
• Deep organizational design and consulting expertise including systems thinking, change management, and hypothesis-driven problem-solving
• Strategic consultant to C-suite/VP leaders influencing complex decisions through data and business acumen
• Advanced people analytics skills with AI fluency for HR applications including implementing AI tools and understanding responsible AI principles
• Understanding of modern software development
• Credibility with technical leaders and ability to engage in architecture and engineering effectiveness conversations
• Global/multi-site experience with distributed engineering teams
• High-growth environment experience (Series B through IPO)
• Strong executive presence and exceptional communication skills
• Self-driven, autonomous, and collaborative in ambiguous, fast-paced environments

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• Proven track record of successful HRBP or consulting experience in high-growth tech companies
• Experience in leading large-scale organizational transformations and platform transformations
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

Skills

• Strategic thinking and systems-level perspective
• Change management and organizational design expertise
• Data analysis and AI fluency
• Technical understanding and knowledge of modern software development
• Leadership and executive presence

Benefits

At BetterUp, we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Access to BetterUp coaching; one for you and one for a friend or family member
• A competitive compensation plan with opportunity for advancement
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible paid time off
• Volunteer days to give back
• Learning and Development stipend
• Company-wide Summer & Winter breaks
• Year-round charitable contribution of your choice on behalf of BetterUp
• 401(k) self-contribution

Pay

The base salary range for the role is as follows:

• New York and San Francisco: $216,000 - $270,000
• Austin and Arlington (D.C. Area): $194,400 - $243,000

Schedule

Our ideal candidate is self-driven, autonomous, and collaborative in ambiguous, fast-paced environments. We are committed to building diverse teams that fuel an authentic workplace and sense of belonging for each and every employee. Please reach out if you have any questions about the privacy of your personal information or your rights with regards to your personal information.