Senior Human Resource Business Partner, Corporate

About the role

We're looking for a Senior HR Business Partner to support several of Appian's Corporate organizations—including Business Technology, Finance, Legal, Strategy, and the People Team. These teams sit at the center of how Appian operates, making this one of the broadest and most influential HRBP roles in the company.

Reporting to the Manager of HR, you'll partner directly with senior leaders on organizational design, leadership effectiveness, workforce planning, succession, and change management. You'll be expected to bring insight, challenge assumptions, and influence decisions—not simply execute HR programs.

This role is based at our headquarters in McLean, Virginia. Employees hired for this position are expected to be in the office 5 days a week to foster collaboration and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Partner with senior leaders across Business Technology, Finance, Legal, Strategy, and the People Team to develop talent strategies aligned to business priorities.
• Advise leaders on organizational design, workforce planning, succession planning, and leadership effectiveness.
• Lead organizational change initiatives, including restructures, leadership transitions, and new team design.
• Partner with Finance and Compensation on headcount planning, promotions, leveling, and organizational investments.
• Facilitate talent reviews and succession planning while helping leaders identify and develop future talent.
• Use workforce data, engagement insights, and business metrics to identify trends and recommend actions.
• Coach leaders through complex employee relations, organizational, and leadership challenges.
• Build trusted relationships across multiple executive teams while influencing decisions through data, insight, and sound judgment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in HR Business Partnering, Organizational Effectiveness, Management Consulting, or a related field.
• Experience supporting VP-level leaders within corporate functions such as Finance, Technology, Legal, Strategy, or HR.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational design, workforce planning, or talent strategy initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into business recommendations.
• Excellent communication and executive stakeholder management skills.
• Bachelor's degree required.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience supporting multiple corporate functions simultaneously in a high-growth technology company.
• Experience leading large-scale organizational change initiatives.
• Familiarity with executive compensation, organizational design, and succession planning.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Skills

You're someone who:

• Leads with curiosity and diagnosis before recommending solutions.
• Builds credibility through thoughtful analysis and strong execution.
• Can simplify complex organizational challenges into actionable plans.
• Is comfortable influencing senior leaders without relying on formal authority.
• Thrives in fast-moving environments where priorities evolve quickly.
• Balances long-term thinking with an ability to execute in the moment.

Why Appian

At Appian, HR is expected to shape the business—not simply support it. Our HR Business Partners are trusted advisors who influence organizational decisions, challenge leaders to think differently, and help build high-performing teams across the company.

You'll have the opportunity to work alongside senior executives, partner with an exceptional People Team, and help shape the future of a company that continues to grow, innovate, and lead its market.

Pay

The base salary range represents a good faith and reasonable estimate of the range at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on factors including relevant work experience, qualifications, internal peer equity, and market conditions. A discretionary bonus may be awarded in recognition of individual and company performance.

Base Salary Range: $100,000 USD - $200,000 USD

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with company match
• Flexible time off
• Paid parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Life insurance and disability insurance
• Wellness programs
• Flexible spending accounts and health savings account contributions
• Employee referral bonus program
• Learning and development resources
• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Family-forming benefits
• Wellness dollars

Tools and Resources

• Training and Development: Department-specific training during onboarding, dedicated mentorship, and the First-Friend program for new hires.
• Growth Opportunities: Leadership program for new and aspiring managers, specialized department training through Appian University, skills-based training, and tuition reimbursement.
• Community: Employee-led affinity groups for building internal and external networks through social, educational, and outreach activities.