What Does an HR Business Partner Do?

An HR business partner is a senior leader in an organization’s structure. They are an individual contributor often teamed up with a senior leader, or other leaders in a company, to develop a human relations strategy that helps the organization meet its goals.  

Because they work closely with departmental leaders, rather than with the HR team, they have an intimate understanding of the context of each team, it’s hiring needs, training needs, and structural complications. Think of an HR business partner almost as a consultant for a division or department’s specific HR needs. 

They are a key team player, with an important role in strategy and operations. 

The HR business partner role differs from the more commonly known HR manager. While an HR business partner sits within the team of a specific department or division, an HR manager oversees the HR department and is accountable for systems and procedures related to payroll, hiring, administration, and recruitment.