Senior HR Business Partner

Who We Are:

Philadelphia Zoo works to fulfill our mission as an animal care organization, as a resource to schools and families, and as an ark and advocate for endangered animals around the world.

What makes the Zoo a unique place to work? Whether you are involved with caring for animals, educating our visitors or working in a behind-the-scenes position in administration, maintenance or garden services, all of our positions share our institutional mission, purpose, and core values.

Who We Are Looking For:

The Senior HR Business Partner at the Philadelphia Zoo will play a critical role in aligning HR strategies with the organization's goals.

What You Will Do: 

Labor & Employee Relations:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to management and employees, addressing complex employee concerns, grievances, and conflicts.
• Provide expert guidance on HR policies, labor laws, and the Zoo’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
• Mediate disputes and support the organization in fostering a positive, collaborative workplace culture.

Grievance & Discipline Oversight:

• Track and manage grievances, ensuring timely responses and compliance with CBA requirements.
• Provide managers with coaching and guidance on disciplinary actions and fact-finding investigations.

Union Relations:

• Serve as the first point of contact for union representatives on routine inquiries.
• Support contract interpretation and compliance monitoring to ensure adherence to CBAs.
• Assist in preparing for collective bargaining by tracking trends, gathering data, and supporting negotiations.

Policy & Compliance:

• Lead policy development and revision, including updates to timekeeping, leave, and disciplinary processes.
• Conduct audits to ensure compliance with labor laws and HR best practices.

Performance Management & Compensation Oversight:

• Lead the execution of performance management strategies and processes.
• Coach managers on performance best practices, feedback delivery, and performance improvement plans (PIPs).
• Oversee and provide guidance on annual and mid-year review cycles, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Ensure fair and consistent application of performance ratings and support calibration discussions.
• Provide oversight on yearly rate increase processes for both union and non-union employees.

HRIS & Data Analytics (ADP SME Role):

• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on the Zoo’s HRIS platform, ADP Workforce Now, leading special projects and system optimizations.
• Oversee implementation and configuration of new HRIS modules to enhance reporting and workflows.
• Monitor key HR metrics (turnover, headcount, cost per hire, engagement, compliance) and provide data-driven recommendations.
• Conduct system audits to ensure data accuracy, security, and compliance with HR policies.

Training & Development:

• Identify training needs and collaborate with leadership and Organizational Development Director to develop employee development programs.
• Facilitate or identify harassment prevention training and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.

HR Operations & Strategic Business Partnership:

• Act as the HR Business Partner for multiple departments, providing tailored support to approximately 200 employees.
• Partner with leadership on succession planning and workforce strategy to align HR initiatives with business goals.
• Conduct employee relations investigations and provide recommendations to leadership.
• Support organizational change initiatives, ensuring smooth transitions and effective communication.
• Mediate and resolve workplace conflicts, promoting a positive employee experience.

What This Role Requires:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred).
• 5-7 years of HR experience, with expertise in labor relations, employee relations, performance management, compensation, and training.
• Strong knowledge of labor laws, CBAs, and HR compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to build relationships and provide guidance to managers and employees at all levels.
• HRIS Experience: Proficiency in ADP Workforce Now preferred; experience implementing and optimizing HRIS systems is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate policies, programs, and labor relations strategies.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to multitask.

Traits We Are Looking For:

• High emotional intelligence (EQ) and empathy
• Active and effective listening skills
• Ability to navigate complex employee relations issues with fairness and tact
• Curiosity and commitment to continuous learning
• Calm and composed under pressure
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team
• Respectful, fair and tactful

What We Can Offer You:

• Competitive Pay – We recognize talent and we pay to keep it
• Medical, Dental, Vision –While you have our back on the grounds, we cover yours’ with health insurance 
• Annual Leave – We all need a break from time to time
• 401K – There will come a time, when you are ready to retire
• Family membership pass with complimentary tickets – (Warning: You will become a celebrity amongst your friends once they hear you work for America’s 1^st Zoo)