Manager, Human Resources Business Partner

Job Description

This position is responsible for the management and execution of Human Resource functions within the designated market or portfolio. Reporting to the Human Resources Director, the HR Manager assists in identifying HR needs for assigned business partner group(s) and ensures efficient and timely customer service. This role also interacts with various levels of the organization and has involvement in a wide variety of HR responsibilities for assigned geographies, locations, and/or business partner groups, including (but not limited to): advisement of employee relations; interpreting and consistently applying HR policies; retention and employee engagement; administration of Equity's performance management and compensation processes; frequent HR data analysis and related strategic planning; and the development, facilitation and dissemination of HR-related trainings. In locations where applicable, this role supports multiple union affiliations, necessitating interpretation of and compliance with collective bargaining agreements, union-specific invoicing, union audits, and assistance with resolution of grievances.

WHO YOU ARE:

• A Strong Communicator. Your writing and speaking skills are clear and effective, helping you connect well with others. You have a way with words, whether face-to-face, on the phone, or via email, and you deliver your messages with confidence, which helps you to successfully deliver respected recommendations to internal business partners.
• A People Person. Building professional and high quality relationships comes naturally to you.
• Strategic. You harness your understanding of Equity's competitive position, goals and initiatives to develop both short and long-term strategy.
• Intellectually Curious. You never stop at "I don't know;" you crave ongoing education and growth, and you immerse yourself in your craft, your industry and your market until you are established as a subject matter expert.
• Decisive and Trustworthy. Your strong business acumen and good judgment allow you to seize opportunities and make sound business decisions.
• Analytical and Creative. You like thinking outside the box to come up with smart solutions to new challenges, and you embrace the opportunity to live in the gray.
• Motivated and Action-Oriented. You invest extra energy to reach your goals. You always take initiative, never sitting idle. You follow through on commitments, letting employees and business partners know that they matter.
• Organized and Accountable. You multitask well and know how to juggle multiple tasks, and projects simultaneously in order to make the biggest impact and work as efficiently and effectively as possible.
• Tech-Savvy. Tools like email and internet access start as basic necessities in your daily operation. You love all things Google. You also have a solid understanding of available recruiting tools, and leverage all avenues from social media.
• Energetic and Positive. You are an outgoing, gregarious brand ambassador who motivates and excites others to elevate their performance.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Acts as a resource to Business Partners, for the interpretation of Human Resource policies to the assigned employee population in support of compliance with federal, state, and local legal requirements. Helps to influence and contribute to the development of new and/or changes to existing policies/programs for the Company by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating and understanding the impact of any legislation changes; and collaborating with the HR Director on necessary updates and actions.
• Leads employee relations for assigned geographies, locations, and/or client groups. Provides guidance to managers regarding confidential and impartial counseling to employees. Advises management of legal implications of employment and termination decisions. Assists managers in the composition of documentation for performance management.
• Supports HR operations activities for assigned employee population, inclusive of (but not limited to): facilitation of Day One, onboarding; employment processing; coaching and counseling; electronic and hard copy records management; maintenance of compensation practices; succession planning; and labor relations and AAP/EEO compliance.
• As a subject matter expert, confidently facilitates HR-related courses and discussions to a variety of group sizes, clearly explaining material in an articulate and engaging manner. Assists in the development, implementation, and dissemination of HR-related training programs. Additionally, participates in or leads large scale HR projects, as assigned.
• Leads discussions with assigned client groups to ensure adherence to Equity Residential's compensation philosophies. Assists with the facilitation of Equity Residential's annual year-end compensation process, including performance calibration and annual salary/bonus planning.
• Oversees HR administrative functions within assigned geography and/or location(s). These responsibilities include job changes, leave of absence administration, electronic employee records, employment separations and severance processing, and supporting recruiting and onboarding as needed. Also, leads/assists with Equity Residential's benefit programs including retirement plans, annual enrollment, wellness programs, change in benefits, etc....
• Conducts exit interviews with terminating employees prior to their last day of work as appropriate, and helps to constructively relay information discovered during these conversations to appropriate leadership.
• Represents the Company in a professional manner at all times. Consistently maintains a professional, courteous attitude when dealing with residents, co-workers, employees and the general public.
• Consults legal counsel to ensure Equity Residential's policies comply with federal and state law. Identifies legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting human resources functions and ensures policies, procedures, and reporting are in compliance. Studies legislation to keep abreast of changes in state and federal laws.
• Performs other duties as necessary.

REQUIREMENTS & PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE:

• College Degree; 7 to 10 years experience as Human Resources Manager/generalist.
• Problem solving skills, and excellent communication & organizational skills required.
• Strong interpersonal, consulting, coaching, group facilitation, and customer service skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with various groups.
• Experience in conducting employee investigations and employee relations.
• Computer literacy required with previous experience in HRIS database preferred. Ability to present a professional image.

About Us

Working for Equity Residential (EQR), a leading multi-family real estate investment trust (REIT), means living our purpose: creating communities where people thrive. It means striving to provide the best in apartment living, speaking boldly about new ideas for innovation, and inspiring creativity in the ways we work together.

Our portfolio of high-quality properties in urban growth markets - New York City, Boston, Washington DC, Seattle, San Francisco, Southern California, and Denver - provides homes where people most want to live, work and play. We've got the best people in the business, as evidenced by our employee engagement scores and customer loyalty ratings. That's why our employees say they are proud to work at Equity, a company that gives our residents a place where they can Live Remarkably, and offers a culture where our employees have the opportunity to thrive.

Equity Rewards

When you join Equity Residential, you won't be treated as simply another employee - you will be considered a partner in our shared success. As such, we are committed to investing in your personal success through a benefits program that supports your Total Wellbeing.

We recognize that everyone has different needs outside of work. That's why, in addition to a competitive benefits package (medical, dental, vision and paid time off), we offer many unique benefits options to employees, like a comprehensive wellness program, pet insurance, new parent benefits, and paid time off for community service projects. In addition to your next job, you can also find your next home with us! Rent discounts on Equity Residential apartment homes are available to our benefits-eligible employees. The amount of the discount offered is determined based on the market, ranging upwards from 20%. Learn more about our Total Wellbeing program here.

Equity Values

At Equity Residential, like our residents, our employees come from everywhere. A richly diverse work environment captures top talent, cultivates the best ideas, and creates the widest possible platform for success. By focusing on inclusion, these differences are harnessed to create value - in ideas, business practices, relationships, and employee engagement. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to maintaining a diverse, inclusive and equitable work environment where our employees can thrive.

All aspects of the employment process are merit-based. Every Equity employee is expected to maintain a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. Equity Residential does not discriminate against any employee or job applicant because of race, religion, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, sexual/gender identity/expression, age, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation or related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, national origin, citizenship status, military (including uniformed service member or protected veteran) status, marital status, genetic characteristic or information, ancestry or any other characteristic protected by law. Equity Residential also prohibits retaliation against individuals who report harassment or discrimination, or participate in investigations into such conduct.