Senior Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP)

Company Overview

9Box Consulting operates as a fractional People Operations consultancy, embedding seasoned People leaders directly into dynamic organizations such as professional sports franchises, consumer packaged goods brands, and venture-backed technology startups. Their approach emphasizes hands-on problem solving and sustainable impact over traditional consulting practices.

Role Summary

This contractor position requires an experienced Senior HR Business Partner to manage multiple client projects simultaneously. The role involves practical people partnership with founders, executives, and department heads, offering well-informed advice on complex personnel challenges. Candidates should be adaptable, able to transition between diverse clients quickly and maintain high standards throughout.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage comprehensive employee relations processes, including conducting thorough investigations from initiation through recommendations.
• Provide guidance to managers and executive leadership on performance management, behavioral concerns, and sensitive discussions to mitigate escalation.
• Oversee employee separations and related severance matters in collaboration with legal counsel.
• Act as a trustworthy and impartial contact for employee concerns while monitoring legal and reputational risks cautiously and clearly.
• Develop and enhance client operational HR systems such as onboarding/offboarding workflows, policy frameworks, and documentation tools.
• Lead or assist in HRIS implementations and migrations, ensuring compliance with multi-state and sometimes international employment law.
• Create tools and resources like templates, trackers, and playbooks to empower client teams for ongoing self-sufficiency.
• Design and administer performance management processes including appraisal cycles, calibration meetings, and talent assessments.
• Coach and support managers, particularly those newly promoted, in leadership, feedback, and team management skills.
• Develop career development frameworks and manager resources while advising executive leaders on leadership effectiveness and team dynamics.
• Construct competitive compensation benchmarks and salary bands aligned to company stage, sector, and location.
• Support merit increases and bonus programs with modeling and approval coordination.
• Advise on equity compensation design, offer construction, and negotiation approaches.
• Evaluate benefits offerings for cost-efficiency and competitive positioning.

Candidate Profile

• More than 8 years of HR experience including at least 4 years as an HR Business Partner or equivalent role supporting senior leadership.
• Comprehensive expertise across employee relations, people operations, performance coaching, and total rewards disciplines.
• Strong practical knowledge of U.S. employment law with particular fluency in California or Texas regulations, and skillful operation across various state contexts.
• Proven success partnering with fast-growth or scaling organizations typically at Series A to C funding stages or similar milestones.
• Superior written communication ability, producing documents destined for boards and executive audiences.
• Sound independent decision-making skills and discretion for managing high-profile, sensitive issues effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in consulting, fractional, or interim People leadership roles.
• Familiarity or willingness to learn HR platforms like Rippling or Gusto.
• Exposure to international employment environments, especially in the United Kingdom.

Additional Information

This consultancy role initially requires approximately 20 hours per week, based onsite within the Washington DC-Baltimore area. The position demands versatility and the ability to deliver consistent quality across multiple diverse client engagements in fast-paced environments.