What Does an HR Business Partner Do? Your 2024 Guide

A human resources (HR) business partner works closely with senior leaders and department heads to develop HR policies and procedures that fit business needs and goals. In addition to having a strong background in human resources, an HR business partner has a deep knowledge of general business operations.

Discover the role of an HR business partner, including salary and job outlook, and what it takes to become one. 

What is the role of an HR business partner? 

An HR business partner consults with and advises company leadership on all matters related to human resources. Knowing what an HR business partner does daily helps one better understand the role.

Common tasks and responsibilities of an HR business partner

Regarding human resources, an HR business partner looks at the big picture instead of engaging in day-to-day operations. Common tasks and responsibilities include the following: 

• Helping company leaders determine HR needs

• Creating and implementing strategies to address HR needs

• Revising HR policies and procedures to align with company goals

• Advising on improving human relations within the company

• Monitoring the HR budget and recommending revisions when necessary

• Helping to create job descriptions for all company positions

• Screening job candidates and conducting interviews

• Staying up to date on the latest best practices in HR

• Staying up to date on industry trends and federal and state laws and regulations

• Advising company leaders and HR department heads on all areas of HR operation, including payroll, benefits, career development, recruiting, and training

What skills does an HR business partner need? 

You will need to cultivate various skills to succeed as a human resources business partner. These skills include workplace skills (those that involve working with others) and technical skills (measurable skills needed to do your job). 

Workplace skills

Many workplace skills transfer from job to job. Workplace skills needed by an HR business partner include:

• Active listening skills

• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing

• Ability to advocate for the company and its employees

• Conflict resolution skills

• Organizational skills

• Problem-solving skills

• Good time management

Technical skills

Technical skills help employees perform well in specific job roles. Technical skills that benefit an HR business partner include: 

• Ability to think analytically and strategically

• Change-management abilities

• Strong background in human resources

• General business knowledge 

• Industry-specific knowledge

• Understanding of data creation, mining, and analysis

What tools does an HR business partner use? 

Several types of human capital management (HCM) applications benefit leaders in human resources. These digital tools can help manage employee payroll, recordkeeping, recruitment, training, and more. 

Examples of good digital tools for an HR business partner to use include: 

• Oracle HCM Cloud: This cloud-based app, created for medium to large companies, offers many capabilities. These include data analysis, payroll management, talent acquisition and management, recruitment, onboarding, and record access. 

• SAP SuccessFactors: This software emphasizes helping HR leaders manage talent. It tracks talent acquisition and recruitment, employee education and training, onboarding, work schedules, and more. As a result, it helps companies improve scheduling, avoid skills gaps, and plan more effectively in the short and long term. 

• UKG Pro: A popular tool for international companies, UKG Pro helps users manage employee pay, time tracking, onboarding, and job training. It also offers capabilities in document and video sharing, language processing, and predictive analytics.

Salary and job outlook for an HR business partner

The median base salary for an HR business partner amounts to $106,588 per year, according to Glassdoor. Additionally, you might have the potential to earn a higher annual salary if you receive bonuses or participate in a profit-sharing program [1].

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that upper-level HR jobs will grow 5 to 6 percent between 2022 and 2032. This is an above-average growth rate compared to other jobs [2, 3].

Required qualifications

As an upper-level position within a company, the role of an HR business partner calls for certain qualifications. Learn about degrees and certifications you can get and the work experience you need. 

Degree

To get an HR business partner position, you'll need a bachelor's degree. Good fields for a degree include human resources, business management, finance, or information technology (IT). Some companies looking for an HR business partner may require more education, such as a master's degree.

Certifications

Certifications can make you a more appealing candidate for an HR business partner position because they provide concrete proof of your knowledge and proficiency in the field. A few you might consider include:

• Professional in Human Resources (PHR) offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI)

• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

• SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) 

Work experience

Many HR business partner employers require a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in human resources. Work experience might include an internship in human resources, a few years in an entry-level position like an HR coordinator, and a move to a mid-level position like an HR manager.    

Career path from an HR business partner position

If you're interested in moving up the career ladder from a position as an HR business partner, you have several options. One career path might look like this:

HR Business Partner→Senior HR Business Partner→Director of HR→Chief HR Officer

Where do HR business partners work?

You can find HR business partner jobs in various industries, including financial services, information technology, manufacturing, and aerospace. According to Zippia, the finance industry offers the highest salaries for HR business partners [4]. 

Get started today on Coursera

An HR business partner is a senior HR position that requires a high level of education, experience, and skills. Starting off in an entry-level position helps you build relevant experience and opportunities for progression to HR partners and beyond. 

If you’re interested in HR business partner jobs, consider taking the University of Minnesota’s Human Resource Management: HR for People Managers Specialization on Coursera. This five-course series delivers a solid background in HR and explores different approaches to managing employees. You’ll discover the basics of recruiting, hiring, and onboarding and get tips for developing employee potential. You'll also learn about managing employee compensation, and you'll participate in a human resources management capstone project.