HR Business Partner I

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

23h • Onsite

About The Position

The Human Resources Business Partner I (HRBP I) supports employees and leaders by executing core HR processes, providing HR guidance, maintaining data integrity, and ensuring consistent application of policies and practices. As an approachable HR partner, the role helps deliver a positive employee experience, supports workforce engagement, and develops expertise in employee relations, compliance, and HR operations. The HRBP I typically supports 300–350 employees and frontline leaders, contributing to business success through responsive service, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

The position is based at Panasonic Energy’s expanding facility in De Soto, Kansas, and supports a lithium-ion battery manufacturing operation. The role involves frequent interaction with employees and frontline leaders, including floor presence and participation in operational and employee engagement activities. The work may require personal protective equipment, potentially including a Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, or a hazmat suit with respirator.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, though relevant experience may substitute for education. Required experience is 0–2 years in human resources, business, operations, employee relations, or a related professional area. The role is onsite. Pre-employment drug testing is required, and candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without restriction.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; relevant experience may substitute for the required education. Related fields may include Psychology, Sociology, Communications, Finance, Economics, Operations, Industrial Relations, Organizational Development, or other business or behavioral-science disciplines.
• 0–2 years of Human Resources, business, operations, employee relations, or related professional experience.
• Foundational understanding of HR policies, procedures, and employment practices.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with employees and frontline leaders.
• Strong customer-service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Basic analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to learn HR systems, processes, and business operations quickly.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and time-management skills.
• Working-level English proficiency, including reading, writing, and speaking.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without restriction.
• Must complete pre-employment drug testing.
• Ability to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• SHRM-CP, PHR, or other HR certification coursework in progress.
• Exposure to employment law, labor relations, workforce planning, or employee-relations concepts through coursework, internships, or work experience.
• 2+ years of Human Resources experience obtained through internships, co-ops, or entry-level HR roles.
• Experience supporting employees in manufacturing, production, distribution, logistics, or industrial environments.
• Experience using HRIS systems such as Workday.
• Exposure to employee relations, onboarding, workforce analytics, or compliance activities.
• Experience in high-volume battery manufacturing or a related industrial environment such as electronics, automotive, or energy storage.

Responsibilities

• Provide front-line HR support on policies, procedures, benefits, payroll, timekeeping, leave administration, and other employment processes.
• Maintain accurate employee records, HRIS transactions, personnel files, and documentation while ensuring data integrity and compliance.
• Process routine HR transactions, including employee transfers, status changes, compensation actions, and separations.
• Support onboarding, including I-9 verification, employment documentation, orientation coordination, and new-hire integration.
• Create and initiate hiring requisitions with hiring managers and Talent Acquisition.
• Monitor HR service requests, respond to routine inquiries, and escalate complex matters appropriately.
• Provide scheduled coverage for the HR Connect Desk and serve as a first point of contact for employee and manager inquiries.
• Gather and maintain workforce information, including attendance, turnover, training completion, and other HR metrics.
• Prepare reports and data for monthly business reviews and operational reporting.
• Identify routine process-improvement opportunities and recommend practical solutions to improve service delivery, compliance, or employee experience.
• Participate in HR projects and continuous-improvement initiatives, completing assigned deliverables accurately and on time.
• Coordinate training administration and monitor training completion requirements.
• Communicate HR processes, programs, and policy updates to leaders and employees.
• Assist managers with attendance management, documentation preparation, corrective-action administration, and follow-up.
• Participate in Gemba walks, roundtables, stand-up meetings, and employee engagement activities.
• Maintain a visible and approachable HR presence and build effective relationships with employees and frontline leaders.
• Gather employee feedback and communicate trends or concerns to HR leadership.
• Conduct basic employee-relations intakes, document concerns, and escalate issues appropriately.
• Conduct routine floor-presence activities to identify employee concerns, answer questions, and support workforce engagement.
• Support communication and implementation of HR initiatives within assigned business areas.
• Maintain personnel files and HR documentation in accordance with company policies and legal requirements.
• Assist with I-9 compliance activities, audits, and employment verification requirements.
• Support HR and Environmental Health & Safety compliance reporting, tracking, and documentation.
• Protect confidential employee information and exercise discretion when handling sensitive matters.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans.
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Voluntary life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
• Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer leave, and parental and caregiver leave.
• Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
• Lifestyle Spending Account, Employee Assistance Program, virtual health management, chronic-condition support, neurodiversity resources, tobacco-cessation and substance-abuse support, and life-stage and fertility resources, subject to eligibility.
• Employee recognition and awards platform, with quarterly and annual recognition.
• Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.
• On-site cafes, snack and beverage kitchens, vendor visits, and employee events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level