People & Culture Business Partner

City of Seattle•Seattle, WA

About The Position

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is a municipally owned utility recognized for providing affordable, reliable electricity and for its leadership in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. The People & Culture Business Partner is an embedded HR advisor who works alongside operations, engineering, and field workforces, partnering with managers in a complex, unionized environment to build strong teams, resolve workplace issues, and lead through change. The role works closely with Labor Relations, Employee Relations, Talent Acquisition, and other People and Culture units to deliver integrated people solutions and support the utility’s operational and strategic objectives. The position provides both strategic and tactical HR partnership, including day-to-day support for assigned business groups, consultation on employee matters, workforce and succession planning, leadership and professional development, change initiatives, and workforce-data analysis. It requires knowledge of applicable employment laws, regulations, personnel rules, municipal code, workplace expectations, and collective bargaining agreements. Employees also participate in Seattle City Light’s Emergency Response Program in a role usually aligned with their regular duties. The full salary range is $56.23 to $65.54 per hour. Applicants must submit a cover letter and current resume. Job offers are contingent on credential and other employment-process verification, including a background check. The City of Seattle offers vacation, holiday, and sick leave, along with medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

Requirements

At least three years of experience in professional personnel administration as a human resources generalist or business partner.
Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience is accepted.
Experience reflecting a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes.
Knowledge of employment laws and regulations relevant to day-to-day employee management.
Ability to communicate complex issues effectively in writing and verbally.
Applicants must submit a cover letter describing their qualifications and a current resume.

Nice To Haves

Five or more years of experience as a human resources generalist or business partner.
Experience working with field-based or front-line employees.
Experience working effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across organizational levels.
Additional HR specialty experience, such as diversity and inclusion, workforce planning, training and development, or employee relations.
Experience handling confidential information, with strong attention to detail, organization, time management, and customer service.
Experience applying fundamental HR concepts and principles as a professional discipline or technical specialty.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a matrixed team environment.
Cross-functional collaboration experience addressing problems, change management, and process improvement.
Experience with workplace conflict resolution practices such as mediation or restorative justice.
Specialized HR training or certification, such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain trusting working relationships with all levels of the organization, including field-based employees.
Serve as the primary contact for Seattle City Light employment matters, including workplace expectations, policies, practices, and resources.
Manage information and requests accurately and promptly, handling sensitive matters with respect and compassion.
Monitor employee experience, identify potential issues, and elevate or address them.
Collaborate with People and Culture divisions and units to apply functional expertise to business challenges and provide effective client service.
Provide strategic and tactical HR partnership and day-to-day support to assigned business groups.
Consult with managers on employee matters and provide appropriate guidance and resources.
Consider workforce impacts when advising on decisions and solutions.
Challenge traditional practices and identify innovative solutions for changing business and industry needs.
Promote race and social justice and contribute to the effectiveness and innovation of the People and Culture Business Partner program.
Maintain knowledge of legal requirements related to employee management to reduce legal risk and support regulatory compliance.
Partner with Labor Relations and Employee Relations as needed.
Interpret and apply relevant Personnel Rules, Workplace Expectations, Seattle Municipal Code, and collective bargaining agreements.
Partner with leadership to develop, monitor, and report on workforce and succession plans.
Advise on leadership, professional development, and training.
Analyze workforce data to identify trends, inform decisions, and develop recommendations aligned with business objectives.
Champion change initiatives and support successful implementation of programs, policies, and procedures.
Shift between strategic planning and hands-on execution as needed.
Participate in the Emergency Response Program and support emergency operations as assigned.