Sr. Manager, HR Business Partner

Essex Property Trust•Los Angeles, CA

2d•$123,000 - $153,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a strategic and dynamic Sr. Manager, HR Business Partner to join our team and support key client groups across Corporate and Field Operations, with a focus on the Field Operations side of the company. This role serves as the primary HR contact for assigned business units, delivering consultative support in employee relations, performance management, and overseeing leaves of absence/interactive process/reasonable accommodations. The HR Business Partner will lead and mentor a team of HR professionals—including HRBPs and Specialists—while ensuring compliance, mitigating risk, and driving a positive workplace culture. As a leader, this role will oversee HR Specialists supporting employee relations, leaves of absence and reasonable accommodation, workers compensation, and associated functions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
5+ years of progressive HR experience, with a strong focus on employee relations, performance management, and leaves of absence/interactive process, reasonable accommodations.
Proven experience coaching leaders at all levels in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
In-depth knowledge of California employment law, HR compliance, and workplace investigations.
Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence across levels.
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion and integrity.
Proficient in HRIS systems and MS Office Suite; tech-savvy and data-driven.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Valid driver’s license and automobile insurance required for occasional travel.

Nice To Haves

People manager experience preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted advisor to business leaders and managers, providing guidance on performance management, organizational structure, and employee engagement.
Lead employee relations matters including investigations, conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and performance improvement plans.
Oversee and mentor HR team members, including HR Specialists supporting leaves of absence, accommodations, employee relations, or other employee services.
Partner with leaders to develop and implement HR strategies that align with business goals, ensuring consistent application of policies and procedures.
Identify opportunities to enhance organizational effectiveness and recommend innovative solutions in HR practices.
Provide oversight and subject matter expertise for leaves of absence, accommodations, and the interactive process across the organization, including complex leave and ADA/FEHRA/WAPFML cases, in partnership with Tilt and the LOA Specialist.
Oversee Workers Compensation administration in conjunction with Workers Compensation Specialist and in partnership with company safety coordinator and committee.
Facilitate HR compliance across all functional areas including labor law, safety standards, and required training programs.
Collaborate with Learning & Development to deliver relevant training and promote professional growth within client groups.
Partner with our Talent & Culture team to execute key HR programs such as annual performance assessments and workforce planning.
Provide tools, templates, and coaching to support managers in handling performance and behavioral issues constructively.
Act as a change agent to support organizational initiatives, enhance team effectiveness, and build a high-performance culture.