Strategic HR Business Partner

CARIAN•Somerset, NJ

3d•$40 - $50•Onsite

About The Position

CARIAN is seeking a hands-on Strategic HR Business Partner to provide temporary support during a maternity leave coverage period. This role will support day-to-day HR operations while also providing practical strategic HR guidance to leadership and managers. The ideal candidate is experienced, mature, and comfortable operating in a fast-moving professional services environment. This is not a purely administrative HR role. The person in this position must be able to support employee relations, performance management, policy interpretation, onboarding/offboarding, compliance coordination, HR process improvement, and leadership support. This role will work closely with executive leadership, operations, and department leaders to maintain continuity and strengthen HR support during the coverage period.

Requirements

8-10+ years of progressive HR experience, preferably including HR business partner responsibilities.
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
Experience supporting employee relations, performance management, HR operations, and manager guidance.
Strong understanding of HR compliance, documentation, and employment practices.
Experience working with leadership and managers in a professional services, consulting, utility, engineering, construction, or technical environment preferred.
Ability to operate independently while maintaining alignment with HR and leadership.
Strong judgment, discretion, follow-through, and communication skills.
Comfortable working in-office and supporting a fast-moving business environment.

Nice To Haves

SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Provide HR business partner support to managers, employees, and leadership.
Support employee relations matters with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
Assist with performance management, documentation, coaching, and manager guidance.
Support onboarding, offboarding, internal transitions, and employee lifecycle activities.
Help interpret and apply company policies, handbook provisions, and HR processes.
Support HR compliance activities and ensure appropriate documentation and follow-through.
Assist with benefits, leave, immigration, and employee support matters as needed.
Partner with leadership and operations to identify issues, risks, and process gaps.
Help maintain HR responsiveness, consistency, and professionalism during the coverage period.
Support day-to-day HR execution while also bringing practical strategic perspective.
Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee matters appropriately.