HR Business Partner

at  Evergy

DEPARTMENT: Human Resources – Kansas City Headquarters or Topeka General Office
LOCATION: Kansas City, MO
Topeka, KS
PAY RANGE: HR Business Partner I: $51,000 - $63,700
HR Business Partner II: $62,300 - $77,900
Sr HR Business Partner: $79,100 - $105,400
Lead HR Business Partner: $93,100 - $124,100
Scheduled Work Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.- Occasional evenings or weekends as business needs require.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration or related field is highly preferred. While candidates will be considered for an entry level, limited experience level, the ideal candidate will demonstrate at least five years of proven experience in human resources in a related HR Partner business strategic support role and/or proven experience leading people or teams. Proven experience in a consulting capacity in such areas as talent management, employee relations, succession planning, workforce planning, and coaching leaders is highly preferred. SHRM-SCP certification is preferred.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES, AND COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Candidate must be an active listener, critical thinker, and have the ability to negotiate.
• Candidate must have solid judgment and decision-making skills.
• Candidate must understand the importance of building strong relationships with customers and employees.
• Candidate must have dependability, adaptability, and persistence qualities.
• Demonstrated highly effective competency in written, oral and presentation communication skills.
• Demonstrated skills in motivation, influence, diplomacy, tact, and leadership.
• Demonstrated skills in cooperation, concern for others, adaptability, and initiative.
• Ability to work in a self-directed manner and know where to get help when needed.
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving, team building, and mentoring.
• Demonstrated skills in stress tolerance, specifically around conflict resolution and conciliation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office computer products.

SUMMARY OF PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The HR Business Partner (HRBP) will partner with assigned business groups to deliver on people strategies that support the organization’s strategic priorities. Providing thought partnership, coaching and recommendations, the HRBP will help functional leaders cultivate work environments consistent with our purpose and values. Communicate and implement HR programs that support optimal business outcomes. Develops strong relationships with business units, understanding key business challenges and organization needs, and networks with HR Service Centers to align resources with business objectives.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Partner with internal departments to engage and develop people strategies to drive our company and functional priorities; through insights gathered from talent initiatives and insights, culture shaping programs, reporting and analytics, and employee feedback.
• Influence business unit strategy by encouraging innovation that drives positive change through data driven solutions.
• Guide leaders through performance management and accountability activities.
• Drive HR initiatives (such as succession planning, talent calibrations, compensation cycles) and provide feedback to the centers of excellence to ensure effective implementation and continuous improvement of programs.
• Work in collaboration with Labor Relations such as first point of contact, interpretation of collective bargaining agreements; partners with field management to fully investigate and resolve grievances and other labor relations issues; anticipates problems and issues whenever possible and develops, recommends, and initiates appropriate steps for resolution and acts as a liaison between department managers and union representatives.
• Proactively identify and address employee concerns in a timely manner; interpret and apply understanding of Evergy policies and practices, employment law and other regulations to provide advice, guidance and/or clarification for related inquires. Conduct timely employee relations investigations and make recommendations on the appropriate course of action in partnership with key stakeholders and legal.
• Lead and/or participate on HR initiative project teams.
• Work closely with business unit management and employees to improve work relationships, engagement, team building, morale, and increase productivity and retention.
• Maintain high level of business acumen and working knowledge of assigned business unit operations