Director, HR Business Partner

Director, Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP)

The Director, Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) serves as the strategic HR leader for assigned corporate functions, partnering with Vice Presidents and executive leaders to drive organizational effectiveness, talent strategy, workforce planning, and business performance.

This role is responsible for developing and executing people strategies that align with business priorities and support long-term organizational success. The Director, HRBP acts as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing guidance on talent, organizational design, succession planning, leadership effectiveness, and complex employee matters.

Operating in a fast-paced and highly matrixed environment, the Director HRBP influences key business decisions, proactively identifies organizational risks and opportunities, and drives initiatives that strengthen leadership capability, employee engagement, and organizational performance. This role operates with significant autonomy and serves as the primary HR partner for assigned client groups.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Business Partnership

• Serve as the lead HR Business Partner for assigned corporate functions.
• Partner with Vice Presidents and senior leaders to develop and execute people strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Translate business priorities into workforce and organizational plans that support operational and strategic goals.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on organizational effectiveness, leadership capability, team structure, and talent strategy.
• Develop a deep understanding of business objectives, operating models, and key performance drivers to provide impactful HR guidance.
• Influence decision-making through the use of workforce data, talent insights, and business analytics.
• Anticipate organizational challenges and proactively develop solutions that support business success.

Talent Strategy & Leadership Development

• Lead talent review, succession planning, and performance management processes across supported organizations.
• Partner with leaders to identify and develop high-potential talent and strengthen leadership pipelines.
• Drive workforce capability planning to address future business needs.
• Facilitate discussions regarding organizational talent risks and succession readiness.
• Coach leaders on performance management, leadership effectiveness, employee development, and career growth strategies.
• Partner with Talent Management and Learning teams to implement development solutions that strengthen organizational capability.

Workforce Planning & Compensation

• Lead annual workforce planning activities in partnership with business leaders, Compensation, and Finance.
• Provide strategic guidance regarding pay decisions, internal equity, organizational structure, and market competitiveness.
• Evaluate workforce trends and talent risks to inform business planning and talent investment decisions.
• Support organizational growth through effective workforce planning and talent allocation strategies.
• Ensure alignment between compensation decisions, business needs, and budget expectations.

Organizational Effectiveness & Design

• Lead organizational design initiatives that improve efficiency, effectiveness, and business performance.
• Assess organizational structures and recommend changes that support strategic objectives.
• Partner with leaders to define roles, responsibilities, spans of control, and talent requirements.
• Drive initiatives that enhance organizational health, team effectiveness, and leadership capability.
• Support enterprise transformation and change initiatives in partnership with the Sr. Director, HRBP & Transformation.
• Champion adoption of organizational changes through effective stakeholder engagement and communication planning.

Employee Relations & Risk Management

• Serve as a trusted advisor on complex employee relations matters involving performance, conduct, policy interpretation, and workplace concerns.
• Manage sensitive and high-risk situations with sound judgment and a balanced approach to business and employee needs.
• Partner with Legal, Employee Relations, and HR leadership to assess risk and develop appropriate solutions.
• Ensure consistent application of company policies, employment practices, and compliance requirements.
• Identify emerging trends and organizational risks and proactively recommend actions to mitigate potential issues.

HR Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Drive execution and excellence of core HR processes across supported organizations.
• Partner with Human Resources Centers of Excellence, including Compensation, Talent Management, Talent Acquisition, and Total Rewards, to deliver integrated solutions.
• Influence enterprise people initiatives through active collaboration across the HR function.
• Provide strategic direction and guidance to HR team members supporting assigned client groups.
• Promote a culture of accountability, engagement, inclusion, and high performance.
• Directly manage and develop HRBP team members, including a Senior Manager, HRBP, providing strategic direction, coaching, prioritization, and performance management support.
• Demonstrates behaviors consistent with the Company's Vision, Mission, and Values in all interactions with customers, co-workers, and suppliers.
• Adheres to all company policies, procedures, and safety standards.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required. Master's degree and/or SPHR, SHRM-SCP certification preferred. 10+ years of progressive Human Resources experience. Significant experience supporting Vice President and senior leadership populations. Demonstrated experience leading organizational design, workforce planning, talent management, and change initiatives. Experience supporting corporate functions and matrixed organizations strongly preferred. Must meet company's requirements for employment. Valid in-state driver's license and have and maintained an acceptable, safe driving record.

Knowledge, Skills & Capabilities

Strong business acumen with the ability to align people strategies, workforce planning, and organizational decisions to business objectives. Proven ability to influence and build credibility with Vice Presidents, senior leaders, and cross-functional stakeholders. Deep expertise in talent management, organizational design, succession planning, compensation, and employee relations practices. Strong consulting, coaching, and change leadership skills with the ability to navigate complex and ambiguous situations.

What Success Looks Like

Serves as a trusted advisor to leaders, driving talent, organizational, and workforce decisions that support business performance. Builds strong leadership pipelines through effective succession planning, talent development, and workforce strategies. Leads organizational effectiveness and change initiatives that improve business outcomes and associate engagement. Develops and coaches HRBP team members while ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality HR support and solutions.

How This Role Shows Up

This role is expected to operate in alignment with AutoNation's DRIVE behaviors:

• Deliver Results by executing people strategies and organizational initiatives that drive measurable business outcomes.
• Respect Others by building trusted relationships, developing leaders, and fostering collaboration across teams.
• Ignite Performance by cultivating high-performing teams, strengthening leadership capability, and driving continuous improvement.
• Value Accountability by acting with ownership, integrity, and sound judgment while delivering on commitments.
• Elevate the Business by leveraging talent, workforce insights, and organizational effectiveness strategies to support long-term growth and success.

Exciting Benefits and Perks Await You:

• Competitive compensation and 401k matching
• Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with insurance plans (health, dental, vision) and maternity benefits.
• Associate purchase and discount programs for new and pre-owned vehicles, services, parts, collision, accessories, and AutoGear
• Access amazing deals and discounts through YouDecide, a website with offers from top providers and retailers
• Join our DRVPNK mission to raise and donate millions of dollars to cancer research and treatment, partnering with cancer charities nationwide

AutoNation is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, offering innovative products, exceptional services, and comprehensive solutions, empowering our customers to make the best decisions for their needs. With a network of dealerships nationwide strengthened by a recognized brand, we offer a wide variety of new and used vehicles, customer financing, parts, and provide expert maintenance and repair services. Through DRV PNK, we have raised over $40 million for cancer-related causes, demonstrating our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our Associates, Customers, and the communities we serve.

AutoNation is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in our workplace and the services we provide. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who are passionate about making a positive impact. Even if you do not meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. Join our team and help us foster a culture of belonging while contributing to our revolutionary work in the automotive industry. We value innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world.