HR Project Lead

We're partnering with a leading global financial services organization to identify an experienced HR professional for a 6-12 month contract assignment supporting a key period in the employee lifecycle. This is a hands‑on HR role with a strong focus on the annual performance review and rating process , while also providing employee relations support and contributing to broader HR initiatives. The client is a leading global financial services organization with a highly collaborative, sophisticated environment and a strong focus on people, performance, and operational excellence. This is an opportunity to join a lean HR team where you'll have meaningful visibility with leadership and play a hands‑on role in important HR initiatives. Description Own and support the annual performance review process, which will make up the majority of the role. Guide managers and employees through the review cycle, including timelines, expectations, ratings, feedback, and development planning. Conduct and facilitate calibration and rating processes to help ensure consistency and fairness across teams. Audit performance review materials and documentation, including reviewing write-ups and providing guidance where needed. Coach managers on delivering effective feedback, handling performance concerns, and navigating difficult conversations. Serve as a trusted HR resource to employees and managers on day‑to‑day HR matters. Handle employee relations matters with discretion, fairness, and sound judgment, representing approximately 20% of the role. Partner with HR leadership and business stakeholders to address employee concerns and provide guidance consistent with company policies and employment requirements. Support HR projects and initiatives from planning through execution, tracking milestones, deliverables, and stakeholder communications. Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, workflows, documentation, and overall operational efficiency. Utilize HR systems and workforce data to support reporting, audits, and decision‑making. Collaborate with HR, Technology, Finance, Risk, and business teams on cross‑functional initiatives. Profile 5-8+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally including HR Business Partner, HR management, employee relations, or similar experience . Significant hands‑on experience with annual performance review cycles, calibration, and employee rating processes . Proven ability to coach and guide both managers and employees through performance management. Experience reviewing and auditing performance documentation, including employee write‑ups and manager submissions. Solid employee relations experience, including handling workplace concerns and sensitive employee matters. Strong understanding of HR policies, employment practices, and applicable employment law. Experience with HR projects, process improvement, change management, or HR transformation is a plus. Strong Excel skills and the ability to work with HR data, reporting, and employee information. Experience working independently in a fast‑paced environment while handling sensitive and confidential information. Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. Job Offer Hybrid schedule: 2-3 days per week in the Metro Park, NJ office Strong opportunity for an HR professional who enjoys a blend of performance management, employee relations, and strategic HR project work. MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants. #J-18808-Ljbffr Michael Page