Human Resources Business Partner - NWSL ATLANTA

ABOUT THE ROLE

NWSL Atlanta is seeking a strategic and hands-on Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) to support our growing soccer organization. This customer-centric role will serve as the primary HR partner for the NWSL Atlanta organization, working closely with NWSL Atlanta Leadership and Blank Family of Businesses (BFOB) HR Shared Services (HRSS). The HRBP will lead and execute all day-to-day HR initiatives for the organization, including associate relations, performance management, compliance, organizational planning, and associate engagement.

During the team's "start-up" phase in 2026 and 2027, the HRBP will spend most of their time partnering with NWSL Leadership and BFOB Talent Acquisition to lead recruitment and onboarding for NWSL Atlanta associates.

Reporting to the AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE) President of Soccer and the BFOB Chief Human Resources Officer, this highly visible individual contributor will work fully on-site at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, until 2028 when the role will be based at our new world-class training facility in Marietta, GA.

This role will participate in a rotation for "HR on Duty" for major events held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium throughout the year; events often occur during nights, weekends, and holidays.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Talent Acquisition and Onboarding

• Partner with hiring managers and BFOB HRSS to support full-cycle recruitment efforts.
• Partner with BFOB HRSS to develop and execute onboarding and assimilation programs that create strong associate experiences.
• Support workforce planning initiatives.

HR Business Partnership and Leadership Support

• Partner with leaders to align people initiatives with organizational objectives.
• Coach managers and leaders on associate relations, communication, team effectiveness, organizational development, and performance management.
• Provide thoughtful guidance on complex associate situations while balancing business needs, risk mitigation, and associate experience.
• Support organizational design, workforce planning, and change management initiatives across the organization.

Associate Relations

• Lead and manage associate relations matters, including investigations, conflict resolution, performance concerns, corrective actions, and policy interpretation.
• Promote consistent application of Company values, policies, and employment practices.
• Partner with Legal and BFOB HR Leadership on sensitive or high-risk matters.

Performance Management and Associate Development

• Execute performance management processes, including goal setting, performance appraisals, and talent calibration discussions.
• Partner with leaders to build management capability and succession plans.
• Assist leaders in identifying talent gaps and development opportunities and make recommendations to accelerate development and mitigate business risk.
• Support leadership development and associate learning initiatives, facilitating programs and workshops as needed.

HR Operations, Compliance & Programs

• Execute HR programs, policies, and processes in partnership with BFOB HRSS.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable employment laws, league regulations, and Company policies.
• Maintain accurate data, reporting, and HR documentation.
• Support total rewards, leave administration, and HR systems in collaboration with BFOB HRSS.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR workflows, associate communications, and operational efficiency and make recommendations to enhance them.

Associate Engagement & Inclusion

• Partner with Leadership to strengthen associate engagement and organizational culture.
• Support initiatives focused on belonging, inclusion, wellness, and associate experience.
• Foster a culture grounded in accountability, inclusion and belonging, respect, associate wellbeing, and high performance.
• Foster a Listen and Respond culture, partnering with leaders to build and communicate action plans in response to annual survey feedback.

KEY SKILLS

• Strong relationship-building capabilities; organizational savvy
• Exceptional judgment, discretion, and emotional intelligence; ability to maintain high levels of confidentiality and build trust
• Ability to influence and coach leaders at all levels
• Strong associate relations and conflict resolution experience
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Highly organized with strong project management and execution skills
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and operate effectively in fast-paced environments
• Strong understanding of employment law and HR best practices
• Collaborative, proactive, and solutions-oriented mindset
• Passion for sports, high-performance cultures, and team environments
• Highly analytical with strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Attention to detail and dedication to quality

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 5+ years of progressive HR generalist experience, including HR business partner
• Demonstrated experience handling complex associate relations and performance management matters
• Experience partnering directly with senior leaders and executives
• Familiar with "start-up" environment- high volume staffing and onboarding, building people processes, and measuring effectiveness
• Solid understanding and experience with performance management cycles including performance appraisal, leader development, and succession planning
• Knowledge of employment law, HR compliance, and HR operations
• Ability to successfully navigate a complex, matrixed, shared-services environment
• Experience indirectly leading and influencing leaders and associates at all levels
• Ability to adjust to competing demands with a flexible attitude and collaborative spirit
• Ability to seamlessly interact with hourly associates, managers, and senior leadership
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and matchdays as needed

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field
• Bilingual (Spanish, preferably)
• Experience supporting high-performance, fast-paced, matrixed organizations
• Experience working in professional sports, soccer, entertainment, or hospitality experience strongly
• Workday HRIS experience