Human Resource Business Partner, I

HR Business Partner I

Southern Company Gas is hiring an HR Business Partner I, to work directly with the Human Resources department. We are looking for an individual who is efficient, confidential and comfortable working with all levels. The ideal candidate for this job is resourceful, a good problem solver, very detail-oriented, and comfortable navigating varying state requirements while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

This role serves as a primary point of contact (POC) for several HR programs and operational processes, ensuring consistent execution while accounting for state-specific laws, regulations, and practices. The position partners closely with HR Centers of Excellence (COEs), leaders, and employees to deliver compliant, high-quality employee experience across multiple locations. The HR Business Partner (HRBP) operates with minimal supervision, exercises independent and sound judgment, and partners closely with HR leadership, Centers of Excellence (COEs), and cross-functional stakeholders to support day-to-day HR operations and initiatives.

The HRBP must demonstrate a high level of integrity, professionalism and confidentiality, handling sensitive information with tact, discretion and judgment. A high degree of responsiveness and independent judgment is required to plan, prioritize and organize in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.

Functional Expertise:

• Serve as an HR liaison for designated Centers of Excellence (COEs), coordinating multi-state HR activities and escalating jurisdiction-specific issues as needed.
• Formalize and standardize onboarding processes across states, partnering with HR leadership to document procedures, tools, and workflows that account for jurisdictional differences.
• Enter and maintain employee accommodations in HR systems, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with federal and applicable state laws.
• Coordinate termination processes, including preparation and distribution of state-specific and federal Department of Labor (DOL) letters and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations concerning employment, company policies that affect employment and employee discipline.
• Plans and coordinates logistics for meetings and special events (e.g., conference rooms, refreshments, audio-visual, and participant invitations) as needed
• Prepare, maintain, and submit state-specific and multi-state HR reports
• Maintain organized records to support audits, reporting requests, and compliance reviews.
• Track and manage Long-Term Disability (LTD) cases
• Maintain accurate LTD timelines and share updates with the HR Business Partner (HRBP)
• Prepare and send required correspondence to employees on LTD status

Business Acumen:

• Coordinate and facilitate New Hire Orientation for employees across multiple states, ensuring consistent delivery while incorporating state-specific onboarding and compliance requirements.
• Conduct and document exit interviews across multiple states, identifying trends and providing insights that support retention strategies at both local and enterprise levels.
• Provide coordination and project support to HR leaders, as needed
• Support project planning by providing accurate estimates and status reports and meeting deliverables
• Develop, review, and implement internal processes and ensure continuous improvement
• Act as Expense Report Subject Matter Expert (SME), supporting employees and leaders, and ensuring adherence to company policies across multiple locations.
• Provide guidance on policy interpretation, submission requirements, and issue resolution
• Review and process expense reports in accordance with company policies and timelines.
• Manage logistics, scheduling, and administrative coordination for HR meetings, programs, and initiatives.
• Serve as Facilities Point of Contact (POC) for HR-related workspace, access, and facility coordination needs across multiple locations.
• Coordinate planning, logistics, communication, and vendor support while ensuring inclusivity for employees across locations.
• Respond to employee and leader inquiries promptly, providing accurate information or routing to appropriate HR resources.

Engagement:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to effectively engage individuals at all levels inside and outside the company
• Must communicate essential information in a timely manner and effectively use internal resources as a communication channel
• Processes confidential information and maintains strict confidentiality
• Appropriately handles sensitive information with tact and discretion

Driving Results:

• Respond to employee queries and concerns in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results through teamwork with other managers/departments
• Update and maintain the Employee Relations SharePoint site

Qualifications:

Education, Certifications/Licenses:

Required:

• Associate in Business, Human Resources, or related field

Preferred:

• Bachelor in Business, Human Resources or related field

Related Work Experience:

Required:

• 0-3 years of experience in HR administration, HR operations, or related roles.

Preferred:

• 2–4 years of experience in HR administration, HR operations, or related roles.
• Demonstrated experience supporting employees and HR processes in a multi-state environment strongly preferred.

Skills & Competencies

Required:

• Demonstrated experience taking initiative and developing and sharing ideas and solutions
• Ability to develop intermediate level presentations
• Good time management, judgment and discretionary skills.
• Working knowledge of multi-state HR compliance, including onboarding, benefits, leave, and termination considerations.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities across locations and time zones.
• Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messaging to varied audiences.
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential and sensitive employee information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint); HRIS experience preferred.
• Detail-oriented, analytical, and proactive with a continuous-improvement mindset.