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Job Description
HUMAN RESOURCES BUSINESS PARTNER, SENIOR
City of Newport News - 3.7 Newport News, VA Job Details 21 hours ago Qualifications Cost management Statistics Report preparation Staff supervision Team supervision FMLA Customer service Anti-discrimination law Word processing Spreadsheets Professional ethics Writing skills Regulatory compliance HR legal compliance Recruitment and selection Driver's License ADA compliance Database management Bachelor's degree HR compliance Desktop applications Recruiting Algebra Productivity software Financial management Workforce management Task assignment Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Full Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION HUMAN RESOURCES BUSINESS PARTNER, SR. HUMAN RESOURCES S
Human Resources
NEWPORT NEWS, VA
Department
GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Under general supervision, this position provides advanced strategic and consultative support to departments and leads special projects. The position also provides leadership and oversight to Human Resources Business Partners. Reports to the Human Resources Manager.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Serves as a senior strategic partner to assigned departments by providing advanced guidance and consultation in employee relations, performance management, classification and compensation, workforce planning, and organizational development. Interprets and applies City policies, procedures, and employment regulations to ensure consistent, equitable, and legally compliant decision-making across departments. Supervises and provides day-to-day guidance to Human Resources Business Partners, including mentoring, coaching, and reviewing work to ensure quality, consistency, and alignment with City Human Resources standards and priorities. Serves as a subject-matter expert and escalation point for complex or sensitive HR matters. Works collaboratively across departments to align Human Resources programs and guidance with departments' operational priorities, goals, and timelines; uses data on turnover, vacancies, pay, and performance to prepare findings and recommend practical, data-informed actions; implements strategies to strengthen employee satisfaction, retention, and organizational effectiveness. Provides advanced classification and compensation guidance, including recommendations related to internal equity, market alignment, salary placement, and organizational structure to support recruitment and retention objectives. Reviews and evaluates organizational needs; advises on job description standards and structure; and leads the development, maintenance, and refinement of procedures, toolkits, and guidance to promote consistency in HR practices. Recommends updates based on evolving business needs, operational changes, and legislative or regulatory requirements. Designs, develops, and delivers customized training for department leadership, supervisors, and employees on performance expectations, policy application, and emerging HR topics. Identifies opportunities for improvement in Human Resources processes and workflow and designs innovative approaches to meet City human resources needs. Page 1 of 3 PC #22375
Revised:
01/01/2026 Represents the City at hearings involving unemployment compensation claims and other employment- related proceedings as assigned. Leads and participates on special project teams and cross-functional initiatives. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and City employment laws, policies, and procedures; stays current on legal and regulatory changes affecting employment practices; and advises leadership on potential impacts and risk mitigation strategies. Performs other duties as assigned.
PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City's Values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE
Human Resources — Knowledge of human resources and modern business principles, theories and best practices to include EEO, FLSA, FMLA, ADA and related laws and regulations in municipal government. General knowledge of organizational development including training principles and practices. Knowledge of recruitment and selection. Customer Service — Thorough knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer services. This includes setting and meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. Supervision - Thorough knowledge of leadership techniques, principles and procedures to assign work, schedule, supervise, train, and evaluate the work of assigned staff.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Judgment/Decision Making — Evaluates the best method of research and then exercises appropriate judgment in establishing priorities and resolving complex matters. Considers the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. Computer Skills — Utilizes personal computer applications to include database administration, word processing, spreadsheet, and related software. Interpersonal Relationships — Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees and all levels of management to include representatives from other departments and organizations. Shares knowledge with staff for mutual and departmental benefit. Page 2 of 3 PC #22375
Revised:
01/01/2026 REQUIRED
ABILITIES
Coordination of Work - Ability to establish and implement effective administrative programs and procedures. Ability to plan and organize daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Communication - Excellent ability to communicate complex ideas and proposals effectively so others will understand to include preparation of reports, agendas, and policies. Excellent ability to listen and understand information and ideas presented verbally and in writing. Ability to handle a variety of human resources issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner. Financial Management - Ability to perform complex arithmetic, algebraic, and statistical applications to perform benefit and pension transactions. Ability to monitor administrative costs of benefit programs and recommend cost containment strategies to include alternative methods for administration and funding.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field and 5-7 years of related experience, with 1-2 years of lead or supervisory experience. Professional certification preferred.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work. Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or work station.
SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Page 3 of 3 PC #22375
