Human Resources Business Partner – Professional Staff

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

. Serve as a strategic HR partner to leaders and managers across assigned professional staff departments .

Posted 10/13/2026full-timeNew York City • New York • United StatesLead💰 $160,000 - $190,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in employee relations, performance management, and talent development while leveraging HR data and reporting to inform strategic decisions. Proven ability to build trusted relationships and foster a positive workplace culture in a complex professional services environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Employee RelationsPerformance ManagementChange ManagementHR Data AnalysisProject Management

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

HRIS SystemsWorkday ExperiencePerformance Management ProcessCompensation PlanningOnboarding and IntegrationOrganizational DesignWorkforce InsightsCoaching SkillsConflict ResolutionPolicy Interpretation

Soft Skills

Excellent JudgmentDiscretionConfidentialityRelationship BuildingCommunication Skills

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeWordOutlookExcelPowerPoint

Certifications & Qualifications

PHRSPHRSHRM-CPSHRM-SCP

Industry Keywords

Professional ServicesLaw FirmFinancial ServicesHR Best PracticesOrganizational Effectiveness

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a strategic HR partner to leaders and managers across assigned professional staff departments
Build trusted relationships with department leaders, managers, employees, and HR colleagues
Develop and implement people strategies supporting engagement, retention, performance, professional development, and organizational effectiveness
Advise managers on employee relations, performance concerns, conflict resolution, policy interpretation, coaching, corrective action, separations, and sensitive workplace issues
Assess complex people-risk scenarios and partner with Employee Relations, HR Compliance, legal, and other stakeholders
Support the annual performance management process, including feedback collection, manager coaching, calibration, documentation, and follow-up
Partner with Talent Management and Compensation on annual compensation planning and new-hire offer development
Collaborate with Talent Acquisition on staffing needs and hiring strategies
Support onboarding and integration for new hires
Use HR data, reporting, and workforce insights to identify trends and inform recommendations
Lead or support change management, organizational design, and cross-functional projects
Partner with HR Centers of Excellence and other firm service areas to implement programs, policies, processes, and initiatives
Help foster a positive, inclusive, high-performing workplace culture
Maintain knowledge of HR best practices, employment law developments, and Firm policies
Mentor or guide junior HR team members
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Strong business acumen and ability to understand departmental priorities, operating models, and talent needs
Excellent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality when handling sensitive personnel matters
Strong employee relations, coaching, and advisory skills
Ability to build trusted relationships across functions and levels
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Strong analytical skills and comfort using HR data and reporting
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced professional services environment
Strong project management, change management, and problem-solving skills
Ability to work effectively across a matrixed HR function and with cross-functional stakeholders
Flexibility, adaptability, professionalism, and executive presence
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint
Familiarity with HRIS systems; Workday experience preferred
7+ years of progressive human resources experience, including experience as an HR Business Partner or comparable HR advisory role
Experience in a professional services, law firm, financial services, or similarly complex environment preferred
Experience advising managers and leaders on employee relations, performance management, talent development, and organizational changes
Experience partnering with HR Centers of Excellence preferred
Bachelor’s degree required
Degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field preferred
Advanced degree and/or HR certification such as PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP preferred
Simpson Thacher will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position

Benefits

Comp & perks

Exempt position (not overtime pay eligible)
Hybrid work arrangement