Director, HR Business Partner

Customers trust the Alation Data Intelligence Platform for self-service analytics, cloud transformation, data governance, and AI-ready data, fostering data-driven innovation at scale. With more than $340M in funding – valued at over $1.7 billion and nearly 600 customers, including 40% of the Fortune 100 — Alation helps organizations realize value from data and AI initiatives.

Alation has been recognized in 2024 as one of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces for the fifth time, a testament to our commitment to creating an inclusive, innovative, and collaborative environment. 

Collaboration is at the forefront of everything we do. We strive to bring diverse perspectives together and empower each team member to contribute their unique strengths to live out our values each day. These are: Move the Ball, Build for the Long Term, Listen Like You’re Wrong, and Measure Through Customer Impact. 

Joining Alation means being part of a fast-paced, high-growth company where every voice matters, and where we’re shaping the future of data intelligence with AI-ready data. 

Join us on our journey to build a world where data culture thrives and curiosity is celebrated each day!

Job Description:

Alation seeks a strategic and hands-on HR Business Partner Director to lead our HRBP team and drive our culture as we continue to scale. This role will serve as a key advisor and influencer, partnering with senior leaders to develop and execute people strategies that foster engagement, talent development, and organizational growth. 

This Director-level position includes direct reports in the US as well as international teams. As a core member of Alation’s Extended Leadership Team (ELT), the HRBP Director will provide strategic HR  support for one of our key businesses. The role will partner closely with key stakeholders, as well as advise, drive strategy, and influence functional leaders on issues involving people strategy, engagement and retention, talent development and coaching, organizational design & development, change leadership, and solutions design. 

The candidate will partner closely with the Center of Excellence (COEs) and HRBPs to identify, design, and implement HR initiatives that support the organization's business needs. This role is based in Redwood City, California, requiring at least two days per week in the office.

What you’ll be doing:

Strategic HR Leadership & Business Partnership

• Partner with senior leadership to guide and execute people programs and talent strategies, including performance management, compensation, talent development, employee engagement, and retention.

• Collaborate with the VP of People and Centers of Excellence (COEs) to foster a learning culture, providing unbiased counsel, coaching, and direct feedback to leaders.

• Lead organizational design and workforce planning initiatives to ensure Alation scales efficiently.

• Act as a thought leader in HR best practices, ensuring alignment between people strategy and business objectives.

Talent Development & Employee Growth

• Implement strong talent management practices to ensure leaders know their people and actively support their development.

• Drive career pathing and professional development initiatives, creating opportunities for growth across all levels of the organization.

• Provide coaching and mentorship on skill-building, leadership development, career planning, and collaboration.

Data-Driven People Practices & Continuous Improvement

• Leverage HR analytics and people data to identify trends, develop insights, and drive HR strategies that enhance performance and engagement.

• Continuously refine people operations by identifying inefficiencies and implementing automation or technology-driven solutions.

• Work closely with Talent Acquisition to build and maintain a strong pipeline for future talent needs.

Driven People

• Experienced HR Leader – 10+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally in high-growth or startup environments. Deep expertise in HR programs such as total rewards, leadership development, coaching, performance management, compliance, and labor relations.

• Strategic and Hands-On – Comfortable operating at both the strategic and tactical levels, pivoting from coaching leadership teams to resolving employee concerns.

• Trusted Partner & Influencer