Sr. People Business Partner

ABOUT US:  

Our mission at Santa Cruz Bicycles is to make the best bicycles and to have fun doing it.  Since 1994, we’ve been doing just that, and finding unique and innovative solutions for everything from suspension design to manufacturing processes along the way.  We are a global organization and one of many premium brands in the Pon Bike portfolio.  We are proud of our heritage, built on our commitment to quality products and talented people.  Our employees are invited to be themselves and enhance our distinctive and evolving workplace.

ABOUT YOU:

The Senior People Business Partner is a strategic advisor to senior leaders and managers, aligning people strategies with business objectives while ensuring compliance with California and federal employment laws. This role balances high-impact strategic partnership with hands-on execution. You will drive organizational effectiveness, talent development, employee engagement, and risk mitigation across assigned business units.

You will be a trusted thought partner, providing guidance on workforce planning, organizational design, performance management, employee relations, and change management in an evolving environment. 
 

WHAT DOES YOUR DAY JOB LOOK LIKE?

Strategic Business Partnership

• Partner with executive and senior leaders to develop and execute people strategies that support business goals and growth initiatives

• Serve as a coach and advisor to MD and Senior leaders on talent decisions, leadership effectiveness, and organizational health

• Translate business needs into scalable people programs, policies, and practices

Employee Relations & Compliance

• Lead complex employee relations matters, including investigations, performance issues, accommodations, leaves, and terminations

• Ensure consistent, fair, and legally compliant application of policies and practices across the organization

• Proactively identify and mitigate people-related risks, with strong knowledge of California employment laws (wage & hour, leaves, accommodations, terminations, etc.)

• Ensure HR practices align with federal, state (California), and local employment regulations

• Contribute to policy development, updates, and training to support compliance and manager capability

• Designated Ethics & Compliance Officer

• Designated Data Privacy Champion

Talent & Performance Management

• Support leaders through performance management cycles, including goal setting, feedback, development planning, and corrective action

• Partner on talent planning, succession planning, and internal mobility strategies

• Advise on compensation decisions, promotions, and organizational changes in alignment with company philosophy and equity principles
   

Organizational Effectiveness & Change Management

• Support organizational design, restructures, and change initiatives with a people-first, data-informed approach

• Drive adoption of new processes, tools, and cultural initiatives across client groups

• Partner with People team colleagues (Talent, Total Rewards, Payroll, DEI/Belonging, Learning & Development) to deliver integrated solutions

• Designated DEI Ambassador
   

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TABLE:

• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, with significant time in an HR Business Partner or Senior HR Generalist role

• Demonstrated experience supporting executives or senior leaders in complex and evolving companies

• Strong working knowledge of California employment law and best practices

• Proven ability to manage sensitive matters with sound judgment, discretion, and empathy

• Experience operating in fast-paced, matrixed, or growth environments preferred

• PHR or SPHR certification is a plus

• Strategic thinking and business acumen

• Executive presence and influencing skills

• Strong communication and coaching capabilities

• Sound judgment and decision-making skills

• Ability to navigate ambiguity and manage competing priorities

• High level of integrity, discre