Senior People Business Partner

Company Description

This role is part of the People & Culture team within Optura, our shared services function that supports both Enthuse and Inspira, along with HQ and key cross-functional teams including Finance, Marketing & Communications, Creative, and Logistics.

Enthuse is an education-led marketing agency that builds learning experiences to accelerate business growth and long-term client relationships.

Inspira is a brand relationship agency that creates integrated campaigns focused on deepening connections between brands and consumers.

While each agency brings its own expertise and focus, we are united by shared values: a deep belief in the power of people, a commitment to innovation and operational excellence, and a drive to create lasting impact for our employees, our clients, and the communities we serve. The Optura team plays a critical role in advancing this mission by delivering smart, scalable, and human-centered solutions that help our business, and our people succeed.

Job Description

This is hybrid position and will be a mix of in office and remote, in accordance with company policy. Office locations include Norwalk, CT and Hudson Yards, NYC.

The Senior People Business Partner is a strategic and hands-on leader who partners with both Enthuse and Inspira, working with senior leadership across departments and programs to align people strategies with business goals. This role is responsible for driving strategic people initiatives, championing culture, and optimizing organizational effectiveness through proactive people solutions. You will serve as a trusted advisor on talent development, performance management, employee relations, and change enablement.

This role requires strong business acumen, deep people expertise, and a collaborative, empathetic mindset. You’ll be a key player in shaping our people strategy while navigating the evolving needs of a dynamic, creative workforce.

This role reports to the Senior Director, People & Culture.

Job responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

People Strategy & Leadership Partnership

• Consult with business leaders to translate business strategies and objectives into a People roadmap.
• Serves to coach, advise, partner, and provide people leadership and guidance to business areas to both influence and deliver on people objectives aligned to business priorities.
• Coach leaders on people-related matters including talent assessment, development and succession, organization effectiveness, and high-performing team dynamics.

Employee Relations & Engagement

• Manage complex employee relations matters with discretion, consistency, and empathy, across geographically dispersed team.
• Champion culture-building and DEI initiatives that reflect our values and enhance the employee experience.
• Run quarterly people business reviews with department leaders, surfacing key insights and action plans.

Organizational Effectiveness & Change Management

• Guide teams through periods of growth, change, and restructuring with a focus on communication and continuity.
• Partner with Team Leaders and Finance on workforce planning, compensation strategy, and people analytics.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, policies, and team capabilities in support of business outcomes.

HR Programs & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with internal policies and applicable employment laws across jurisdictions.
• Collaborate on the execution of compensation reviews, headcount forecasting, and learning & development initiatives.
• Leverage data and reporting to drive continuous improvement and inform decision-making.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of progressive HR/People experience, including senior-level business partnering.
• Multi-state experience, required.
• Demonstrated experience supporting employees and leaders across multiple U.S. states, with strong understanding of varying state-specific employment laws and compliance requirements.
• Travel, up to 10%.
• Experience in a creative, agency, or high-growth environment is strongly preferred.
• Deep knowledge of HR/People best practices, organizational development, and employment law.
  Demonstrated ability to influence, coach, and build trust with stakeholders at all levels.
• High emotional intelligence, integrity, and sound judgment in sensitive situations.
• Proficiency in HR/People systems and data-driven approaches to talent strategy
• Clear communicator who is warm, collaborative, and solutions-focused.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience; HR certification (SHRM-SCP, SPHR) preferred.
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