Job Description

Position Summary: The Senior Manager, Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) partners with senior business leaders to drive people strategies that enable organizational effectiveness, talent outcomes, and business performance.
This role supports corporate functions such as Finance, Technology, Marketing, Legal, Talent Management, and Communications, and works closely with Vice President and Senior Director-level leaders to shape and execute people strategies, provide guidance on complex employee matters, and lead key talent initiatives. The Senior Manager HRBP operates with a high degree of independence, bringing strong business acumen and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach.

Operating in a fast-paced, matrixed environment, this role requires the ability to balance multiple priorities, navigate ambiguity, and influence decision-making to drive effective outcomes. This is an individual contributor role responsible for end-to-end HR support across assigned client groups.

Job Responsibilities:

Business Partnership

• Partner with senior leaders to understand business priorities and drive aligned people strategies
• Build strong, trusted relationships and serve as a strategic advisor on organizational effectiveness, team dynamics, and leadership effectiveness
• Anticipate business needs and proactively identify opportunities to improve team performance and engagement
• Use data, insights, and business context to inform recommendations and influence decision-making

Talent Management

• Lead talent review, succession planning, and performance management processes for assigned client groups
• Drive talent outcomes by identifying risks, strengthening bench strength, and improving performance differentiation
• Coach leaders on development, feedback, and performance management practices
• Assess organizational health, including retention risk, team effectiveness, and leadership capability, and lead targeted actions to address gaps
• Compensation & Workforce Planning
• Lead merit planning, promotions, and organizational changes in partnership with Compensation and Finance for assigned client groups
• Provide guidance on pay decisions, internal equity, and market competitiveness
• Ensure alignment to budget expectations while balancing retention and talent needs
• Partner cross-functionally with stakeholders to drive aligned, informed decision-making

Employee Relations

• Provide guidance on complex employee relations matters, ensuring consistency, fairness, and alignment with company policies
• Independently navigate sensitive and high-risk situations, applying sound judgment and business context
• Partner with Legal and HR leadership as needed
• Organizational Design & Change Execution
• Lead organizational design efforts, including restructures, role clarity, and team effectiveness initiatives
• Drive alignment and execution of organizational changes across a matrixed environment
• Ensure clear communication and adoption of changes across supported teams

HR Process Leadership

• Lead execution of core HR processes, including performance cycles, talent reviews, and engagement initiatives
• Collaborate closely with COEs to activate enterprise talent, learning, total rewards, and recruiting solutions in a consistent and effective way
• Serve as the connector between the business and the HR COEs, ensuring integrated solutions providing feedback both ways
• Ensure high standards of quality, consistency, and leader adoption
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance effectiveness and efficiency
• Provide timely day-to-day HR support to associates and leaders, including employee inquiries, Workday transactions, and exit processes, ensuring a high-quality and responsive experience
• Demonstrate behaviors consistent with the Company’s Vision, Mission, and Values in all interactions with customers, co-workers, and suppliers
• Adheres to all company policies, procedures, and safety standards

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field
• 7–10+ years of progressive HR experience, including direct HRBP support to senior leaders
• Experience supporting corporate functions strongly preferred
• Must meet company’s requirements for employment
• Knowledge, Skills & Capabilities
• Strong business acumen with the ability to connect people strategies to business outcomes
• Proven ability to influence and build credibility with senior leaders
• Experience navigating complex organizational dynamics with sound judgment
• Strong understanding of talent management, organizational design, and compensation practices
• Ability to operate independently and manage ambiguity
• Strong communication, coaching, and facilitation skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

What Success Looks Like

• Acts as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and influences key people and organizational decisions
• Drives measurable improvements in talent, performance, and team effectiveness
• Anticipates risks and proactively develops solutions
• Effectively navigates complex and ambiguous situations with sound judgment
• Ensures HR processes are executed with excellence and strong leader adoption
• Operates with a high degree of independence and accountability

How This Role Shows Up

This role is expected to operate in alignment with the company’s DRIVE behaviors, with a focus on:

• Delivering results through disciplined execution and continuous improvement
• Building respectful, collaborative relationships across a matrixed environment
• Taking initiative and acting with urgency in a fast-paced setting
• Demonstrating accountability and ownership in decision-making and follow-through
• Making informed, data-driven decisions that elevate business outcomes

Next Possible Position: Director, Human Resources Business Partner

Exciting Benefits and Perks Await You:

• Competitive compensation and 401k matching

• Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with insurance plans (health, dental, vision) and maternity benefits.

• Associate purchase and discount programs for new and pre-owned vehicles, services, parts, collision, accessories, and AutoGear

• Access amazing deals and discounts through YouDecide, a website with offers from top providers and retailers

• Join our DRVPNK mission to raise and donate millions of dollars to cancer research and treatment, partnering with cancer charities nationwide

AutoNation is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, offering innovative products, exceptional services, and comprehensive solutions, empowering our customers to make the best decisions for their needs. With a network of dealerships nationwide strengthened by a recognized brand, we offer a wide variety of new and used vehicles, customer financing, parts, and provide expert maintenance and repair services. Through DRV PNK, we have raised over $40 million for cancer-related causes, demonstrating our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of our Associates, Customers, and the communities we serve.

AutoNation is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment in our workplace and the services we provide. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds who are passionate about making a positive impact. Even if you do not meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. Join our team and help us foster a culture of belonging while contributing to our revolutionary work in the automotive industry. We value innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world.