HR Business Partner and Team Lead - #308644

About the SEI

At the SEI, you are a part of a community that works with the highest levels of government and industry to secure the nation’s critical infrastructure, improve mission-critical systems, and advance software. You’ll have the opportunity to work with both industry and academia in an environment where unique research projects thrive. As a member of the SEI, you’ll join a group of talented people who channel their unique and varied perspectives to create innovation that is making a better tomorrow. You’ll also become part of an environment in which we support our staff to be both passionately committed to their careers and find balance between life and work.

As a mission-focused organization, we value integrity, collaboration, curiosity, and excellence—and we’re committed to fostering a welcoming, high-performing workplace where every employee can thrive.

This Opportunity

We’re seeking a seasoned HR Business Partner who enjoys partnering strategically with leaders across assigned client organizations while leading two HR professionals who support HR activities. In this pivotal role, you’ll partner with HR and SEI leaders to advance organizational goals by building engaged, resilient, and high-performing teams while ensuring our people practices are fair, compliant, and aligned with our mission.

You’ll bring HR expertise to complex, real-world challenges by supporting employee relations, coaching leaders through change, driving talent development, and strengthening organizational effectiveness. This role is ideal for an HR professional who balances strategic partnership with hands-on execution, enjoys solving complex people challenges, builds trusted relationships, and continuously improves people practices and processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders, providing strategic, consultative HR guidance that enables business success and supports mission outcomes.
• Oversee key people programs including onboarding, performance management, promotions, and recognition while leading a team of two that supports these efforts and recruiting operations.
• Navigate complex employee relations matters including conflict resolution, performance challenges, and workplace concerns with fairness, discretion, and legal soundness.
• Coach and support managers in building strong teams, improving performance, and fostering connection.
• Partner with leadership on workforce planning, succession strategies, change management, and talent optimization.
• Analyze HR data to provide insights and recommend evidence-based solutions.
• Identify opportunities to modernize HR processes, policies, and tools, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with the SEI HR team to deliver a cohesive, human-centered employee experience.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5–8 years of progressive HR experience, with a focus on employee relations and HR business partnering.
• Proven ability to advise leaders on complex people issues while balancing organizational needs and employee well-being.
• Demonstrated success leading or contributing to cross-functional people programs, HR projects, and process improvements.
• Current/recent experience working with HR systems, such as Workday.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional HR certification (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR).
• Experience supporting technical, research-intensive, government, or higher education environments.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency in employee relations, including policy interpretation, and employment law.
• Strong coaching and consulting skills with the ability to build trust, influence others, and partner effectively at all levels.
• Exceptional judgment and emotional intelligence when managing sensitive, high-stakes situations.
• Skilled problem-solver who can synthesize diverse perspectives and develop practical, sustainable solutions.
• Organized and adaptable - able to prioritize competing demands in an evolving environment.
• Experience driving HR initiatives from conception through implementation and evaluation.
• Comfortable working with data to tell stories and inform decisions; demonstrated ability to analyze workforce data and translate insights into actionable recommendations using Excel or similar analytical tools.
• Unwavering commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and inclusive practices.

Other Considerations

• This position is fully on site in our Pittsburgh, PA office.
• Occasional travel to our Arlington, VA office and other SEI locations may be required.
• You will be subject to a background investigation.

At the SEI, your work helps strengthen the people and technology that underpin national security. If you’re driven by purpose, grounded in practice, and ready to make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits , take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays , and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access , and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page .

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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