Associate Human Resources Business Partner

Associate Human Resources Business Partner

Location: New York City (Hybrid three days per week in the office)

Hachette Book Group (HBG) is a leading U.S. trade publisher and a division of Hachette Livre, one of the world's largest publishing companies.

Our HR team plays an important role in helping our employees and leaders do their best work. We partner closely with business leaders to develop talent, build strong teams, support organizational change, and create an environment where employees can grow and thrive.

At HBG, we are guided by four core pillars: Understanding Consumers, Changing the Story, Owner Mentality, and Growth Mindset. We look for HR professionals who are curious about the business, build collaborative relationships, take ownership of their work, continuously seek opportunities to improve, and embrace learning and new challenges.

Position Summary

The Associate Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) serves as the primary HR partner for assigned business units while working closely with experienced HR leaders to continue developing broad business partner expertise. This role provides an excellent opportunity for an HR professional to take the next step in their career by building trusted relationships with leaders, managing recruitment, supporting employee relations, leading HR programs, and serving as the primary HR contact for assigned client groups.

Our HR team is highly collaborative and operates with a shared sense of ownership. While every team member has defined client groups and department-wide responsibilities, we work together to support one another and the business. Success in this role requires someone who enjoys partnering with leaders, building relationships with employees, taking ownership of their work, and contributing to both strategic initiatives and the day-to-day responsibilities that keep the HR team operating effectively.

Essential Responsibilities

HR Business Partnership

• Serve as the primary Human Resources Business Partner for assigned client groups.
• Build trusted relationships with managers and employees by providing timely, practical HR guidance.
• Coach managers on performance management, employee development, policy interpretation, and routine employee relations matters, partnering with senior HR team members on more complex situations.
• Develop an understanding of assigned business units and proactively identify opportunities to support leaders and improve the employee experience.
• Support organizational changes and business initiatives within assigned client groups.
• Conduct new hire check-ins and exit interviews, identify trends, and recommend improvements.
• Participate in annual talent review and succession planning discussions with assigned client groups.

Talent Acquisition

• Manage full-cycle recruitment for assigned business units.
• Partner with hiring managers to develop recruiting strategies, screen candidates, coordinate interviews, facilitate hiring decisions, and support the offer process.
• Deliver a positive candidate experience while building strong partnerships with hiring managers.
• Support onboarding activities to help new employees transition successfully into the organization.

HR Programs, Training & Operations

• Own assigned department-wide HR programs and continuously evaluate opportunities for improvement.
• Manage HBG's internship program, including intern recruitment, onboarding, manager support, and coordination of the Make It Your Business summer speaker series.
• Lead assigned employee engagement initiatives, including HR Heroes and other recognition programs.
• Facilitate New Hire Orientation and other assigned HR training programs.
• Support the development and maintenance of manager resources, HR communications, and department toolkits.
• Coordinate department-wide HR projects and provide operational support for initiatives such as HR systems, audits, compliance activities, labor relations projects, and document management.
• Assist with HR reporting, recordkeeping, and administrative processes to ensure accurate documentation and a high level of service.
• Demonstrate flexibility by contributing wherever needed to support department priorities and deliver excellent service to employees and managers.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of progressive Human Resources experience in an HR Assistant, HR Coordinator, HR Generalist, Talent Acquisition, or similar role.
• Experience supporting recruitment and employee relations.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and credibility with employees and managers.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience facilitating onboarding, training, or presentations is preferred.
• Demonstrated Growth Mindset, including curiosity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning.
• Strong customer service orientation with an Owner Mentality and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
• Exposure to labor relations or a unionized environment is a plus.
• Publishing or media experience is welcomed but not required. Candidates from other industries who are excited to learn our business and bring fresh perspectives are encouraged to apply.