Senior HR Business Partner - Davis, CA, Job ID 88280

The Senior HR Business Partner (HRBP) serves as the primary strategic human resources advisor to assigned regional portfolios, supporting both staff and academic personnel. The role aligns workforce strategy with business priorities and provides consultative expertise in organizational design, workforce planning, employee relations coordination, and talent strategy.

Operating with a high degree of autonomy, the HRBP exercises independent judgment in advising leadership, resolving complex HR matters, and proactively identifying workforce risks. The HRBP ensures that HR practices are aligned with institutional strategy, policy, and compliance requirements.

This role also serves as the central intake and coordination point for complex, strategic HR services within the assigned region, ensuring seamless integration across Talent, Compensation, HR Operations, and Employee & Labor Relations. Employees in this role will be expected to travel occasionally to their regional partner sites.

This position is a career appointment that is 100% fixed. This position is posted as an HR Generalist 4 CX but an HR Generalist 5 may be considered depending on the level of experience of the hired applicant.

The home department is the IMM Office of HR. While this position normally is based in Davis, CA, this position is eligible for hybrid flexible work arrangements for applicants living in the State of California at this time. Please note that hybrid flexible work arrangements are subject to change by the University.

Pay Scale:

HR Generalist 4 CX: $93,200.00/year to $133.700.00/year

HR Generalist 5: $114,300.00/year to $167,600.00/year

Job Posting Close Date: This job is open until filled. The first application review date will be 9/1/2026.

Key Responsibilities:

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible HR experience, including strategic advisory work.
• Demonstrated experience advising senior or executive leadership.
• Strong knowledge of employee and labor relations principles and HR practices.
• Experience supporting complex or multi-unit organizations.
• Excellent communication, consultation, and problem-solving skills.
• Skill in listening, negotiating, and adapting communication style to different audiences.
• Experience working cooperatively with individuals representing a wide range of perspectives and functions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within a public sector or higher education environment.
• Familiarity with UC policies, including PPSM, APM, and Career Tracks.
• Experience supporting both staff and academic personnel.
• HR certification (e.g., SPHR, SHRM-SCP).

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess valid California Driver's License to drive a County or University vehicle. Ability and means to travel on a flexible schedule as needed, proof of liability damage insurance on vehicle used is required. Reimbursement of job-related travel will be reimbursed according to University policies.
• The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check. This is a designated position requiring a background check and may require fingerprinting due to the nature of the job responsibilities. UC ANR does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities.
• As of January 1, 2014, ANR is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment in which smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes), is strictly prohibited.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

1. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

    • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) brings the power of University of California research and education to all 58 California counties. Through research and extension in agriculture, natural resources, economic growth, nutrition, and youth development, we work to improve the life of every Californian.

Collaborating to solve problems.

Connecting to serve communities.

For over 100 years, our advisors, specialists, faculty and staff have been committed to connecting Californians to their land grant university. We are highly collaborative and mission-driven to promote the health and well-being of people and places across the state. We are also trusted partners with hundreds of community organizations in addressing California's most pressing challenges.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Internal Candidates*: To apply as an internal UC ANR employee, please go to:
https://ucphrprdpub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucphrprd/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_EMP_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Employee&SiteId=18&JobOpeningId=88280&PostingSeq=1

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*Employment applications must be submitted online through our careers site. Please note, we do not accept resumes or applications by email or on paper.