HR Business Partner

Make Waves in Your HR Career - Join the Team that Keeps the World Moving

At Ports America, the largest marine terminal operator in the United States, we're not just handling cargo- we're powering global trade and supporting the heartbeat of the national economy. Whether it's the precision orchestration of cranes and ships or the behind-the-scenes strategy in finance, HR, and IT, every role here plays a vital part in the world's supply chain.

We're looking for an experienced, strategic, and people-centric Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) to join our HR team and help fuel our success. If you're driven to make an impact, inspire others, and elevate organizations through the power of great talent and meaningful leadership, this is your opportunity.

Summary:

Your Mission: Enabling Success for People & Business

As an HR Business Partner, you'll be a trusted advisor and coach to business leaders, playing a critical role in fostering employee success, driving engagement, and building organizational strength. You will partner closely with operational and corporate teams, offering expert HR guidance across the employee life cycle - from onboarding and development to performance and transitions.

What You'll Do:

Strategic Business Partnering

• Build trusted relationships with leaders across West Coast operations and corporate functions based in Tempe, AZ. Influence decision-making and help align talent strategy with business goals.
• Performance Enablement
  Lead and support performance management, including coaching, annual reviews, goal alignment, and succession planning. Be the driving force behind talent and leadership development.
• Employee Engagement & Culture Building
  Champion a high-engagement culture by helping leaders interpret employee feedback and build meaningful, actionable plans. Design and implement tailored programs and initiatives that address each team's unique challenges, strengths, and opportunities. Partner with leadership to create work environments where employees feel heard, valued, and empowered to do their best work.
• Employee Relations & Compliance
  Proactively manage employee relations matters, ensuring timely resolution, thorough investigations, and documentation. Provide guidance on policy interpretation and ensure compliance with all employment laws and regulations. Act as the escalation point for complex issues, partnering with senior HR leadership as needed.
• Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning
  Partner with Talent Acquisition to attract top talent. Contribute to workforce planning, integration efforts, and ensure our people pipeline supports business growth.
• Employee Lifecycle Stewardship
  Own and optimize employee lifecycle activities such as onboarding, internal transitions, offboarding, and engagement initiatives. Provide employees and managers with the tools and support they need to succeed.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making
  Leverage analytics and insights to anticipate talent needs, uncover engagement or retention risks, support leadership conversations, and track the effectiveness of talent programs and initiatives.

What we're Looking For (Minimum Requirements):

• 5-7 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including at least 3 years as an HR Business Partner or in a strategic HR role directly supporting business leaders
• Proven, hands-on experience in employee relations, talent management, and organizational development
• Experience supporting a multi-state, multi-site workforce, ideally within operations-intensive industries
• Strong working knowledge of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and experience supporting unionized environments
• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience

Preferred Skills & Qualities

• Agility & Flexibility: Thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Comfortable shifting gears and reprioritizing based on evolving business needs.
• Hands-On Execution: Willing to roll up your sleeves and execute, from the strategic level to tactical problem-solving.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to build relationships and partner effectively across corporate functions and frontline operations.
• Team Player Mentality: Operates with a collaborative spirit, values inclusion, and uplifts others to build strong team dynamics.
• Creative & Resourceful: Brings fresh thinking and practical solutions to organizational and people challenges.
• Problem Solving & Initiative: Skilled at identifying root causes, thinking analytically, and taking action to resolve complex issues.
• Coaching & Influence: Trusted advisor to leaders, with the ability to coach for growth, accountability, and performance.
• Presentation & Facilitation: Able to confidently present ideas, lead meetings, and deliver training to diverse groups in-person and virtually.
• Compliance Mindset: Deep understanding of employment laws and HR compliance in both union and non-union contexts.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: Able to clearly articulate ideas, deliver feedback, and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels-employees, managers, and senior leaders alike.
• Strong Presentation & Facilitation Skills: Confident leading meetings, workshops, and training sessions both virtually and in person. Able to adjust style and tone based on audience and context.

Why Ports America? - Where HR Powers People and Performance

At Ports America, our success starts with our people-and our HR team is at the center of it. As the largest terminal operator in the U.S., we know that world-class operations rely on an engaged, supported, and empowered workforce. That's why our HR team is deeply integrated into the business-shaping culture, guiding talent strategy, and enabling performance at every level.

Here's what makes this opportunity unique:

• People-First, Values-Driven Culture
  We lead with integrity, collaboration, and accountability. You'll be part of a culture that puts people at the center of every decision and builds environments where individuals and teams can thrive.
• Strategic Business Impact
  As an HR Business Partner, you'll advise leaders, drive engagement strategies, manage workforce transitions, and help shape organizational success through coaching, talent planning, and performance development.
• Cross-Functional Partnership
  Work alongside operations and corporate teams across the country, giving you visibility and influence across a complex, high-impact business.
• Growth & Innovation in HR
  Join a progressive HR team evolving the function-launching new tools, rethinking engagement, and delivering data-driven people solutions that make a difference.

Total Rewards That Support the Whole You

At Ports America, we believe that taking care of our people means supporting the whole person - professionally, financially, and personally. Our Total Rewards package is designed to help you thrive at work and beyond:

• Financial Security for the Future




• Competitive base salary with annual performance-based incentives
• Robust 401(k) with a 6% company match to help you plan for long-term success
• Generously funded Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to support your medical expenses with flexibility and control
• Company-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability benefits to protect you and your loved ones




• Health & Well-Being




• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family available the first of the month following your hire
• Access to wellness programs and employee assistance resources




• Time for What Matters




• Generous vacation and sick days
• Paid family and caregiver leave to support the moments that matter most
• Paid company holidays (9), plus 3 floating holidays provided to recognize and honor the personal, cultural, or religious observances that matter most to you.




• Learning, Growth & Internal Mobility




• Access to learning and development programs to fuel your professional growth
• Relocation support available for internal transfers to help you take the next step in your career with ease




• A Culture of Care & Purpose




• Work in a values-driven environment that puts people and safety first
• Be part of a team where collaboration, trust, and continuous improvement are part of how we succeed - together

Working Conditions:

• This is a hybrid work environment requiring a minimum of three days per week on-site, with the potential for up to four days based on business needs. The role is based in a new, modern office designed to foster collaboration and productivity.
• Work related travel 30% or more including regular visits to active port terminal operations, requiring the ability to navigate dynamic industrial environments
• Must demonstrate strong situational awareness and adherence to all safety protocols, including the use of required personal protective equipment (PPE), to ensure safety in high-activity operational areas
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) in accordance with federal security regulations

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

This role does not offer sponsorship for work authorization. External applicants must be eligible to work in the US.

Compensation: $125,000-$135,000

Ports America is an Equal Opportunity Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; national origin; sex (including pregnancy); sexual orientation; gender identity and/or expression; age; disability; genetic information, citizenship status; military service obligations or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.