Lead HR Business Partner

Location: Austin, TX or San Carlos, CA Reports to: Sr. Director of Human Resources

About the Role

Natera is looking for a Lead HR Business Partner with deep Employee Relations expertise to serve as both a strategic advisor and a hands-on partner to our business. You will spend more than half your time on employee relations: advising leaders, conducting investigations, and resolving complex issues, while also shaping people programs that support a high-performing, inclusive, and accountable culture. You will support a mix of lab-based and office-based teams, so you’ll need to be comfortable working on-site with employees in a fast-paced, regulated lab environment.

What You’ll Do

Employee Relations (50%+ of role)

• Serve as the primary ER resource for managers and employees, providing advice, coaching, and resolution on complex workplace issues
• Lead thorough, compliant investigations in partnership with internal legal counsel, and manage associated risk
• Analyze ER trends and metrics to identify root causes and recommend solutions
• Partner with HR leadership to reinforce a culture of respect, inclusion, and accountability

HR Business Partnership

• Advise leaders on compensation, benefits, performance management, and team development
• Lead and support HR programs including engagement, onboarding, offboarding, talent development, and training
• Contribute to workforce planning, succession planning, and retention strategies
• Partner with recruiting and hiring managers to attract top talent, and participate in interviews as appropriate
• Assess development needs and coach managers and employees with actionable feedback
• Stay close to the employee experience through regular on-site presence, monitoring engagement and acting on what you learn
• Identify and drive HR process improvements that raise functional excellence

What You’ll Bring

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Education, or equivalent experience
• 8+ years as an HR Business Partner in a biotech, life sciences, or high-tech environment
• Demonstrated experience independently leading workplace investigations from intake through resolution
• Strong working knowledge of California and federal employment law
• Experience supporting both exempt and non-exempt populations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to travel approximately 15%

Preferred

• Experience supporting lab, manufacturing, or shift-based workforces
• Experience with an HRIS or ATS (Workday, Greenhouse, or similar)
• PHR/SPHR/SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP or investigation-specific certification

Skills and Attributes

• Proven ability to coach and influence leaders at all levels
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to turn data into action plans
• Sound judgment and composure in sensitive, high-stakes situations
• Ability to manage multiple overlapping projects independently in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Business acumen and a creative, solutions-oriented approach to HR