Director, HR Business Partner

Lead Human Resources Business Partner

Summary World Insurance Associates is a unique insurance organization offering top products and services from major providers, combined with attentive service from local agents. Founded in 2011, World is one of the fastest-growing insurance brokers in the U.S. with over 2,200 employees in over 210 offices across North America. We specialize in personal and commercial insurance lines, surety and bonding, employee benefits, financial and retirement services, and human capital management solutions.

Position Overview

Seeking an experienced and dynamic Lead Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) to join our fast-paced, rapidly growing organization. With a strong emphasis on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), our company requires a strategic HR leader who can drive organizational effectiveness, support cultural integration, and partner with senior leadership to deliver exceptional people solutions. The Lead HRBP will play a critical role in shaping our evolving workforce, ensuring seamless transitions, and fostering a high-performance environment during periods of significant change.

Key Responsibilities

Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute HR strategies aligned with business objectives, particularly in the context of M&A activity and rapid organizational growth.

Provide strategic HR guidance and support during all phases of the M&A lifecycle, including due diligence, organizational design, integration planning, change management, and post-merger integration.

Lead cultural assessment and integration initiatives to ensure alignment of values, practices, and employee experience across legacy and acquired organizations.

Advise and coach senior leaders on organizational design, workforce planning, talent acquisition, and retention to support aggressive growth targets.

Design and implement effective communication, engagement, and change management strategies to navigate employees through periods of uncertainty and transformation.

Analyze HR metrics and trends to proactively identify issues, recommend solutions, and drive continuous improvement in people processes.

Oversee the development and implementation of HR policies, procedures, and programs to ensure compliance with applicable laws and support business objectives.

Build process and standard operating procedures to provide strong adherence to quality service at scale.

Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives to build a vibrant, inclusive, and high-performing workplace.

Manage and resolve complex employee relations issues. Conduct effective and objective investigations.

Provide day-to-day performance management guidance to line management (e.g. coaching, counseling, career development, disciplinary actions).

Manage and mentor a team of HRBPs, ensuring consistency and excellence in HR service delivery across the organization.

Work Experience

8+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years in a senior HRBP or HR leadership role supporting M&A activity and high-growth environments.

Ideally, experience leading large teams in HR, and leading leaders.

Demonstrated expertise in organizational design, change management, and cultural integration in the context of mergers and acquisitions.

Licenses / Certifications

SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) a plus but not required.

Skills / Competencies

Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to influence and partner with senior leaders.

Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with experience leveraging HR data to drive business outcomes.

Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing large teams.

In-depth knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, and compliance requirements.

High degree of adaptability and resilience in a fast-changing environment.

Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS software.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Education

Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree preferred.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At World Insurance Associates (WIA), we celebrate and support our differences. We know employing a team rich in diverse thoughts, experiences, and opinions allows our employees, our products, and our community to flourish. WIA is honored to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are dedicated to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or Veteran status. In addition, WIA makes reasonable accommodations to known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.

Compensation

This position is located in either Chicago, Illinois or Iselin, New Jersey. The base salary for this position at the time of this posting may range from $140,000-$170,000. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including business needs, experience, level of responsibility, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package and variable pay programs.