Job Description

HR Business Partner (Hybrid, Costa Mesa, CA) – Bob’s Watches

Part-Time

Role Summary

Bob’s Watches is seeking an experienced HR Business Partner to lead and transform our human resources function as we continue to grow. This is a hybrid position, based in Newport Beach, CA, requiring approximately 5–8 hours per week on-site (with the remainder worked remotely). In this high-impact role, you will act as both a strategic advisor to the leadership team and a champion for our employees – aligning HR initiatives with the company’s business objectives while ensuring a positive, fair workplace culture. The ideal candidate has 8+ years of HR management or business partner experience in California, with deep expertise in California employment law and HR best practices. You will have the opportunity to design and build the HR function from the ground up, developing policies, programs, and processes that not only ensure compliance but also support a high-performance, people-first culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic HR Leadership: Develop and implement HR strategies that support business goals and drive organizational success . Act as a strategic partner to senior management in areas like workforce planning, organizational design, and talent development.
• HR Function Design & Improvement: Build and continuously improve the HR infrastructure – including policies, processes, and systems – to meet the needs of a growing retail business. Establish HR best practices from scratch (employee handbook, performance review systems, HRIS, etc.) and restructure existing processes for greater efficiency and compliance.
• Employee Relations & Advocacy: Serve as a trusted advisor and point of contact for employees, handling day-to-day HR matters with professionalism and empathy. Ensure fair treatment of employees and promote a positive workplace culture , addressing concerns, conflicts, and disciplinary issues in a consistent and compassionate manner.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure the company’s HR policies and employment practices remain fully compliant with California state and federal labor laws (e.g. wage and hour, sick leave, CFRA, OSHA requirements). Stay up-to-date on legal/regulatory changes and proactively mitigate HR-related risks. Act as the in-house expert on California employment law and maintain proper documentation and reporting to meet all compliance obligations.
• Performance Management & Development: Implement and manage performance appraisal systems and regular feedback processes. Coach managers on setting objectives, giving performance feedback, and developing their teams. Identify training needs and launch professional development initiatives to upskill employees and support their career growth.
• Culture & Engagement: Champion company culture and employee engagement initiatives. Lead programs that foster teamwork, recognition, and employee well-being, helping to maintain a motivated and cohesive workforce. Balance business needs with employee morale, cultivating an environment where employees feel valued and heard.
• HR Metrics & Reporting: Track key HR metrics (turnover, time-to-hire, engagement survey results, etc.) and use data insights to recommend improvements to leadership. Prepare and present regular reports on HR initiatives and their impact on the business. Use a data-informed approach to drive continuous improvement in people practices.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required. (Master’s degree or MBA is a plus.)
• Experience: Minimum 8 years of progressive HR experience as an HR Manager, HR Business Partner, or similar senior HR role in California. Proven track record of managing HR functions and advising business leaders at the departmental or executive level.
• Industry Background: Experience in the retail industry or a related sector (e.g., e-commerce, luxury goods, or hospitality) is highly preferred. Familiarity with the dynamics of a customer-centric, sales-driven environment will be an advantage.
• HR Expertise: Deep knowledge of HR best practices across all core areas of HR (employee relations, performance management, compensation & benefits, etc.). Demonstrated ability to develop HR policies and programs tailored to business needs.
• California Employment Law: Expert knowledge of California employment laws and regulations (wage and hour, leave laws, workplace safety, etc.) and experience ensuring HR compliance in a California business. (Candidates who have specifically managed HR in California or received California-specific HR training are strongly preferred .)
• HR Function Build-Out: Proven ability to build or revamp an HR function from the ground up. Experience designing HR workflows, setting up new HR programs or systems, and leading change management in a growing organization.
• Business Acumen: A business-first mindset with the ability to understand broader company objectives and align HR strategies accordingly. Experience translating business strategy into people strategies that drive results, while balancing the needs of the employees and the organization.

Required Skills

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the “big picture” and contribute to high-level business discussions. Skilled in strategic planning and capable of advising leadership on the people implications of business decisions.
• Communication & Influence: Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Able to effectively present ideas, policies, and training to employees at all levels. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and coach managers and team members, winning trust and credibility through sound advice and empathetic guidance.
• Knowledge & Detail Orientation: In-depth understanding of HR processes and legal requirements. Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities. Able to maintain accurate HR records and documentation, and to prepare detailed reports or policies as needed.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making: Adept at diagnosing and resolving employee issues and organizational challenges. Uses critical thinking and sound judgment to make decisions that mitigate risk and serve the best interests of both the company and employees. Comfortable handling complex, sensitive situations with discretion.
• Empathy & Professionalism: High level of emotional intelligence, professionalism, and integrity. Approachable and fair in dealing with employee concerns – capable of handling confidential matters with tact, and showing empathy while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. Flexible and able to adapt HR plans as the company evolves. Willing to “roll up your sleeves” in a small-team setting – no task is too big or too small.
• Tech Savvy: Proficiency with HRIS and payroll systems, and strong general computer skills (MS Office Suite, spreadsheets). Ability to analyze HR data and leverage tools/technology to streamline HR workflows.

Preferred Certifications

While not mandatory, professional HR certifications are a strong plus and help demonstrate the candidate’s expertise – particularly in navigating California’s complex employment laws. Preferred certifications include:

• PHR/SPHR: Professional in Human Resources or Senior Professional in Human Resources (HRCI) certification, which indicate a strong foundation in HR management principles. A SPHR is especially valued for senior-level strategic HR roles.
• SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP: SHRM Certified Professional or Senior Certified Professional credential, reflecting globally-recognized HR knowledge and strategic competency. The SHRM-SCP is aligned with advanced HR leadership and would be ideal for a seasoned HR Business Partner.
• California HR Certification: A California-specific HR certification such as the PHRca (Professional in HR – California) or SHRM’s California Employment Law Specialty Credential is highly desirable. These certifications demonstrate in-depth mastery of California’s unique labor laws and compliance requirements , which is crucial for this role. Candidates who have obtained such credentials will have a proven understanding of state-specific regulations, helping our company stay ahead of California compliance obligations.

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