Principal HR Business Partner, R&D
BetterUp
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Austin • Texas • United States
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Salary
💰 $194,400 - $243,000 per year
Job Level
About the role
- Lead large-scale R&D transformations including platform engineering reorganizations, product-led growth initiatives, and technical architecture realignments that require deep understanding of modern software development methodologies
- Architect organizational structures that optimize for speed, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration in complex technical environments—from designing dual-track career ladders to creating new specialized roles for emerging technologies
- Serve as internal management consultant to VP+ and C-level R&D leaders on the most complex people challenges
- Design and execute end-to-end change strategies for major transitions including global expansion, hybrid/distributed engineering model optimization, and cultural transformation initiatives
- Guide R&D organizations through platform transformation journeys, understanding the talent implications of establishing platform teams
- Translate complex technical initiatives (API strategies, infrastructure modernization, DevOps transformation) into organizational design, capability building, and talent acquisition roadmaps
- Assess organizational readiness for platform shifts and proactively design workforce planning, skills development, and team restructuring to accelerate technical transformation outcomes
- Pioneer the adoption of AI and intelligent tooling in all aspects of R&D talent management—from AI-assisted recruiting and skills mapping to predictive attrition modeling and workforce scenario planning
- Leverage real-time data and advanced analytics to diagnose systemic organizational health issues, identify leading indicators of performance or engagement concerns, and drive preemptive interventions
- Champion responsible AI adoption in talent processes while ensuring ethical use, transparency, and continuous validation of AI-enabled tools and insights
- Serve as a critical contributor to functional and enterprise strategic planning, bringing deep R&D domain expertise and forward-looking workforce insights to executive-level conversations
- Influence ELT discussions on R&D effectiveness, technical talent strategy, innovation velocity, and competitive positioning in the talent market
- Shape company-wide people practices by piloting innovative approaches in R&D that can be scaled enterprise-wide—from continuous performance management to radical transparency to skills-based talent models
- Develop multi-year talent strategies aligned with R&D product roadmaps, including workforce planning for emerging skill needs (AI/ML, platform engineering, data engineering, etc.)
- Design capability frameworks and competency models for technical roles that enable clear career progression, accurate leveling, and strategic hiring decisions
- Partner with Talent Acquisition to reimagine sourcing strategies, candidate experience, and hiring processes that attract top technical talent in competitive markets
- Guide leadership on complex talent decisions including organizational restructuring, reduction-in-force planning, span-of-control optimization, and succession planning for critical technical roles
- Provide high-touch coaching and development to VP and Director-level R&D leaders on people leadership, organizational effectiveness, and executive presence
- Design and facilitate leadership development programs tailored to the unique challenges of technical leaders (e.g., transitioning from IC to manager, leading through technical uncertainty, building inclusive engineering cultures)
- Mentor and develop other HRBPs and People team members, elevating decision-making quality and strategic thinking across the function
- Cultivate change resilience in leadership teams during periods of uncertainty, helping technical leaders navigate ambiguity while maintaining team stability and productivity
Requirements
- 12+ years of HRBP or consulting experience supporting Engineering, Product, or R&D organizations in high-growth tech companies
- Led R&D organizations through platform transformations—technical migrations or organizational platform models
- Deep organizational design and consulting expertise including systems thinking, change management, and hypothesis-driven problem-solving
- Strategic consultant to C-suite/VP leaders influencing complex decisions through data and business acumen
- Advanced people analytics skills with AI fluency for HR applications including implementing AI tools and understanding responsible AI principles
- Understanding of modern software development
- Credibility with technical leaders and ability to engage in architecture and engineering effectiveness conversations
- Global/multi-site experience with distributed engineering teams
- High-growth environment experience (Series B through IPO)
- Strong executive presence and exceptional communication skills
- Self-driven, autonomous, and collaborative in ambiguous, fast-paced environments
Benefits
- Access to BetterUp coaching; one for you and one for a friend or family member
- A competitive compensation plan with opportunity for advancement
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexible paid time off
- All federal/statutory holidays observed
- 4 BetterUp Inner Workdays (https://www.betterup.co/inner-work)
- 5 Volunteer Days to give back
- Learning and Development stipend
- Company wide Summer & Winter breaks
- Year-round charitable contribution of your choice on behalf of BetterUp
- 401(k) self contribution
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
organizational designchange managementpeople analyticsAI fluencyplatform engineeringdata engineeringAPI strategiesDevOps transformationtechnical architectureworkforce planning
Soft Skills
executive presencecommunication skillsstrategic thinkingcollaborationcoachingmentoringinfluenceproblem-solvingadaptabilityleadership development