The posting
Job Description
Join Staples' People Support team and help shape the associate experience across our Retail organization. As an HR Business Consultant (HRBC), you will serve as a trusted advisor to field leaders, store associates, and Human Resources partners while supporting a high-performance culture that aligns with Staples' values and business objectives.
Reporting to the Director of People Support, you'll have the opportunity to influence leaders, solve complex associate relations issues, partner with cross-functional teams, and contribute to key people initiatives that impact thousands of associates across our retail network. If you enjoy consulting with leaders, navigating employee relations matters, and driving business results through people solutions, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
The HR Business Consultant (HRBC) serves as a Human Resources subject matter expert and trusted consultant supporting Staples' U.S. Retail organization. This role partners closely with store leaders, HR Business Partners, and Centers of Excellence to provide guidance on performance management, employee relations, policy interpretation, associate engagement, talent development, and leadership coaching.
The HRBC is responsible for analyzing situations, identifying root causes, recommending solutions, and supporting managers with people-related decisions while balancing business needs and associate experience.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Partner with store leadership to provide guidance on employee relations, performance management, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation.
- Coach and consult with managers on performance improvement and development of their teams.
- Investigate and assess associate concerns while providing recommendations aligned with company policies and business objectives.
- Support a results-oriented culture through effective execution of performance management programs and tools.
- Advise leaders on associate engagement strategies that balance business goals and employee needs.
- Partner with HR Centers of Excellence and field leadership to resolve complex associate relations matters.
- Support talent development and succession planning initiatives across the business.
- Facilitate implementation of new HR programs, policies, and people initiatives.
- Build strong relationships with leaders and stakeholders to drive effective HR solutions.
- Identify trends and opportunities for improvement while escalating concerns and recommendations as appropriate.
- Support change management initiatives and organizational effectiveness projects.
- Participate in special projects that contribute to the overall people and business strategy.
- Maintain strong business acumen and stay current on HR best practices and company initiatives.
What You Bring to the Table:
- Strong consulting, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to navigate complex employee relations situations with professionalism and sound judgment.
- Exceptional problem-solving and critical-thinking capabilities.
- Strong business acumen and ability to balance associate and organizational needs.
- Ability to influence leaders at multiple levels of the organization.
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaborative mindset with the ability to partner effectively across teams.
- High level of initiative, accountability, and ownership.
What's Needed – Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Organizational Psychology, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 4-6 years of experience in Human Resources supporting multiple levels of leadership in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience coaching leaders on employee relations, performance management, and talent development matters.
- Experience supporting performance improvement initiatives and conflict resolution.
- Experience working within a large corporate or matrixed organization.
- Strong analytical, consulting, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and professionalism.
What's Needed – Preferred Qualifications:
- PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification.
- Experience supporting retail, multi-site, distribution, or field-based operations.
- Experience conducting investigations and managing associate relations concerns.
- Experience with succession planning and talent development initiatives.
- Experience leading or supporting organizational change initiatives.
- Strong project management experience.
- Ability to influence leaders and drive adoption of HR programs and initiatives.
- Experience partnering with Centers of Excellence and cross-functional business teams.
Get great perks.
- Bonus plan and generous amount of paid time off, including one Floating Holiday each year
- Flexible work arrangements, including flexible work hours
- 401(k) plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance with many more optional benefits
- Associate store discount and more perks (discounts on mobile plans, movie tickets, etc.)
The salary range represents the expected compensation for this role at the time of posting. The specific base pay may be influenced by a variety of factors to include the candidate's experience, skill set, education, geography, business considerations, and internal equity. In addition to base pay, this role may be eligible for bonuses, or other forms of variable compensation.
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About Us
The world of working and learning has changed. This is your opportunity to be a part of a brand transformation and growth strategy within the retail industry. Staples is helping our customers and community discover innovative products, services, and inspiration that unlock what’s possible, while empowering you to unlock your potential. Our people are the heart of our success and there has never been a better time to join us as we lead the way in a new era of working and learning.
Want to learn more about Staples Stores? Visit RetailCareers.Staples.com for information and to learn about our career opportunities.
Click here to learn more about the employee benefits, programs and perks offered at Staples!
Staples is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Staples is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 1-888-490-4747 for more information.
Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act; as well as with any other state and local Fair Chance Ordinance/Act regulations.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.



