Sr. Lead, HR Business Partner

About Rivian

Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. This goes for the emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles we build, and the curious, courageous souls we seek to attract.

As a company, we constantly challenge what's possible, never simply accepting what has always been done. We reframe old problems, seek new solutions and operate comfortably in areas that are unknown. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our team shares a love of the outdoors and a desire to protect it for future generations.

We are seeking a Sr. Lead, HR Business Partner (HRBP) to serve as a strategic advisor and operator across multiple departments within our flagship manufacturing facility. This individual will partner with senior plant leaders to implement full-lifecycle HR and leadership programs that drive engagement, retention, performance, and talent development. You'll bring business insight, coaching experience, and sharp HR execution to support operations teams in Battery, Stamping, General Assembly, Paint, Plastics, and beyond.

Whether it's workforce planning, succession design, or coaching through a cultural transformation – this role is built for an HR leader ready to make real impact on the ground.

• Drive Business-Critical Talent Strategy:Partner directly with department leaders to ensure organizational structure, performance, and talent align with production priorities.
• Champion Leadership Growth:Deliver coaching, org design, and talent development to shape the next generation of Rivian manufacturing leadership.
• Build a Best-in-Class Plant Culture:Help foster a workplace that's inclusive, dynamic, and aligned with Rivian's mission-driven ethos.
• Lead with Courage and Credibility:Serve as a sounding board, advisor, and change agent in one of the company's most complex and fast-moving environments.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to plant leadership on talent strategy, workforce planning, and org design
• Design and execute people plans, focusing on engagement, succession, and capability development
• Partner with CoEs to deliver effective onboarding, performance, and reward programs
• Champion organizational culture aligned with production, safety, and employee experience goals

• Lead key HR programs for your assigned departments, including performance reviews, succession planning, and employee engagement
• Deliver strategic guidance and process leadership across hiring, onboarding, promotion, and attrition
• Consult on investigations, policy inquiries, and complex employee relations
• Support offboarding and exit feedback loops for continuous learning

• Provide high-impact leadership coaching and feedback
• Support executive onboarding and team integration across functions
• Guide cultural and structural change initiatives with clarity and empathy
• Operate as a thought partner across the People Team and the broader business

• 10+ years of progressive HR Business Partner or HR Leadership experience
• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or related field
• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing or operations environments

• Master's degree or executive leadership certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, HRCI-SPHR)
• 3+ years managing and mentoring HR professionals
• Experience driving organizational change in large, complex orgs
• Familiarity with union-sensitive environments or industrial relations preferred

• Proven ability to influence across all levels with clarity and empathy
• Exceptional judgment and discretion with sensitive information
• Courageous communication style-able to challenge with care and build trust
• Optimistic, proactive, and agile mindset in high-pressure environments
• Deep commitment to building diverse, inclusive, and accountable teams

Salary Range Illinois-Based Applicants: $161,800 - $201,200 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).

Rivian is an equal opportunity employer and complies…