HR Business Partner

At Koalafi, we believe in a world where no one has to put an important purchase on hold. That's why we're making it easier for more people to pay for big purchases over time.

Retailers across the country rely on us to offer flexible lease-to-own financing to their non-prime consumers, while increasing sales and strengthening customer loyalty. Their 2M+ customers love us because we provide a flexible way for them to make payments and give them an opportunity to improve their credit. Our 200+ Koalafi teammates enjoy inspiring and challenging work that accelerates their careers.

Interested in learning more about how we're transforming the financing experience and joining our team?

Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP)

Location: Arlington, VA

Travel: Occasional travel to headquarters in Richmond, VA

Experience: 3-5 years of HR experience

Position Overview

The Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) will serve as a trusted partner to business leaders and associates, providing hands-on HR support with a strong focus on employee relations, communication, and people initiatives. This role requires strong critical thinking skills and business acumen to assess complex situations, prioritize what matters most, and problem-solve effectively in alignment with organizational goals and culture.

The HRBP must be able to set clear expectations, deliver consistent guidance, and connect people decisions to business outcomes. Success in this role requires comfort navigating ambiguity, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, and continuously asking how processes, experiences, and outcomes can be improved. The role is based in Arlington, VA, with periodic travel to the Richmond, VA headquarters to support collaboration, alignment, and key People Team initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Associate Support

• Serve as an initial point of contact for associates and leaders on employee relations matters, including performance concerns, workplace conduct, policy interpretation, and conflict resolution, focusing on timely, thoughtful, and effective resolution.
• Conduct workplace investigations and partner with leaders to address concerns in a fair, consistent, and efficient manner.
• Provide clear, actionable coaching and guidance to managers on people management, documentation, and team changes, reinforcing accountability and follow-through.
• Support performance management processes, including formal review cycles and real-time performance management, with an emphasis on clarity, outcomes, and continuous development.

HR Partnership & Initiatives

• Partner closely with business leaders to align HR practices with organizational priorities and drive meaningful results.
• Support and execute People Team initiatives related to engagement, culture, compliance, and organizational effectiveness, continuously evaluating how processes and programs can be improved.
• Assist with change management, organizational updates, and communication efforts, helping teams navigate change effectively and with clarity.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to move initiatives forward efficiently and collectively.

Partnership with Director of HR Business Partnership

• Collaborate closely and provide thought partnership with the Director of HR Business Partnership on complex or sensitive employee relations cases, investigations, and performance management matters.
• Provide regular updates to the Director of HR Business Partnership on employee relations trends, risks, and emerging issues, offering clear recommendations and practical next steps.
• Prepare concise documentation, summaries, and insights to support effective People Leadership Team decision-making.
• Support the execution of HR initiatives and action plans in close partnership with the Director of HR Business Partnership, maintaining momentum and accountability.
• Act as an extension of the Director of HR Business Partnership by reinforcing consistent expectations, aligned messaging, and a results-driven approach across the organization.

Communication & Compliance

• Demonstrate exceptional verbal and written communication skills, setting clear expectations and ensuring understanding across audiences.
• Draft clear, concise, and professional communications, including associate-facing messaging and internal documentation.
• Apply a balanced, thoughtful approach to all interactions, prioritizing both culture and risk management to protect the business.
• Ensure consistent application of Company policies and compliance with employment laws and regulations.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in Human Resources, with employee relations experience.
• Strong knowledge of HR policies, employment practices, and compliance requirements.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to build trust, move work forward collaboratively, and influence at all levels of the organization.
• Strong judgment and ability to navigate complex, ambiguous, and sensitive situations.
• Demonstrated ability to give and receive feedback effectively, approaching interactions with a growth mindset and assuming positive intent.
• Ability to prioritize effectively and manage multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• HR Business Partner or HR Generalist experience supporting a diverse associate population.
• Experience working in a multi-location or hybrid environment.
• Familiarity with HRIS systems and associate data management.

Work Environment

• Primary work location in Arlington, VA
• Occasional travel to Richmond, VA HQ
• Combination of independent work and fast-paced collaboration with leaders, the People Team, and associates.

Why choose Koalafi: A career at Koalafi means opportunities to tackle exciting challenges every single day. We take pride in a culture of innovation, trust, and ownership. You'll get outside your comfort zone, build meaningful relationships, and most of all, take charge of projects that ultimately help people get the things they need most.

Benefits:

At Koalafi, you will have a direct impact on our products and help shape the company's success. We offer competitive compensation & benefits packages to keep you at your best:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 20 PTO days + 11 paid holidays
• 401(k) retirement with company matching
• Student Loan & Tuition Reimbursement
• Commuter assistance
• Parental leave (maternal + paternal)
• Inclusion and Associate Engagement Programs

Who we are & what we value:

• We focus on what's most important
• We set clear expectations and deliver
• We embrace challenges to reach our full potential
• We ask, "How can this be better?"
• We move fast together

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