People Partner

Sonatype is the software supply chain management company that invented componentized software development and pioneered the software supply chain category. As leaders in the open-source community and the DevSecOps industry, we run the world’s largest repository of Java open-source components—Maven Central.
Our groundbreaking, full-spectrum platform empowers customers to rapidly create, deploy, and maintain innovative software at scale, all while aligning directly to their business needs. Trusted by more than 2,000 organizations—including 70% of the Fortune 100—and over 15 million software developers, Sonatype’s tools and guidance help deliver exceptional, secure software.
From inventing modern artifact management with Nexus Repository to introducing the world’s only solution that halts malicious open-source malware in its tracks, we’re committed to constant innovation. We leverage AI/ML to give our clients, developers, and the industry complete confidence in the quality, automation, and security of their software. Learn more at www.sonatype.com

The role:

The People Partner supports business-specific execution of culture, engagement, and people practices.  It coordinates with regional HR roles in support of the business unit/functions it supports.  Within the US, this role is responsible for end-to-end management of employee relations, risk, and workplace issues (within the US), while also bridging: Upstream (strategy, risk identification, pattern recognition) and Downstream (case execution, manager support, local implementation).

The People Partner operates as:A trusted advisor to managers; A hands-on executor of  employee relations (ER) processes; A translator of company-wide programs into local business reality.

What you'll do:

1. Employee Relations Case Management & Risk Mitigation (U.S.)

Own and manage end-to-end ER cases, (US) including:

performance issues

workplace conflicts

investigations

terminations

Partner with Legal and HR leadership on complex or high-risk cases

Ensure consistent, compliant, and timely resolution

Identify patterns and emerging risks

2. Manager Advisory & Decision Support

Provide real-time guidance to managers on: performance management and employee issues

Coach managers: handle situations consistently and build confidence in people management. Increase manager capabilities over time.

3. Business-Aligned Culture & Engagement Execution

Translate company-wide engagement and culture initiatives into business-level execution

Partner with business leaders to:identify engagement gaps and implement targeted actions

Support:team-level engagement efforts; local culture initiatives; follow-up on survey insights (eNPS, etc.)

4. Program Execution & Local Implementation

Support execution of core HR programs, including: performance management cycles; compensation processes; and engagement initiatives

Ensure programs are: implemented consistently and adapted appropriately for business needs

5. Workforce Insights & Organizational Awareness

Maintain awareness of: attrition trends; team structure and dynamics; capacity and workload signals

Provide input to: Site Leads; HR leadership; & Transformation teams

What you'll bring:

• 5+ years of progressive HR, People Partner, HR Business Partner, or Employee Relations experience, with demonstrated ownership of complex employee relations matters.

  
  

• Strong experience managing U.S.-based ER cases, including performance concerns, workplace conflicts, investigations, accommodations, and terminations.

  
  

• Working knowledge of U.S. employment laws, compliance practices, risk mitigation, and employee relations best practices.

  
  

• Proven ability to coach and advise managers through sensitive employee situations with sound judgment, consistency, and discretion.

  
  

• Experience partnering with Legal, HR leadership, business leaders, and regional HR teams on complex or high-risk people matters.

  
  

• Demonstrated ability to identify trends, surface organizational risks, and translate insights into practical manager guidance or business action.

  
  

• Experience supporting execution of core people programs such as performance management, compensation cycles, engagement initiatives, and culture-building efforts.

  
  

• Ability to balance strategic awareness with hands-on execution in a fast-paced, evolving business environment.

  
  

• Strong communication, documentation, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.

  
  

• Experience working in a distributed, multi-site, or global organization preferred.

  
  

• Experience working in a technology company or supporting technology client groups strongly preferred.

  
  
  

Things we're proud of:

• 2025 Best DevSecOps Solution by DevOps Dozen
• Visionary in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Application Security Testing
• 2025 DEVIES Award to our SBOM Manager new product for its innovation and impact in developer technology
• 2024 Industry Leader in Forrester-Wave for Software Composition Analysis (2024 Q4 report)
• 2023 Fast Company Best Places for Innovators
• 2023 Gartner's Magic Quadrant
• 2023 Software Report's Top 100 Software Companies
• 2023 BuiltIn Best Places to Work
• 2022 Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation Leader Award
• 2022 PeerSpot Silver Peer Award in Software Composition Analysis
• 2022 Tech Ascension Best DevOps Security Solution Award
• 2022 NVCT Cyber Company of the Year
• Company Wellness days - We shut down company operations during some days of the year (5 in total) to enable all employees to pursue personal growth and enjoy much-needed and deserved additional rest.
• Paid Volunteer Time Off (VTO)