Sr HR Generalist

Upwork ($UPWK) is the world’s human and AI-powered work marketplace that connects businesses with highly skilled, AI-enabled independent talent from across the globe. From entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 enterprises, companies rely on Upwork’s trusted platform and its mindful AI companion, Uma, to find and hire expert talent, leverage AI-powered work solutions, and drive business transformation. With on-demand access to professionals spanning more than 10,000 skills across AI & machine learning, software development, sales & marketing, customer support, finance & accounting, and more, Upwork enables businesses of all sizes to scale, innovate, and build agile teams for the age of AI and beyond.

Upwork’s platform has facilitated more than $25 billion in economic opportunity for talent around the world. Learn more at Upwork.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.

As a Senior Human Resources Generalist, you will serve as a trusted advisor to employees and leaders across the business. You will play a critical role in advancing a culture of engagement and inclusion while supporting day-to-day HR needs and contributing to strategic initiatives. From employee relations to organizational planning and HR program development, you will apply your expertise to ensure that people, culture, and business priorities remain aligned.

Responsibilities

• Provide coaching and guidance on employee relations, conflict resolution, and workplace matters, ensuring fair and consistent outcomes.

• Act as a trusted partner for employees and managers, balancing advocacy for people with business needs.

• Lead and continuously improve HR programs, including performance management, offboarding, and organizational planning and design, equipping managers with tools and coaching to drive accountability and growth.

• Facilitate coaching conversations with managers and employees to strengthen leadership capability, improve team performance, and build a culture of accountability and development.

• Collaborate on organizational planning, change management, and employee engagement initiatives that improve workplace culture.

• Leverage HR data and analytics to identify trends, inform decisions, and recommend actions that improve employee experience and business results.

• Partner with cross-functional HR colleagues to ensure consistent application of policies, compliance, and best practices across the organization.

What it takes to catch our eye

• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust and connect with employees at all levels.

• Demonstrated experience in HR operations, employee relations, and coaching, with applied knowledge of HR best practices and familiarity with employment law concepts.

• Proven problem-solving and analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data and translate insights into action.

• Process-oriented with experience driving continuous improvement in HR practices, policies, and tools.

• Adaptability and organizational skills to thrive in a fast-moving, evolving environment.

Come change how the world works.

At Upwork, you’ll shape the future of work for a global, remote-first workforce, creating economic opportunities for professionals worldwide. While we have a physical office in Palo Alto, we currently hire full-time employees in 34 U.S. states, making it easier than ever to join our mission from wherever you call home.

Our culture is built on trust, risk-taking, customer focus, and excellence, all in service of our core mission: to create economic opportunities so people have better lives. We embrace authenticity and inclusion, encouraging everyone to bring their whole selves to work. Personal and professional growth is a priority here, supported through development programs, mentorship, and our Upwork Belonging Communities.

We’re proud to offer benefits that go beyond the basics, including comprehensive medical coverage for you and your family, unlimited PTO, a 401(k) plan with matching, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Visit our Life at Upwork page to learn more about our values, working principles, and the overall employee experience.

Ready to help shape the future of work? Check out our Careers page to learn more about opportunities at Upwork.

Upwork is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics under federal, state, or local law.

Please note that a criminal background check may be required once a conditional job offer is made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with applicable law, including the California Fair Chance Act and local Fair Chance ordinances.

To learn more about how Upwork processes and protects your personal information as part of the application process, please review our Global Job Applicant Privacy Notice