Senior Human Resources Business Partner

Ashland Inc. is seeking a Senior Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) to join our HR Team and support U.S. Manufacturing functions. This hybrid position reports directly to the Senior Global HR Leader – Operations and requires deep expertise in labor relations, employee relations, and labor and employment governance.

Hybrid with preference for candidates living in Hopewell, VA or Calvert City, KY. The role supports 7 U.S. manufacturing sites, including 4 union locations.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to plant leaders and managers, offering daily guidance across all HR areas including leadership coaching, employee and labor relations, engagement, compensation, recruiting, and talent development.
• Provide guidance on organizational design, workforce planning, and change management.
• Lead and support an HR Generalist team through organizational changes, labor matters, and critical employee situations.
• Partner with HR Centers of Excellence (Talent, Compensation, Payroll) to deliver integrated HR solutions and champion best practices.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration within the HR Generalist team.
• Drive labor relations activities, interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements.
• Support management during labor discussions, grievance processes, disciplinary actions, and investigations.
• Promote a strong performance culture through goal setting, timely feedback, and accountability.
• Engage as a partner in CBA union negotiations, arbitrations, and grievances.
• Resolve complex employee relations matters with a balanced, compliant, and employee‑focused approach.
• Maintain strong working relationships with union leadership and internal stakeholders.
• Work proactively to advance inclusion and diversity goals.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field; 5–7 years of progressive HR experience in manufacturing.
• Demonstrated labor relations experience supporting a unionized workforce, including collective bargaining and contract negotiations.
li>Strong knowledge of state and federal employment laws and regulations governing employment practices.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information while adhering to company policies and procedures.
• Highly collaborative and influential, with the ability to consult, partner, and build strong relationships at all levels.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills; strong judgment; ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Ability to travel up to 40%.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

• PHR or SPHR certification.
• Experience supporting multi‑site operations.
• Knowledge of HRIS systems; experience with Workday is helpful.

Ashland is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. We do not accept resumes from external staffing agencies or independent recruiters unless a signed recruiting agreement is in place for a specific position.