Principal HR Business Partner (HRBP)
Location, Foster City, CA
THE TEAMBusinesses are at an inflection point as AI poses interesting opportunities, and challenges. And businesses are working to understand how best to use AI, how it may change how we work, and the types of work we need to do in an AI-first environment. Zuora is in the middle of this as well, and so is this role as we redesign systems within HR, and as we help the business plan and design their transformations.
At Zuora, we refer to ourselves as the “ZEO Success” Partner team because our employees aka “ZEOs" are our most important asset. We partner closely with leaders across our business to align people and business strategies together. We are trusted partners, coaches and influencers as we enable our business teams to thrive and deliver great results.
THE OPPORTUNITYThe Principal HR Business Partner (ZEO Success Partner here at Zuora – aka: “ZSP”) will partner with heads of Product and Technology and the leaders within their organizations to design and execute people strategies. You will play a key role in shaping the evolution of our Product, Engineering, Cloud, Technical Support and Security teams, with a focus on organizational transformation. This role reports into the Global Leader of ZEO Success Partners, collaborates heavily with other ZSPs in China, India and Europe, and will engage in a blend of both strategic work, as well as hands-on execution.
Responsibilities will include, but aren’t limited to:
- Partner with senior leaders to develop and manage the talent vision and the strategic people initiatives to solve critical business challenges and retain our valued ZEOs.
- Use data to understand organizational sentiment; as the eyes and ears for the business leaders, proactively raise issues with proposed solutions based on the sentiment.
- Leverage (and build) AI tools to simplify routine tasks and analysis, ensuring critical thinking is applied to validate outcomes.
- Collaborate with senior organization leaders, Talent Acquisition and FP&A to develop and execute a Workforce Plan, including workforce/succession planning, location strategies and attrition modeling/forecasting.
- Plan and lead organization and talent review discussions with P&T leaders.
- Manage change initiatives including the strategy, planning, implementation, communications and measure the effectiveness of those transformations.
- Work closely with ZEO Success COE’s (ZEO Engagement, Operations, Total Rewards and Talent Acquisition) to develop, improve and implement key ZEO Success programs, such as Performance, Merit, Promotions and Workforce Reviews.
- Actively coach and develop leaders through complex business situations.
- Manage and resolve performance management and employee relations issues.
- This role is the lead for the business unit (P&T), and collaborates heavily with ZSP partners across the globe, particularly in India and China.
Ideal candidates have 8-10+ years of progressively complex HRBP experience, supporting Product and/or Engineering functions within a complex, dynamic enterprise software or SaaS company (preferred). In addition, they bring demonstrated competencies, skills and experiences as follows:
- A valued leader and trusted advisor with client groups; builds trust through listening to, and understanding, a leader's objectives; is able to translate those objectives into people practices.
- A thought partner and team player who collaborates effectively with ZEO Success colleagues and others across an enterprise.
- Has an informed perspective, shares their thinking and engages in constructive thought experiments for the betterment of the team.
- A creative thinker who thinks broadly, and globally; a credible activist on strategic and organization decisions while making a case to others to execute and drive change.
- Inspirational role model in leveraging HR metrics/data/AI to facilitate, influence and drive people and business decisions.
- An engaging communicator who presents, both verbally and in writing, with all levels of leaders and team members in a way that connects people to the message.
- Possesses a breadth and depth in developing, leading and managing global strategic initiatives, e.g., transformation work, talent initiatives, feedback/development programs and compensation assessment.
- Demonstrates expert HR knowledge with an “outside in” perspective, e.g., understands best practices of peer companies, CEB, etc. and can adapt them to different environments.
- Possesses grit and flexibility. Is able to drive forward in an evolving environment where priorities will shift, and a path forward may not always be clear.
ABOUT ZUORA
At Zuora, we help businesses grow smarter and adapt faster. Our platform powers modern business models — from subscriptions and usage-based pricing to AI-driven and outcome-based offerings — helping companies launch new products, automate complex billing, and unlock predictable, recurring revenue.
We’ve led the Subscription Economy for more than a decade. Now we’re evolving again by building the definitive platform for quote to cash and helping companies monetize their products and services with an adaptable, AI-ready foundation.
BENEFITSZuora offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support ZEOs’ wellbeing, growth, and flexibility. While specific offerings may vary by country, we typically provide:
- Competitive compensation, variable bonus and performance-based reward opportunities, and retirement programs
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous, flexible time off, plus paid holidays, wellness days, and a company-wide year-end break
- Paid parental leave (including fully paid leave for eligible ZEOs, subject to local policy)
- Learning & development stipend to support ongoing growth
- Opportunities to volunteer and give back, including charitable donation matching where available
- Mental wellbeing resources and support
*Benefits may vary by location; details will be shared during the interview process
#ZEOLife at Zuora
ZEOs (our employees) are empowered to take ownership, challenge the status quo, and make a real impact. We:
- Collaborate deeply across teams and regions
- Learn constantly and iterate often
- Build an inclusive, high-performance culture where people feel inspired, connected, and valued
Think, be and do you.
At Zuora, different perspectives, experiences, and contributions matter — everyone counts.
Zuora is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We do not discriminate on the basis of, and consider individuals seeking employment with Zuora without regard to, race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, 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, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Applicants in need of special assistance or accommodation during the interview process or in accessing our website may contact us by sending an email to [email protected] (or local equivalent, where applicable).
The base pay details represent the annualized salary range for the posted position. While we share a comprehensive range, a candidate’s final base salary will fall within these guidelines and will be determined based on multiple factors including but not limited to: qualifications of the candidate, job related knowledge, prior related experience, specific and unique skills, the location of the role, internal equity and internal budget. Base pay is only one element of Zuora’s Total Rewards Package. Additional elements may also include bonus/variable compensation, equity and comprehensive benefits, more details found here.
Skills Required
- 8-10+ years of progressively complex HRBP experience supporting Product and/or Engineering in a software or SaaS company
- Proven experience in workforce planning, succession planning, attrition modeling, and location strategy
- Experience leading organization design, change management, and large-scale transformation initiatives
- Demonstrated capability using HR metrics, people analytics and AI to inform decisions
- Experience managing performance, merit, promotions, and talent review processes
- Strong coaching skills and experience resolving performance management and employee relations issues
- Ability to partner effectively with senior leaders and influence cross-functional stakeholders
- Experience collaborating with Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards, FP&A, and HR COEs
- Global HR experience and ability to collaborate across regions, particularly with India and China
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for all organizational levels
Zuora Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Zuora and has not been reviewed or approved by Zuora.
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Parental & Family Support — Parental leave is described as up to six months of fully paid time for all parents globally, signaling a standout family support policy. Feedback suggests this benefit is a prominent part of the package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off offerings include flexible or unlimited PTO for U.S. salaried roles, wellness days, and a company‑wide winter break. Feedback suggests the breadth of options supports meaningful time away when teams enable it.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Equity programs such as RSUs and an ESPP with a discount are highlighted as meaningful components of total rewards. Feedback suggests these ownership programs enhance perceived competitiveness across several roles.
Zuora Insights
What We Do
At Zuora, we do Modern Business. We’re helping people subscribe to new ways of doing business that are better for customers, companies and ultimately the planet. It’s an approach resulting from the shift to the Subscription Economy that puts customers first (building ongoing relationships instead of one-time product sales) and focuses on sustainable growth. Through our leading expertise and multi-product suite, we are transforming all industries and working with the world’s most innovative companies to monetize new business models, nurture subscriber relationships and optimize their digital experiences.
Why Work With Us
As an industry pioneer, our work is constantly evolving and challenging us in new ways that require us to think differently, iterate often and learn constantly. Our people, whom we call “ZEOs" are empowered to take on a mindset of ownership and work together in collaboration to make what’s next possible for our customers, community and the world.
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