Job Description
Job Title:  Principal, Talent Development Business Partner
Posting Start Date:  10/17/25
Job Description: 

Important Information

Posted range is $81,120-$115,960

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity

This position may be eligible for annual incentive pay and you will have the opportunity for continued salary growth. In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!  American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k),Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally! 

Primary Role

Responsible for managing the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs that facilitate organizational effectiveness and talent/development across the enterprise.

This position will lead areas such as talent reviews, leadership and professional development programs, job rotation/ experiential learning programs and support areas such as employee experience, performance management, succession planning, and change management. 

Key Accountabilities

  • Leads the design, development and implementation of talent development programs and policies (e.g., talent reviews, job rotation and other experiential learning programs, leadership and professional development programs, etc.)
  • Partner with senior leaders and HR to diagnose organizational challenges and design integrated talent solutions.
  • Define critical skills needed for future success across the enterprise, create learning journeys and development pathways aligned with strategic priorities.
  • Oversees large-scale project plans and resources to address extensive talent development needs, working closely with management.
  • Providing guidance to fellow team members in support of leadership and talent/professional development programs.
  • Supports additional talent development projects (e.g., assessments for development, team building activities, performance management, succession planning, , etc.) and partners with the business to identify needs, create solutions, and implement tools.
  • Manages and facilitates the implementation of appropriate change management and talent development activities throughout organizational transactions.
  • Partners with specialists from other COEs to ensure talent development solutions are integrated across the business.
  • Develops assessment devices, training programs, facilitates implementation of appropriate change management initiatives and review current development programs to ensure adherence to company goals.
  • Designs, develops, and implements leadership and talent development programs, content and learning solutions to broader business needs.
  • Define success metrics and use data to evaluate impact, inform decisions, and continuously improve programs.
  • Performs data analyses using multiple methods including Excel to measure progress and ROI of employee experience and talent development strategies and programs.
  • Conducts research on best practices in talent development, leadership, and professional development, and the future of work and provides recommendations around best practices and business application

Knowledge/Skills

  • Familiar with a variety of the field’s concepts, practices and procedures
  • Experience in areas such as job analysis, performance management (e.g., performance appraisals, performance evaluation), talent reviews, succession planning
  • Experience with applied research methodologies and performing data analysis in a professional environment
  • Project and program management skills to include planning and execution, and manage projects with aggressive timeframes under some supervision
  • Working knowledge of adult learning theory, and instructional design methodology (ADDIE or 6D’s)
  • Interpersonal, facilitation, communication, and influencing skills
  • Relies on extensive and independent judgment to plan work, review results and accomplish goals

Experience/Education

  • Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial/Organizational, Organization Development, Human Resources Management or related field.
  • 5+ years’ experience

Work Environment

  • Indoor office environment.
  • Hybrid work schedule 3 days in the office 2 days offsite.
  • Training delivery may require field work.

Travel Requirements

  • As required

Competencies

Champions safety
Customer obsessed
Cultivates innovation
Nimble learning
Drives Results
Collaborates