HR Business Partner

KAYAK, part of Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG), is the world’s leading travel search engine. With billions of queries across our platforms, we help people find their perfect flight, stay, rental car and vacation package. We’re also transforming business travel with a new corporate travel solution, KAYAK for Business.

As an employee of KAYAK, you will be part of a travel company that operates a portfolio of global metasearch brands including momondo, Cheapflights and HotelsCombined, among others. From start-up to industry leader, innovation is in our DNA and every employee has an opportunity to make their mark. Our focus is on building the best travel search engine to make it easier for everyone to experience the world.

We’re looking for a People Business Partner to play a key role supporting our business and people! You’ll work closely with leaders and employees to provide thoughtful people-focused advice and practical solutions that drive business success.

This role carries responsibility for the Tech, Product, Design and Legal businesses globally, and requires a deep understanding of the business and collaboration with P&C colleagues around the world to align on our shared goals and vision. 

You will be based in our Cambridge and Concord offices, working onsite at least 3 days each week.

In this role, you will:

• Build trusting, supportive relationships with leaders and people managers across the organization.
• Act as a resource and coach, providing guidance to all levels of the organization in an open and accessible way.
• Help shape and support organizational growth through thoughtful design and planning, including change management and team effectiveness initiatives.
• Collaborate with People & Culture teams worldwide on programs that support our company objectives and culture.
• Partner closely with regional teams to support consistent practices and strategy across locations.
• Lead key P&C processes such as engagement surveys, performance management, and compensation reviews, partnering with relevant teams to deliver these effectively.
• Support learning and development initiatives that build leadership and management skills.
• Use data and trends to inform your recommendations and help ensure our work environments are healthy, inclusive, and ready to grow.
• Manage employee relations issues with fairness and confidentiality, escalating when necessary.
• Contribute to cross-functional P&C projects and initiatives, helping to drive positive change.
• Coach and mentor your peers, colleagues, and team members to support their development and success.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team atmosphere.
• Work effectively with colleagues and teams distributed around the globe.

Please apply if you have:

• 5+ years of proven experience in Human Resources or related people-centric roles, ideally including some exposure to a fast-moving or dynamic environment.
• Experience in the technology sector.
• A solid understanding of US employment law as it relates to daily HR challenges.
• Experience working with or supporting teams across multiple locations is a plus, but not required.
• A demonstrated ability to build strong working relationships across different levels and areas of an organization.
• Confident coaching and communication skills, with the ability to guide employees through HR processes with empathy and clarity.
• Ability to translate business challenges into people solutions, managing projects or initiatives from start to finish.
• Comfortable working independently and proactively, with a flexible and collaborative mindset.
• Experience handling confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Patience and resilience, even in complex or difficult situations, maintaining calm and clarity during periods of change.
• An aptitude for using data to support storytelling and decision-making.
• A passion for driving results and completing full-cycle projects in a timely way.
• Resourcefulness and problem-solving skills, with a focus on practical, adaptable solutions.
• Familiarity with Workday, Google Workspace, or similar tools.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant experience 

Benefits and Perks

• Work from (almost) anywhere for up to 20 days per year
• Focus on mental health and well-being:
• Company-paid therapy sessions through SpringHealth
• Company-paid subscription to HeadSpace
• Company-wide week off a year - the whole team fully recharges (and returns without a pile-up of work!)
• No meeting Fridays
• Paid parental leave
• Generous paid vacation + time off for your birthday
• Paid volunteer time
• Focus on your career growth:
• Development Dollars
• Leadership development
• Access to thousands of on-demand e-learnings
• Travel Discounts
• Employee Resource Groups
• Competitive retirement and health plans
• Free lunch 2 days per week
• Fun quarterly events such as boat trips, arcades, ski trips, Thursday socials, and more

Inclusion

At KAYAK, we want everyone to have the space to grow, share ideas and do great work. That’s why we’re focused on hiring the best talent from all walks of life and experiences, supporting them well and making sure no one feels like they have to fit a mold to belong here.

Need any adjustment for the interview, application or on the job? No problem - just give us a heads-up. We’ve got you.