Founded in 2009, Zest AI has been pioneering innovative AI technology with a mission to expand credit access to create opportunities for more Americans to pursue their financial goals. Zest AI is transforming the $17 trillion US consumer credit market by delivering AI technology that helps lenders identify creditworthy borrowers overlooked by traditional methods, while leveling the playing field so financial institutions of all sizes can harness AI to provide better lending experiences.
With over 50 issued and pending patents across automation, accuracy, performance, and model explainability, Zest AI is a leader in financial technology, providing financial institutions with AI tools that create a more resilient US financial system and a stronger U.S. economy. With over 600 active AI models, financial institutions rely on Zest AI's comprehensive suite of solutions spanning marketing, underwriting, fraud detection, lending intelligence, and more to make smarter lending decisions while improving profitability. This US-based technology as a service company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California.
About the Role:
As a Senior Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP), you will be a trusted advisor and key liaison between People Operations and teams across the company. You’ll work closely with department leads and managers to implement people strategies that promote employee engagement, performance, and a positive workplace culture. This is a cross-functional role designed to drive consistency, coach leaders, and provide frontline support to employees as we scale. You’ll help translate company-wide initiatives into team-level impact, with a focus on execution, communication, and relationship-building.
Responsibilities:
- HR Partnership: Support business leaders with guidance and solutions across the employee lifecycle, including onboarding, development, comp/benefits and performance management including job leveling, and organizational change.
- Employee Experience: Champion a culture of inclusion, belonging, and engagement by promoting initiatives that create a positive work environment and reinforce Zest AI’s values.
- Performance & Development: Help facilitate our performance feedback cycles and support managers in building high-performing, growth-minded teams through coaching and regular check-ins.
- Employee Relations: Serve as a resource for employees and managers in resolving workplace issues thoughtfully and in compliance with company policies and employment law.
- People Programs: Partner with the broader People Ops team to roll out company-wide HR initiatives, programs, and policies—ensuring strong communication and adoption across teams.
- Manager Enablement: Equip managers with tools and insights to lead effectively, including guidance on role scoping, team dynamics, and change management.
- HR Analytics: Leverage people data to identify trends, support organizational decisions, and proactively address engagement, retention, or development opportunities and ability to prepare and present metrics to leadership.
- Process Optimization: Contribute to the evolution of HR processes by identifying areas for improvement and supporting implementation of tools and practices that improve efficiency and clarity.
Qualifications:
- A people-first HR professional with 5–7 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 2 years in a business partner or generalist capacity
- A proven track record in a fast-paced scaling environment with the ability to creatively problem solve
- Strong knowledge of HR best practices, employment law and compliance regulations
- Proven understanding of change management principles and employee engagement strategies
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect with and build relationships with individuals at all levels
- Experience in mergers and acquisitions
- Experience in designing and implementing HR processes, policies and programs
- A data-driven mindset, with the capability to analyze metrics to inform decisions
- A creative approach to problem solving
- Adaptability to changing priorities and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Perks and benefits:
- The opportunity to join a mission-focused company
- People – the best part of Zest
- Robust medical, dental and vision insurance plans
- Annual bonus plan participation
- 401(k) with generous match
- Employee Awards and Recognition
- 11 company holidays
- Winter break (office closed between Christmas and New Year's Day)
- Unlimited vacation time
- Employee Resource Groups
- Generous family leave policy (12 week maternity leave / 6 week paternity leave)
- Phone, internet, wellness, and professional development allowances
- Employee gatherings, including Town Hall meetings
Additionally, Zestys based locally and around our Burbank HQ enjoy:
- Beautiful, modern, dog-friendly office with lounge areas, video games, and gigantic jigsaw puzzles
- Daily catered lunches from LA’s best restaurants and a fully stocked kitchen
- Complimentary manicures, pedicures, and mindfulness sessions
- Company happy hours, social events, outings, and much more!
About Zest AI:
Creating a diverse and inclusive culture where all are welcomed, valued, and empowered to achieve our full potential is important to who we are and where we’re headed in the future. We know that unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives help us think bigger, spark innovation, and succeed together. Zest is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages professionals from underrepresented groups in technology and financial services to apply.
Our core values are Communication, Collaboration, Bias for Action, Client-centricity, and Heart. Learn more at Zest.ai, follow us on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/zest-ai/) or Twitter @Zest_AI, or check out our Insights blog (https://www.zest.ai/cms/insights
