How HR Business Partners Empower Colleagues and the BMS Patient Mission

A fascinating option among the myriad of available Human Resource positions at Bristol Myers Squibb is that of the HR Business Partner. It’s both a strategic and collaborative position with a focus on empowering people and the business in a joint mission with the end goal of serving patients and transforming their lives through science.

Varshini Iyer and Brian Pauta came to BMS via different paths to find a seat at the table as thought partners in senior leader facing roles. As HR Business Partners, they leverage business strategies, people strategies and insights to deliver innovative organizational and talent solutions within our CAR T Cell Therapy and Global Business Operations respectively.

After earning a degree in industrial and organizational psychology, Brian began his career as an HR specialist for various large corporations, steadily taking on more responsibilities as his career grew. He joined BMS as an HRBP supporting cardiovascular development, an experience that became a personal and professional milestone.

BMS was in the process of acquiring a small but notable biopharma company that specialized in a particular cardiovascular drug. Brian was the HRBP who helped the company with the transition, retaining nearly 100% of the talent. Just as he was moving from supporting cardiovascular to supporting Enabling Functions, he learned that the drug had just gotten FDA approval. “I saw it from the beginning all the way through to product launch, so I saw the fruits of my labor.”

Brian thinks the culture at BMS is what inspires his colleagues to build fulfilling careers here, even if they’re not directly involved in patient outcomes. “It’s always about how patient-centric the company is. I’m not specifically on the line making these drugs or finding these molecules, but I am supporting the leaders who will ultimately help our patients. It’s a big part of who we are.”

Varshini’s commitment doesn’t end with new hires but extends to coming up with strategies to retain and engage coworkers.

“I believe that the best way to empower people is to give them the space and to let them be. In that regard BMS is really open. We make sure we’re driving a culture of continuous learning and growth, and helping employees accelerate and achieve their aspirations. Basically, to support a work environment where everybody feels welcomed, valued and part of something greater — this larger mission of what BMS is trying to do for patients.”

For Brian, embracing inclusion and diversity is essential to a thriving work environment that strives to transform lives. It’s a balance between finding a diverse mix of talent as well as knowing how best to enable them to succeed. “Diversity is having the right spices in your kitchen cabinet, but inclusion is knowing how to use those spices to make an awesome meal.”

Empowering People to Make a Difference

Human resource management at BMS represents a unique type of meaningful and interesting work that offers its own opportunities for personal and professional growth. Driven by our mission to transform the lives of patients, colleagues like Brian and Varshini represent what’s best about those who choose to work here. Explore career possibilities in HR at BMS today.