Human Resources Business Partner

HNI Corporation; Muscatine (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits starting from Day 1

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

HNI Corporation in Muscatine, IA seeks a Human Resource Business Partner to join their team. This hybrid role involves supporting the sales team and requires strong HR expertise.

The ideal candidate should have 8-10 years of experience in employee relations and performance management. Strong business acumen and the ability to act with urgency are essential. HNI offers benefits starting from day one, highlighting their commitment to employee welfare.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of progressive HR experience including employee relations.
• Experience in performance management and employment law.
• Ability to handle complex HR issues independently.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary HR contact for assigned business units.
• Advise leaders on employee relations issues and performance concerns.
• Partner with leaders to execute performance management processes.

Skills

Employee relations

Performance management

Workforce planning

Compensation administration

Organizational effectiveness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Tools

HRIS

Talent management systems

Job description

HNI Corporation is a global family of brands for the workplace and home dedicated to enhancing the spaces where we live, work, and gather. Wepride ourselves on fostering an environment where we make a positive impact on others; upholding our beliefs in integrity, inclusion and belonging.

We are looking for a Human Resource Business Partner to join our team in Muscatine, IA. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced human resources professional looking to transition from purely transactional support to subject matter leadership and business partnership.

Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Human Resources (Workplace Furnishings) and partnering with Business Unit Leadership, the HR Business Partner provides HR support for the sales and corporate teams. This hybrid position will work onsite at our Muscatine, IA office four days per week (M‑Th) and remotely on Fridays. Candidates seeking a fully‑remote work arrangement or who cannot meet the onsite requirement for this position will not be considered.

The Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) serves as a trusted advisor and subject matter expert to business leaders and employees, providing strategic and operational human resources support. This role partners closely with leaders to address employee relations matters, performance management, workforce planning, compensation administration, leave management, talent development, and organizational effectiveness initiatives.

The HRBP serves as a primary resource for complex human resources issues, ensuring compliance with employment laws and company policies while supporting business objectives. This position requires strong business acumen, sound judgment, and the ability to act with urgency and confidence in a fast‑paced environment. Because the HRBP will primarily support sales teams and their associated corporate functions, prior experience supporting commission‑based or sales‑driven workforces is preferred.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Human Resources Partnership & Employee Relations

• Serve as the primary HR contact for assigned business units, providing guidance and consultation to leaders and employees on a broad range of human resources matters.
• Advise leaders on employee relations issues, performance concerns, corrective actions, investigations, and policy interpretation.
• Conduct and document workplace investigations and recommend appropriate resolutions.
• Coach managers on HR principles, employee engagement, conflict resolution, team effectiveness, and leadership best practices.

Performance Management & Talent Development

• Partner with leaders to execute performance management processes, including goal setting, performance reviews, coaching, development planning, and corrective action.
• Support succession planning and talent assessment activities.
• Assist managers in addressing performance challenges with timely and legally compliant action plans.

Leave Management & Employment Compliance

• Serve as a subject matter expert on federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Provide guidance and support regarding Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations, workers' compensation coordination, and other leave‑related programs.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external providers to ensure consistent and compliant administration of leave and accommodation processes.

Compensation & Workforce Planning

• Advise leaders on compensation programs, salary administration, market competitiveness, and internal equity considerations.
• Support annual compensation planning activities, including merit increases, incentive programs, and organizational changes.
• Partner with business leaders to evaluate workforce needs, organizational structure, and staffing strategies.

HR Systems & Process Expertise

• Serve as a process and systems subject matter expert for HR technology platforms, including HRIS, timekeeping, talent management, and performance management systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes, reporting capabilities, data integrity, and user experience.
• Train leaders and employees on HR systems and related processes.

Business Partnership & Organizational Support

• Participate in business meetings to understand operational priorities and workforce implications.
• Utilize HR metrics and workforce data to identify trends, recommend actions, and support business decision‑making.
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition, Compensation, Payroll, Benefits, Learning & Development, and other HR functions to deliver integrated solutions.
• Support organizational changes, restructuring initiatives, and change management efforts as needed.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
• 8‑10 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including employee relations, performance management, employment law, and leave administration.
• Demonstrated experience independently handling complex employee relations matters and advising business leaders.
• Experience interpreting and applying employment laws and HR policies.
• Experience working with HRIS and talent management systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting sales organizations or commission‑based workforces.
• Experience with sales compensation, incentive plans, territory structures, and performance management within a sales environment.
• Professional certification such as SHRM‑CP, SHRM‑SCP, PHR, or SPHR.
• Experience with ADP, Kronos (UKG), Cornerstone, or similar enterprise HR platforms.
• Experience supporting multi‑state employee populations.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of employment law, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, EEO, and related regulations.
• Strong knowledge of employee relations, performance management, and workplace investigations.
• Ability to analyze workforce data using advanced skills in tools such as Excel to provide actionable recommendations.
• Strong business acumen and understanding of organizational operations.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and ability to manage sensitive and confidential information.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills.
• Ability to build credibility with leaders at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize competing demands and respond with a high sense of urgency.

We look forward to hearing from you!

HNI Corporation (NYSE: HNI) is a manufacturer of workplace furnishings and building products, operating under two segments. The workplace furnishings segment is a leading global designer and provider of commercial furnishings, going to market under multiple unique brands. The residential building products segment is the nation's leading manufacturer and marketer of hearth products. We offer benefits starting from Day 1. To learn more, visit www.HNIbenefits.com. Company is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.