HR Operations Specialist

ROBERT W. BAIRD & CO. INCORPORATED; Milwaukee (WI); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

ROBERT W. BAIRD & CO.

INCORPORATED in Milwaukee, WI is seeking an HR Operations Specialist to serve as the first point of contact for associates seeking HR services, policies, and procedures, using our case management system and phone. The role supports HR subject matter experts by maintaining data integrity, testing system changes, managing HRIS tables, generating reports, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives and HRIS upgrades.

Qualifications

• 1+ year in HR, customer service, or related field, preferably in an HR service center.
• Experience with HRIS systems (Workday) and MS Office.
• Strong communication, confidentiality, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the first point of contact for associates seeking HR support via case management and phone.
• Escalate unresolved issues to the appropriate HR team member and ensure timely follow-up.
• Document all inquiries and resolutions in the case management system and maintain data integrity.
• Assist with onboarding for new hires and rehires, including paperwork and coordination.
• Support HRIS upgrades and generate reports to aid continuous improvement.

Skills

Workday

Microsoft Office

Customer service

HR systems

Data integrity

Job description

About the Role

As a Human Resources (HR) Operations Specialist, you’ll be the first point of contact for associates seeking support with HR services, policies, and procedures—via our case management system and phone. You’ll handle a wide range of inquiries, resolve issues efficiently, and collaborate with HR teams on more complex matters. This role also supports HR subject matter experts by maintaining data integrity, testing system changes, managing system tables, generating reports, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives and HRIS upgrades.

This position is based in our Milwaukee, WI office and offers a hybrid work schedule: in-office Tuesday through Thursday, with remote work on Monday and Friday.

The Impact You’ll Make

• Provide exceptional service by responding to associate inquiries promptly and accurately, in line with team SLA guidelines
• Escalate unresolved issues to the appropriate HR team member and ensure timely follow-up
• Document all inquiries and resolutions in the case management system
• Empower associates and managers by educating them on self-service tools like Workday
• Initiate, review, and approve daily Workday transactions
• Draft and execute HR-related agreements (eg, termination letters)
• Process invoices and prepare payment memos
• Complete forms, maintain records, and submit reports to ensure compliance with government and industry standards
• Support onboarding for new hires and rehires, including paperwork, pre-employment screenings, and administrative coordination

What You’ll Bring to Baird

• Strong client service orientation with a commitment to confidentiality and professionalism
• At least 1 year of experience in Human Resources, Customer Service, or a related field, ideally within an HR Service Center
• Proficiency in HR systems (preferably Workday) and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with a sharp eye for detail and accuracy
• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Collaborative spirit and ability to work effectively across teams, demonstrating strong teamwork and leadership potential