Human Resources Manager

Excel InStore; Maple Grove (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Excel InStore is seeking a Human Resources Manager for a full-time, on-site role based in Maple Grove, MN or Fergus Falls, MN. You will partner with ownership to shape people strategy, lead workforce planning, ensure regulatory compliance, and support culture and employee engagement across the organization.

The role combines hands-on HR management with advisory support, aiming to build scalable HR systems that enable growth while protecting the company and its employees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to operate as a trusted advisor to ownership and leadership.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, compliance, and HR best practices.
• High level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Ethical judgment and sound decision-making.
• Strong relationship management and conflict resolution skills.

Responsibilities

• Partner with ownership to provide strategic HR guidance on workforce planning and compensation.
• Lead onboarding processes and maintain compliant new hire experiences; occasional travel.
• Advise leadership on employee relations, risks, and investigations.
• Administer benefits, payroll support, and HR operations with accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and keep postings up to date.
• Develop and communicate HR policies and employee handbook updates.

Skills

Trusted advisor

Employment law

Discretion & confidentiality

Relationship management

Communication skills

Adaptability

HR policies & procedures

HRIS proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Company Description

Excel InStore partners with clients to design and deliver impactful in-store visual merchandising displays and fixtures. The company specializes in navigational signage and innovative retail displays that enhance customer experience and brand presence. By combining custom design, detailed project management, and practical retail insight, Excel InStore helps clients bring their in-store concepts to life. The team focuses on solutions that align with client goals while engaging consumers and strengthening brand loyalty.

Role Description

The Human Resources Manager at Excel InStore is a full-time, on-site role based in Maple Grove, MN OR Fergus Falls, MN. This role serves as a strategic partner to ownership and leadership, providing guidance on people strategy, organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, compliance, and culture. This role balances hands‑on operational HR management with advisory support to ownership in making informed business decisions related to talent, performance, risk, and employee engagement. The HR Manager plays a key role in building scalable HR systems that support business growth while ensuring legal compliance and a positive employee experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Partnership & Leadership Support

• Partner with ownership to provide strategic HR guidance on workforce planning, organizational structure, compensation, performance management, and employee relations.
• Advise leadership on employee‑related risks, compliance exposure, and best practices to support sound decision‑making.
• Analyze HR data and trends (turnover, absenteeism, claims, benefits utilization, employee relations issues) to inform leadership strategy and operational improvements.
• Support the development of HR policies, practices, and infrastructure aligned with business goals and company values.
• Act as a trusted advisor to ownership on sensitive employee matters, terminations, investigations, and complex employment decisions.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Coordinate job postings and recruitment efforts; screen applicants and support the interview and selection process.
• Lead and continuously improve onboarding processes to ensure a positive and compliant new hire experience; occasional travel required.
• Create, review, and maintain job descriptions in alignment with business needs and regulatory requirements.
• Complete reference checks and employment verifications.

Employee Relations, Performance & Culture

• Partner with managers and supervisors on performance management, disciplinary actions, investigations, and terminations.
• Address employee relations matters including harassment complaints, workplace concerns, compensation questions, and benefits inquiries.
• Deliver harassment prevention training for new hires and provide ongoing training for employees.
• Support leadership in fostering a respectful, compliant, and high‑performing workplace culture.
• Guide employees to external support resources and outpatient programs when appropriate.

Compliance, Leave Management & Risk Mitigation

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws; maintain required workplace postings.
• Research and advise on employment law considerations for out‑of‑state employees.
• Administer FMLA and ADA processes including documentation, tracking, approvals, return‑to‑work coordination, and supervisor communication regarding restrictions.
• Represent the company in unemployment claims and related employment matters.
• Report and manage workers’ compensation claims; coordinate with employees, claims handlers, and supervisors regarding restrictions and lost time.
• Support OSHA reporting and year‑end filings in partnership with Safety.

Benefits, Payroll Support & HR Operations

• Administer employee benefits including claims resolution, eligibility, change reporting, COBRA, and employee communication.
• Lead annual open enrollment and coordinate with brokers and third‑party administrators.
• Support benefits renewals and “go-to-market” processes for health insurance.
• Track 401(k) eligibility and coordinate enrollments and vendor meetings.
• Complete annual benefits reporting and compliance requirements.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HRIS data in compliance with legal requirements.
• Support payroll administration including garnishments, deductions, and compliance‑related reporting.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook updates.
• Ensure consistent application of policies and recommend improvements based on operational needs and legal changes.
• Research emerging HR trends, best practices, and regulatory updates; recommend improvements to ownership.
• Maintain ongoing professional development through SHRM and industry engagement.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to operate as a trusted advisor to ownership and leadership
• Strong knowledge of employment law, compliance, and HR best practices
• High level of discretion and confidentiality
• Ethical judgment and sound decision‑making
• Strong relationship management and conflict resolution skills
• Adaptable and comfortable operating in a growing, evolving organization
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with HRIS systems and standard business software

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $80,000–$120,000, based on qualifications, relevant experience, skills, location, and overall fit for the role