Human Resources Manager

Milwaukee County; Milwaukee, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 94,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

Milwaukee County in Wisconsin is seeking a Human Resources Manager to provide strategic HR leadership for a team of HR Business Partners and Employee Relations Assistants, supporting Milwaukee County’s Vision of Racial Equity. As a consultant and partner, you will coach managers, address complex employee relations matters, and collaborate with the Office of Corporation Counsel on legal issues.

The role emphasizes workforce planning, policy rollout, and cross-department collaboration on

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, business administration, or related field.
• 5+ years in Employee Relations or HR with 5+ years supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of HR policies, Civil Service rules, and labor laws.

Responsibilities

• Manage, direct and provide guidance to members of the ER team.
• Collaborate with leadership to align HR policies with organizational goals.
• Investigate employee concerns and recommend resolutions.
• Support leave requests, performance management, and coaching for managers.
• Lead county-wide HR projects and oversee grievance procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Employee Relations

HR Policies

Civil Service Rules

Labor Laws

Communication

Problem-solving

Public Sector Experience

Interviewing / Onboarding

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

Posted Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 6:00 AM | Expires Friday, September 4, 2026 at 5:59 AM

Interested in joining Milwaukee County? Milwaukee County is searching for authentic people who are out to change the game and bring their whole selves to work every day.

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support, Combined Court Operations, Sheriff's Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors and those with Disabilities in Aging and Disability Services, and Veterans in Veterans Services. Our employees also remain committed to serving the cultural, human, recreational, and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.If disability related accommodations are needed, please email [e-mail]. For submitted application inquiries please [e-mail] . Please note:an online application must be submitted for consideration.

We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!

Closing Date: September 3rd, 2026, or upon receipt of the first 50 applications

Human Resources Manager

Salary Range: $94,432 - $141,648

Job Summary: U nder the direction of the Employee Relations Director, the Human Resources Manager (HRM) provides strategic HR leadership and guidance to a team of HR Business Partners (HRBPs) and Employee Relations Assistants (ERAs), supporting Milwaukee County’s Vision of Racial Equity. As a consultant and strategic partner, the HRM collaborates closely with the Employee Relations and Department of Human Resources (DHR) leadership teams.

The HRM provides critical support to people managers in areas such as coaching, performance management, employee conduct, and corrective action. The HRM is a key decision-maker in addressing and escalating complex and sensitive employee relations issues, including investigating workplace complaints, and recommending corrective actions. In collaboration with the Office of Corporation Counsel (OCC), the HRM prepares case files for review by the Personnel Review Board (PRB).

Additionally, the HRM supports organizational initiatives, including workforce planning and restructuring. The HRM may lead key County-wide projects, developing timelines, facilitating workgroups, and reporting on progress and outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Managing and Providing Guidance to members of the HR Team

• Manage, direct and provide guidance to members of the ER team.
• Provide leadership, guidance, support, and consultation to HRBPs and ERAs on day-to-day employee relations matters.
• Set team goals, measure performance, provide coaching, and address performance concerns through corrective actions.
• Serve as a key decision-maker in hiring, selecting, and onboarding new ER team members.

2. Consultant and Strategic Partner to Employee Relations and DHR Leadership

• Collaborate with leadership to ensure that HR policies, procedures, and practices are aligned with the needs and goals of Milwaukee County.
• Offer strategic advice and guidance on the overall management of HR functions within the County.

3. Employee Relations Leadership Consulting

• Provide guidance to people managers on coaching, employee development, engagement, retention, and performance management.
• Educate managers on the application of policies, County Ordinances, and Civil Service Rules.
• Support managers in developing departmental procedures and work rules while ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Facilitate the rollout of new policies and procedures, partnering with learning and development teams for training initiatives.

4. Complaints and Investigations

• Serve as the decision-maker for complex and visible employee relations issues, escalating to Employee Relations Director as appropriate.
• Investigate employee concerns, document findings, analyze information, and recommend resolutions.
• Work with leadership to implement appropriate actions and partner with the Office of Corporation Counsel (OCC) on legal matters, including Equal Rights Division (ERD) and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaints.

5. HR Service Support

• Provide day-to-day HR service support, answering employee and leadership questions.
• Represent Milwaukee County at Unemployment Compensation Hearings and assist leaders with defending claims.
• Support employees and managers with leave requests, work restrictions, and other HR-related matters.

6. Organizational Structure Support

• Support the selection, hiring, and workforce planning processes.
• Assist with reviewing interview questions and scorecards, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Collaborate with department leaders, other divisions within DHR, and external consultants on organizational changes and development initiatives.

7. Participate or Lead County-wide DHR Projects

• Collaborate on cross-departmental projects and initiatives impacting the County.
• Serve as the lead on key projects, developing timelines, project plans, facilitating workgroups, and reporting results.

8. Grievances and Labor Relations

• Facilitate grievance procedures for non-represented employees and act as a liaison with union representatives.
• Ensure proper resolution of grievances and compliance with relevant labor agreements.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Employee Relations or Human Resources, including 5+ years supervisory or leadership experience.
• In-depth knowledge of HR policies, Civil Service rules, and labor laws.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to handle complex and sensitive employee relations issues with discretion and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications:

• SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP and/or PHR/SPHR certification.
• Experience working in a public sector or government HR environment.
• Experience working with public safety and/or transportation in the public sector is ideal.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks that involve typing and data entry.
• Occasional travel to different County locations as required.
• Primarily office-based/hybrid work environment based on departmental needs.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment.

NOTE: This ORIGINAL APPLICATIONis open to qualified residents of the State of Wisconsin at the time of application.Candidates need to submit a full account of their training and experience (i.e., by submitting an up-to-date resume or by fully completing the application) during the application process and may also be asked to take additional written or performance tests as part of the selection process.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.