HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

Knife River Corporation; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an HR Manager to lead their Oregon and Washington operations. This role involves developing HR strategies that align with business goals, fostering a People-First culture, and ensuring compliance with employment laws. The successful candidate will oversee talent acquisition, employee relations, and organizational development, while promoting a safety-first environment. Join a company that values its team members and is committed to building strong communities through effective HR practices and innovative solutions. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact in a growing organization.

Benefits

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

401K with Company Match

Profit Sharing

Paid Time Off

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Safety Incentives

Years of Service Recognition

Bonus Program

Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive HR experience with 3+ years in leadership.
• Strong knowledge of HR compliance and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR functions aligned with strategic initiatives.
• Champion a People-First culture and drive engagement.

Skills

HR Best Practices

Employee Relations

Conflict Resolution

Performance Management

Leadership Skills

Communication Skills

Compliance Regulations

Organizational Change

Education

Bachelor's Degree in HR or Business

Master's Degree in HR or Business

Tools

HRIS (e.g., UKG)

ERP Systems (e.g., JD Edwards)

SmartSheets

Job description

Job Summary:

Ready for a challenging, fast-paced career where you are literally laying the groundwork that builds communities? Knife River is a construction materials & contracting company that believes in building things that last, and you can be a big part of our future.

Knife River is a PEOPLE-First company. Our team members are key to our success, and we are committed to providing the tools, training, and time for them to do their jobs safely and effectively. We believe in building strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. Join our growing team today!

Position Overview:

As the Human Resources (HR) Manager for Knife River's Oregon and Washington operations, you will lead a team of HR professionals overseeing daily HR functions that support strategic initiatives aligned with our EDGE objectives. You will develop and implement HR strategies in talent acquisition and retention, compensation, benefits, workforce development, team member relations, compliance, and culture transformation. You will champion a People-First culture, ensuring HR programs drive engagement, operational excellence, and business success. Additionally, you will serve as a regional representative on company committees, working groups, and industry organizations, aligning regional and corporate HR priorities.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Seven or more years of progressive HR experience, including at least three years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of HR best practices, employment law, and compliance regulations.
• Proven leadership skills with experience managing and developing teams, delegating tasks, and driving results.
• Expertise in employee relations, conflict resolution, performance management, and policy administration.
• Experience leading organizational change initiatives and culture transformation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.
• Ability to travel as needed, including overnight stays; a valid driver’s license is required.
• Must be located in Portland, Bend, or our Tangent office.

Preferred Requirements:

• Master's degree in human resources, business administration, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Professional HR certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR, SHRM-SCP, SPHR).
• Ten or more years of progressive HR experience, including at least five years in a leadership role.
• Experience in a unionized construction materials supply industry environment with a Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., JD Edwards), HRIS (e.g., UKG), or other HR systems.
• Proficiency in HRIS and HR data analysis for decision-making.
• Experience with SmartSheets.
• Experience developing or implementing employee engagement strategies, training programs, and surveys.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, with effective communication skills for diverse workforces.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Champion Safety and Compliance: Lead by example in promoting a safety-first culture, supporting safety initiatives, and ensuring HR programs align with safety objectives.
2. Drive a People-First Culture: Promote Knife River's Core Values—People, Safety, Quality, and Environment—fostering a workplace that prioritizes engagement, well-being, and performance.
3. Ensure HR Compliance & Labor Relations Excellence: Oversee policies, compliance, and labor relations, ensuring adherence to employment laws and mitigating risks.
4. Lead Strategic Labor & Workforce Planning: Collaborate with leadership to develop HR and talent strategies that support the team member lifecycle and align with business goals.
5. Provide Expert HR Guidance: Act as a strategic advisor on complex HR matters, ensuring legal compliance and ethical decision-making.
6. Foster Culture & Organizational Development: Assess and improve company culture, lead learning initiatives, and increase engagement.
7. Support Mergers, Acquisitions, & Integration: Lead due diligence and integration efforts for acquisitions and expansions.
8. Implement HR Best Practices & Metrics: Establish KPIs, lead process improvements, and adopt industry best practices.
9. Partner with Operations: Align HR initiatives with operational goals and workforce demands.
10. Lead & Develop HR Teams: Provide leadership and professional development for HR staff.
11. Represent the Company & Industry: Participate in industry committees and stay informed on HR trends.
12. Ensure Agility & Responsiveness: Maintain ability to travel on short notice to support business needs.
13. Perform Additional Duties: Lead special projects to enhance organizational effectiveness.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Bonus Program
• Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401K with Company Match
• Profit Sharing
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Safety Incentives
• Years of Service Recognition

How to Apply:

Complete and submit an employment application at jobs.mdu.com by the posting deadline. If unable to apply online, you may print and send the application to any Knife River NW address or visit one of our locations. Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected categories.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact your state employment agency or call 541-693-5960 to speak with a HR representative.

Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background check.

Veterans:

We support military veterans transitioning to civilian employment. Many military skills are transferable to this HR Manager role, including roles from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, and Navy.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities