Human Resources Manager

Polk County (WI); Town of Balsam Lake (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Polk County (WI) seeks an experienced Human Resources Manager to lead HR programs across the organization. You will advise managers, supervise HR staff, and ensure consistent policy application, while focusing on employee relations, performance management, recruitment, onboarding, and development.

This role requires a Bachelor’s in HR, 5+ years in HR, and strong knowledge of HR practices with preference for public sector experience and relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or closely related field
• Five (5) years’ work experience in a directly related professional capacity
• Demonstrated knowledge of human resources best practices and principles
• Experience with HR metrics and compliance practices (federal, state, local)

Responsibilities

• Lead HR programs including employee relations, performance management, recruitment, onboarding and development.
• Supervise HR staff and ensure consistent application of HR policies and practices.
• Partner with leadership to establish HR priorities and oversee budget and initiatives.
• Monitor compliance with employment requirements and coordinate with vendors for benefits and compensation.

Skills

People management

Employee relations

Performance management

Recruitment

Policy interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in HR

5+ years HR experience

Public sector HR knowledge

Master’s Degree

HR certifications (SHRM/HCRI/PSHRA)

Job description

Reporting to the General Government Director, The Human Resources Manager is responsible for leading and managing key human resources programs and services that support the organization’s workforce and strategic priorities. This position serves as a trusted advisor to managers and organizational leaders and provides leadership in employee relations, performance management, recruitment, employee development, HR compliance, benefits, HR operations, and other assigned HR programs.

The HR Manager works independently; exercises sound judgment, manages complex and sensitive employee matters, and translates organizational needs into effective HR practices. The position supervises HR staff and is responsible for establishing priorities, ensuring consistent application of HR policies and practices, and continuously improving HR services.

Qualified candidates will have demonstrated knowledge and experience in at least three of the seven areas listed below.

HR Leadership & Management

• Manage assigned areas of the Human Resources function.
• Supervise, coach, and develop HR staff.
• Ensure HR services are delivered consistently, efficiently, and with a high level of customer service.
• Partner with the General Government Director and organizational leadership to establish HR priorities and initiatives.
• Manage the HR budget under the direction of the General Government Director.
• Represent Human Resources on organizational committees, projects, and initiatives as assigned.

Performance Management

• Advise and coach managers regarding effective performance expectations, feedback, documentation, and accountability.
• Monitor completion and effectiveness of performance management activities.
• Identify organizational trends and recommend improvements to the performance management approach.

Recruitment & Talent Acquisition

• Ensure recruitment processes are fair, consistent, efficient, and compliant with applicable requirements.
• Monitor recruitment activity, staffing trends, and key metrics.
• Support workforce planning and organizational staffing initiatives.

Employee Onboarding & Engagement

• Oversee recruitment, selection, onboarding, orientation, and retention initiatives to attract and retain qualified employees.
• Support employee engagement initiatives and organizational culture efforts.
• Support retention initiatives and identify opportunities to improve the employee experience.

Training & Employee Development

• Identify organizational and leadership development needs.
• Oversee employee and manager training programs.
• Develop or facilitate training related to HR policies, performance management, workplace conduct, leadership, and other organizational priorities.

HR Policy & Compliance

• Interpret and apply HR policies and procedures and provide guidance to managers and employees.
• Develop, revise, and implement HR policies and procedures in partnership with the General Government Director and organizational leadership.
• Monitor compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment requirements.

Compensation and Benefits

• Administer the County’s classification and compensation program.
• Conduct market analyses and recommend compensation adjustments.
• Oversee employee benefits programs in coordination with vendors and brokers.
• Evaluate benefit plan performance and recommend improvements.
• Partner with the General Government Director on compensation strategy and significant compensation issues.

HR Data, Reporting and Analytics

• Monitor trends in turnover, recruitment, absenteeism, employee relations, performance, and other workforce measures.
• Translate HR data into meaningful insights and recommendations.
• Prepare reports and presentations for HR leadership and organizational leaders.

To perform this job successfully, individuals should be able to meet all essential requirements:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or closely related field
• Five (5) years’ work experience in a directly related professional capacity
• Demonstrated knowledge of human resources best practices and principles

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Human Resources, Management, Business Administration, or closely related field
• Demonstrated knowledge of public sector human resources practices and principles
• SHRM, HCRI, or PSHRA certification

Work Environment

• Takes place in standard office setting with a moderate noise level
• Utilizes office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers.
• Position may require occasional travel to other County facilities, training sites, or community locations.
• Duties may require occasional evening or weekend hours to meet business needs.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform the physical demands of the position, including frequent sitting, walking, standing, and manual tasks; occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds; and maintaining required vision abilities.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

ADA Statement (Reasonable Accommodations)

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact [e-mail].