Human Resources Manager (hybrid)

Merchant & Gould Pc; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus plan

Health insurance

401(k) match

Paid holidays

Job summary

Merchant & Gould Pc is seeking an HR Generalist to lead the full HR function in our downtown Minneapolis office. The role requires hands‑on experience with compensation, benefits, policy development and employee relations, while driving an innovative and rigorous process culture.

You will collaborate with HR professionals on performance management, recruitment, training, and compliance initiatives, with a focus on operational excellence for a professional services firm.

Qualifications

• Degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations or similar is highly desirable.
• Prior experience in a law firm or professional services environment is highly desirable.
• Prior experience using UKG Ready is a plus.
• Exemplary interpersonal skills that build respect, trust, confidence and credibility.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of HR, including compensation, benefits, policy development and administration.
• Advise and coach on performance management, employee relations and recognition programs.
• Administer benefits programs, 401(k) and leaves of absence, and HRIS management.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding and staffing, coordinating with managers and staff.
• Ensure compliance with local, state and federal posting requirements and policies.
• Develop and implement training, orientation and development initiatives.
• Manage HR budget and supervise HR Generalist, HRIS Specialist and staff.

Skills

HR knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Supervisory skills

UKG Ready

Education

Degree in HR or Industrial Relations

Tools

UKG Ready

Job description

Join the Human Resources department of a fast‑paced downtown Minneapolis law firm. We have an opportunity for an individual who enjoys working in a professional, team environment. The salary range for the position is $100,000 - $135,000, based on years of experience.

Summary of Position

This position has primary responsibility for all aspects of the Human Resources function, including compensation and benefits, policy development and administration, employee relations, performance management, staffing, training and development, recruiting, compliance, and personnel records management. The HR Generalist, HRIS Specialist and legal support managers are overseen. Successful candidates will nurture our innovative and collaborative culture while bringing rigor and creativity to our internal processes and people management.

Responsibilities

Performance Management

• Manage the annual and mid‑year performance evaluation process.
• Advise, coach, and participate in complex performance matters as requested.
• Oversee managers in defining the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for various positions and maintaining job descriptions.
• Develop, communicate and monitor performance improvement plans.

Employee Relations & Recognition

• Promote positive employee engagement and satisfaction across all levels of the firm, through open communication, feedback and recognition programs.
• Develop and maintain employee recognition programming.
• Administer years of service program.
• Provide open‑door accessibility to all personnel for employee relations issues and coach managers and Practice Group leaders on employee relations issues as appropriate.
• Conduct investigations, work with employment counsel and execute remedies.

Benefits

• Oversee and administer total rewards benefits platform.
• Work with HR Generalist to execute all aspects of employee benefit programs and changes as required, including daily administration of enrollments, terminations, changes, resources and materials, funding and invoice management.
• Manage benefits‑related communication, education and advocacy for all employees.
• Periodically review plan use and industry trends with insurance brokers/providers to ensure effective utilization and competitiveness of plans. Make recommendations to leadership as appropriate.
• Manage 401(k) plan and required compliance.
• Facilitate and manage leaves of absence and other time‑off benefits.
• Oversee third‑party administration of firm benefit plans.
• Oversee HRIS Specialist in management of all benefits and onboarding set‑up within UKG to facilitate smooth enrollment processes and accurate payment of employees.

Compensation

• Recommend and contribute to overall compensation program design.
• Determine starting salaries, perform market pricing, range and title evaluations for individual positions as required.
• Complete industry salary surveys.
• Administer the annual merit increase process for support staff.

Recruitment

• Work closely with the HR Generalist to direct the recruitment and selection of a high‑performing workforce.
• Consult with hiring managers to identify current and explore future workforce needs and translate into job specifications.
• Facilitate the selection process and provide training in recruitment techniques. Conduct or supervise the HR staff in conducting screenings, references, background checks, job offers and other logistical tasks associated with recruitment.

Records & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all local, state and federal law postings and procedures.
• Update and maintain the Employee Handbook: Policies and Procedures.
• Manage and support state unemployment accounts and claims.
• Develop new policies and provide enforcement and interpretation as needed.
• Ensure the confidential maintenance of all personnel and benefit records.
• Act as the gatekeeper for release of employee information.
• Develop and provide accountability for ongoing documentation of HR internal processes.
• Facilitate administration of sensitivity and non‑discrimination training.

Training & Development

• Provide overall guidance and recommend resources to ensure adequate training for staff in the skills they need to perform their jobs. Identify skill gaps and training opportunities.
• Develop and implement orientation program for new employees to ensure employees gain an understanding of benefit plans, enrollment provisions and firm policies and procedures.

General

• Identify and implement improvements to the various systems and processes that provide infrastructure to the HR function.
• Maintain and oversee the HR budget.
• Supervise HR Generalist, HRIS Specialist, Legal Assistant Support Managers, Legal Assistant staff.
• Provide support and guidance to administrative managers and directors in overseeing their teams.
• Serve on firm DEIB initiatives in support of policy, compliance and adoption.
• Oversee the arrangement of all internal firm social events.
• Maintain active participation in professional associations, industry groups to ensure continuing education. Manage consultant and vendor relations for a variety of HR functions.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required by the nature of this position.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Solid base of knowledge and understanding of the human resources field and concepts as well as related administrative practices.
• Degree in Human Resources Management, Industrial Relations or similar is highly desirable.
• Prior experience in a law firm or professional services environment is highly desirable.
• Prior experience using UKG Ready is a plus.
• Exemplary interpersonal skills that build respect, trust, confidence and credibility.
• Strong organizational, planning and time‑management skills.
• Effective communication skills including writing, listening, and speaking.
• Management and supervisory skills.

Working Conditions

• Requires periodic travel to Merchant & Gould’s offices.
• Requires sitting and computer‑related activities for extended periods of time.
• Requires occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs.

Benefits

We are equally committed to providing competitive, affordable health and wellness benefits to help take care of yourself and your family, including a competitive salary with a bonus plan, a comprehensive benefits package that includes employee medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, 401(k) match, parenting leave, and ten firm holidays.

Merchant & Gould provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We welcome candidates with disabilities. If you need any accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Department at [e-mail] or 1-612-332-5300.