Principal Human Resources Business Partner

IAT Insurance Group; Rolling Meadows (IL); Hybrid; USD 97,880 - 213,030; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 PTO Days + 12 Company Holidays

7% 401(k) Company Match

Numerous training and development opportunities

Healthcare and Wellness Programs

College Loan Assistance Support Plan

Mentorship Program

Job summary

A premier insurance firm is seeking a Principal HR Business Partner for its Rolling Meadows, Illinois office. This strategic role involves partnering with executives to drive people-focused business strategies, enhance leader capabilities, and streamline HR processes. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Human Resources and extensive experience in HR strategy. Offering competitive salary range and a hybrid work option, this position provides numerous employee benefits to foster growth and retention.

Qualifications

• 5-15 years of strategic HR expertise required.
• Experience influencing leader behavior changes is a plus.
• Authorization to work in the United States is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders.
• Drive an end-to-end talent strategy.
• Champion an inclusive and equitable workplace.
• Support adoption of new practices and address resistance.

Skills

Consultation with executive-level leaders

Advanced understanding of core HR disciplines

Strong business acumen

Change leadership

Credibility as a trusted advisor

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Professional HR certification (preferred)

Job description

IAT Insurance Group has an immediate opening for Principal HR Business Partner from our Alpharetta, Georgia, Raleigh, North Carolina, Scottsdale, Arizona, Cheshire, Connecticut, Naperville, Illinois or the Rolling Meadows, Illinois location. This role will actively partner with business unit executives to help drive strategy from a people perspective. Success in this role is measured by improved leader capability, stronger talent outcomes, simplified HR experiences, and proactive partnership that enables business success. This role works a hybrid schedule that requires working from the office Monday through Wednesday, with the option of working Thursday and Friday remotely.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders; provide counsel on organizational health, team effectiveness, and people risks while balancing business needs and employee support in alignment with IAT culture.
• Partner with leaders to translate business objectives into integrated people plans (workforce planning, org design, talent, engagement, and capability building).
• Build strong business acumen (industry dynamics, profit levers, competitive strengths) to ensure HR recommendations are grounded in the realities of the business.
• Champion an inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and all employees can do their best work.
• Use data and insights to diagnose issues, track progress, and guide decisions (e.g., talent outcomes, performance trends, leader effectiveness, organizational health indicators).
• Drive an end-to-end talent approach (selection, onboarding, development, performance, retention, and succession) to strengthen our talent bench and reduce critical talent risk.
• Coach leaders on leadership expectations, feedback, performance management, and development—ensuring consistent standards and high-quality people decisions.
• Use a proactive, future-focused approach to talent—supporting career development, succession planning, and identifying talent pipelines where applicable.
• Identify opportunities to simplify people processes, reduce friction, and improve the employee/manager experience—leveraging people, process, and technology improvements
• Partner with HR Operations/HRIS and COEs to transition non-strategic work to the right channel, minimizing administrative burden and enabling HRBPs to focus on business outcomes
• Support adoption of new practices and operating model expectations, anticipating stakeholder change impacts and addressing resistance with data, clarity, and influence.
• Provide expert guidance on employee relations, investigations, and performance issues; ensure fair, consistent application of policies and practices while monitoring legal/compliance implications.
• Assess organizational and people risks and recommend best approaches based on risk assessment and business context.

Qualifications

Must-Have

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to consult with executive-level leaders to identify, develop, and deploy HR strategies that support business needs.
• Demonstratable ability to help drive business strategy from a people perspective.
• Advanced understanding of core HR disciplines (performance and development, retention, compensation/benefits, employee relations, salary administration, organizational effectiveness).
• Strong business acumen—understands organizational strategy, industry dynamics, and how the business creates value.
• Strong change leadership and ability to simplify complex processes into manageable, scalable solutions delivered with quality
• High credibility as a trusted advisor; balances business partnership and employee advocacy consistent with IAT culture and values.
• To qualify, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and must not require VISA sponsorship, now or in the future, for employment purposes.

Preferred To Have

• Master’s degree (e.g., Human Resources, Business, Organizational Leadership, or similar).
• Professional HR certification, such as SHRM‑SCP, SPHR, or equivalent, demonstrating advanced HR knowledge and strategic business partnership capability.
• Fifteen years of relevant, strategic HR expertise.
• Ongoing professional development expected to stay current on employment law, HR best practices, and industry trends.
• Experience operating in a modern HR model (HRBP/COE/Operations) with demonstrated success shifting work from transactional to strategic through process, technology, and shared services.
• Experience influencing leader behavior changes (coaching, performance management, talent reviews, org effectiveness interventions).

Compensation

Please note, that the annual [gross salary range (hourly rate)] associated with this posting is $97,880 – $213,030. This range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base salary for this position. Actual salaries will vary based on factors such as a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, and geographical location related to this specific role. The total compensation will include a base salary, performance-based bonus opportunities, 401(K) match, profit-sharing opportunities, and more.

To view details of our full benefits, please visit https://www.iatinsurancegroup.com/careers/benefits

IAT Insurance Group is the largest private, family-owned property and casualty insurer in the U.S. Isurance Answers Together® is how we define IAT, in letter and in spirit. We work together to provide solutions for people and businesses. We collaborate internally and with our partners to provide the best possible insurance and surety options for our customers.

At IAT, we’re committed to driving and building an open and supportive culture for all. Our employees propel IAT forward – driving innovation, stable partnerships and growth. That’s why we continue to build an engaging workplace culture to attract and retain the best talent.

Benefits

• 26 PTO Days (Entry Level) + 12 Company Holidays = 38 Paid Days Off
• 7% 401(k) Company Match and additional Profit Sharing
• Hybrid work environment
• Numerous training and development opportunities to assist you in furthering your career
• Healthcare and Wellness Programs
• Opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses
• College Loan Assistance Support Plan
• Educational Assistance Program
• Mentorship Program
• Dress for Your Day Policy

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. We maintain a drug-free workplace and participate in E-Verify.