Senior HR Generalist

Merchants Bank, Winona, has an opening for Senior Human Resource Generalist.

This position will play a pivotal role in supporting the employee lifecycle and driving initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness, serving as a positive representative of the company’s mission, brand and culture. In addition, this position provides leadership and value-added service in the implementation of initiatives in support of the strategic direction of the organization and Human Resources.  

Primary duties will be to serve as the primary HR partner with the retail department in the areas of recruiting, onboarding, employee relations and engagement, and performance management.  This position will also provide cross-functional support within the HR team. 

Must have a passion for employee engagement and culture-building.  5+ years of experience in recruiting and employee relations required.  An HR degree or relevant experience preferred.  2 years of experience in retail banking desired.  SHRM or HRCI certification a plus.  Must have excellent communication skills, be proficient in Microsoft Office products, and have the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment.

Merchants Bank offers competitive wages and benefits for our full-time employees including health, dental, life, disability and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts, 401(k) and ESOP retirement plans; bonus plan; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; and a variety of voluntary supplemental insurance options. 

Please Apply online at www.merchantsbank.com/careers or in person at Merchants Bank, Winona (102 E 3^rd Street). Questions can be emailed to hr@merchantsbank.com. Merchants Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Recruiting and Onboarding: Manage full-cycle recruitment and onboarding for all roles in retail and other departments as needed. Duties include: draft and update job descriptions, requisition management, post of positions (internal and external), source, select and screen applicants, interview, test, conduct reference and background checks, create offer letters, training agendas and following up with new hires to ensure success and happiness. Execute new hire checklist. Ensure consistent processes, best practices and legal requirements are followed.

• Employee Relations and Engagement: Serve as key recourse to improve work relationships, build morale, increase productivity and retention. Counsel Retail leaders (and others as needed) on employee relations issues, conflict resolution and disciplinary actions. Escalate to the CHRO when appropriate. Conduct effective, thorough, and objective investigations in collaboration with the CHRO. Ensure that thorough documentation is created and maintained. Manage sensitive personnel matters with discretion.

• Performance Management: Review and approve Retail department performance reviews.  Work with Retail leaders to identify issues, patterns, and trends to proactively provide insights to continuously improve performance. Provide day-to-day performance management guidance to leaders (e.g., coaching, counseling, career development, disciplinary actions). Identify skill gaps and coordinate employee development and performance improvement initiatives. Help with identification and management of high-potential employees. 

• Retirements: Meet with retiring employee, prepare letter, communicate and coordinate with manager for final party. 

• Compliance: Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws (ADA, FMLA, FLSA, etc.) Ensure adherence to all Bank policies and procedures, and take action when violations occur. Maintain in-depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of employees, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance. Provide HR policy or procedure guidance and interpretation.

• Special projects and initiatives: Assist with HR projects and other duties as assigned.  Actively cross-train to provide consistency in coverage and service, as well as coverage for HR team members during absences, vacations, and periods of peak workloads. Participate in developing and achieving departmental goals and objectives that align with the strategic plan. Recommend new approaches, policies, and procedures to effect continual improvements in efficiency of department and services performed. 

• Support of Merchants’ core mission, values & stakeholder commitments: Employee will be expected to contribute to a positive working environment through words and actions.  Employee will be expected to take responsibility to ensure that internal and external customers receive outstanding service.  Regular and dependable attendance is an essential function of the job. Employee will be expected to complete compliance and product knowledge assignments as assigned. 

Required experience:
5+ years of recruiting experience 5+ years of employee relations Proficient Microsoft office skills Excellent verbal and written communication skills, analytical and interpersonal skills, demonstrated team / collaboration skills, proven organization and time management skills.  Passion for employee engagement and culture-building. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. High emotional intelligence and discretion in handling confidential matters.

Preferred experience:
2+ years of experience in retail banking A two or four-year degree in Human Resources Management or relevant experience in the HR field SHRM or HRCI certification is a plus Exceptional flexibility, adaptability, and resilience with an ability to thrive in a dynamic environment and embrace change as an opportunity to drive continuous improvement and organizational success.

Physical Working Conditions:
Inside working environment, some noise. Primarily requires sitting at a desk.  Must be willing to travel to other Merchants Bank locations as needed.

Relationship:
            Will have extensive contact with internal and external customer contact and is to conduct self in a manner that will be in step with and enhance the overall values, vision and mission of the Human Resources Department and Merchants Bank. 

Manager, Human Resources - 10013

Description

At Benchmark, we are driven by our purpose: to innovate for a healthier, safer, and better-connected world to create a brighter future. When you join us, you become part of a team passionate about making a meaningful impact across various sectors, including commercial aerospace, defense, advanced computing, next-generation communications, complex industrials, medical, and semiconductor capital equipment. We prioritize career growth, fostering a culture that ensures you reach your full potential. At Benchmark, your work is purpose-driven, enabling you to create a positive impact on the world and make your career truly meaningful. You’ll be part of a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive team that values your ideas and contributions.

Summary:
Leads the employee relations and recruiting duties and ensures that Benchmark maintains compliance with company policies and procedures and federal and state regulations regarding employment.

Responsibilities:
• Administers various human resources plans and procedures for division co-workers; assist in the development and implementation of personnel policies and procedures, prepare and maintain co-worker handbook.
• Supervises and leads recruiting and employee relations efforts. Ensure compliance, fairness and consistency.
• Manages HR Administrators and Generalists.
• Develops department goals, objectives, systems and process improvements.
• Acts as a resource to leaders and managers regarding co-worker issues.
• Acts as a resource to all co-workers
• Handles employee counseling and provide suggestions and recommendations for handling co-worker conflict.
• Assists in the training and monitoring of the training for co-workers, including interviewing, handbook review and harassment.
• Performs routine plant tours and conduct various audits, including computer use, attendance and HR records.
• Develops responses to unemployment or other legal issues, attend hearings, etc.; Work with in-house counsel on legal matters.
• Presents HR information at all co-worker meetings or other meetings.
• Interview, recruit, offer positions to applicants and set up new co-workers; May use an outside recruiter, ads, or the internet to assist in recruiting.
• Recommends and selects new hires, as well as recommend and perform disciplinary action, up to and including terminations.
• Assists with other HR functions as needed.

Other information:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Effective multitasking skills and the ability to take on additional responsibilities as required
• Effective organization and prioritization skills
• Demonstrate high attention to detail
• Ability to work with diverse groups
• Demonstrates discretion, confidentiality, independent judgment and professionalism.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and guidance, exercising discretion and independent judgment.
• Understanding of and ability to use continuous improvement tools.
• Strong customer service and client focus
• Working knowledge of productivity tools, including Microsoft Office products and Teams conferencing software
• Demonstrated leadership and people management skills including ability to effectively coach and mentor employees at all levels.
• Enthusiastic and motivational communicator with multi-cultural experience.
• Demonstrates effective customer interface skills. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact and influence individuals, internally and externally, across all levels, functions and geographies.
• Collaborate and influence cross functional peer leaders in order to obtain support for process improvements 
• Solid financial understanding, risk analysis ability, relationship building and project management.
• Use of discretion with the ability to gain trust of business leaders and others to discuss and respond to sensitive and business critical issues.
• Effective negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Effective analytical, planning and organizational skills.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or related field preferred, or combination of education and experience as approved by executive management.
• 6+ years of HR experience preferred.
• Extensive training, on-the-job or by classroom, in recruiting and employee relations.
• Advanced knowledge of word processing and spreadsheets

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources or related field preferred, or combination of education and experience as approved by executive management.

Geographical Location:  Minnesota:Rochester

Physical Location:  Rochester, MN

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule:  M-F 0800-1700

Full Time

Compensation Range:  $89,956.00 to $103,934.00 USD Many factors are considered in compensation decisions, including but not limited to skills, certifications, licensures, experience, training, incumbent data, and other business needs.

Benefits and Other Compensation: Benchmark provides a comprehensive benefits package, including a Bonus Plan, 401(k), Paid Time Off, and Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, all based on scheduled hours. Benchmark complies with applicable state and local employee leave laws.

Application Deadline: This job posting will remain open until filled.

Additional Notices: Benchmark adheres to applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits. This includes, but is not limited to, providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies. Candidates applying for remote work based in Washington state, may obtain PTO eligibility for this position by emailing careers@bench.com.

Export Control:  This job position may include access to controlled information or technology covered under applicable U.S. export control laws. As such, employment for this job position may be contingent on either verification that an applicant falls under the definition of a “U.S. Person” (which includes U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and those granted U.S. asylum or refugee status) or on the Company timely obtaining any necessary export license required under federal laws. The Company evaluates such export license situations on a case-by-case basis and may decline to proceed with a job applicant in its sole discretion since export license applications can take many weeks to be processed.

In our innovative environment, you'll work with cutting-edge technology, leading the way in engineering design and delivering world-class manufacturing services for products that make a real difference in the lives of others. At Benchmark, your career is more than just a job. It’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger, where your work matters and helps shape a brighter future for everyone. Together, we will achieve extraordinary things.

Benchmark is an equal opportunity employer. We are bringing together a diverse workforce with unique talents, life experiences, cultures, and perspectives to promote an innovative, collaborative, and creative place to work. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please email us at careers@bench.com.