Human Resources Manager

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support Enforcement, Combined Court Operations, Sheriffs Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors in the Department on Aging, those with Disabilities, and Veterans Affairs. Our employees also remain committed to serve the cultural, human, recreational and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.

We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!

Closing Date: February 25^th, 2025, or upon receipt of the first 50 applicant submissions

Human Resources Manager

Full-time, Salaried

Salary Range: $88,400 - $105,352

Job Summary: Under the direction of the Employee Relations Director, the Human Resources Manager (HRM) provides strategic HR leadership and guidance to a team of HR Business Partners (HRBPs) and Employee Relations Assistants (ERAs), supporting Milwaukee County's Vision of Racial Equity. The HRM manages and directs an HR Generalist, while playing a key role in the hiring, selection, and onboarding of new ER team members. As a consultant and strategic partner, the HRM collaborates closely with the Employee Relations and Department of Human Resources (DHR) leadership teams.

The HRM provides critical support to people managers in areas such as coaching, performance management, employee conduct, and corrective action. The HRM is a key decision-maker in addressing and escalating complex and sensitive employee relations issues, including investigating workplace complaints, and recommending corrective actions. In collaboration with the Office of Corporation Counsel (OCC), the HRM prepares case files for review by the Personnel Review Board (PRB).

Additionally, the HRM supports organizational initiatives, including workforce planning and restructuring. The HRM may lead key County-wide projects, developing timelines, facilitating workgroups, and reporting on progress and outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Managing and Providing Leadership to HR Team

• Manage and direct an HR Generalist and provide guidance to the ER team.
• Provide leadership, guidance, support, and consultation to HRBPs and ERAs on day-to-day employee relations matters.
• Set team goals, measure performance, provide coaching, and address performance concerns through corrective actions.
• Serve as a key decision-maker in hiring, selecting, and onboarding new ER team members.

2. Consultant and Strategic Partner to Employee Relations and DHR Leadership

• Collaborate with leadership to ensure that HR policies, procedures, and practices are aligned with the needs and goals of Milwaukee County.
• Offer strategic advice and guidance on the overall management of HR functions within the County.

3. Employee Relations Leadership Consulting

• Provide guidance to people managers on coaching, employee development, engagement, retention, and performance management.
• Educate managers on the application of policies, County Ordinances, and Civil Service Rules.
• Support managers in developing departmental procedures and work rules while ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Facilitate the rollout of new policies and procedures, partnering with learning and development teams for training initiatives.

4. Complaints and Investigations

• Serve as the decision-maker for complex and visible employee relations issues.
• Investigate employee concerns, document findings, analyze information, and recommend resolutions.
• Work with leadership to implement appropriate actions and partner with the Office of Corporation Counsel (OCC) on legal matters, including Equal Rights Division (ERD) and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) complaints.

5. HR Service Support

• Provide day-to-day HR service support, answering employee and leadership questions.
• Represent Milwaukee County at Unemployment Compensation Hearings and assist leaders with defending claims.
• Support employees and managers with leave requests, work restrictions, and other HR-related matters.

6. Organizational Structure Support

• Support the selection, hiring, and workforce planning processes.
• Assist with reviewing interview questions and scorecards, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Collaborate with department leaders, other divisions within DHR, and external consultants on organizational changes and development initiatives.

7. Participate or Lead County-wide DHR Projects

• Collaborate on cross-departmental projects and initiatives impacting the County.
• Serve as the lead on key projects, developing timelines, project plans, facilitating workgroups, and reporting results.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Employee Relations or Human Resources, including supervisory or leadership experience.
• In-depth knowledge of HR policies, Civil Service rules, and labor laws.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to handle complex and sensitive employee relations issues with discretion and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications:

• SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification.
• Experience working in a public sector or government HR environment.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks that involve typing and data entry.
• Occasional travel to different County locations as required.

Work Environment:

• Primarily office-based with potential for occasional remote work based on departmental needs.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment.

NOTE: This ORIGINAL APPLICATION is open to qualified residents of the State of Wisconsin at the time of application. Candidates need to submit a full account of their training and experience (i.e., by submitting an up-to-date resume or by fully completing the application) during the application process and may also be asked to take additional written or performance tests as part of the selection process.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment, free from discrimination and harassment, on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact 414-278-3936.

• Milwaukee, WI, USA