Principal HR Business Partner

At Associated Bank we strive to create an inclusive culture where different perspectives are valued and recognized as strengths critical to our success. If you thrive in an environment where your growth and development are encouraged and supported, then Associated Bank may be the right place for you.

Associated Bank requires you to directly represent yourself and your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process.

We’re seeking a dynamic Principal HR Business Partner to serve as a trusted advisor to our Operations and Technology line of business. This is a high-impact role for a relationship-driven professional who can influence at all levels, lead through change, and drive people strategies that fuel business success.

This is a hybrid role with 2+ flexible days per week in the office in either our Green Bay or Milwaukee offices.

Job Accountabilities

• Strategic HR Leadership: Partner with executives to translate business strategy into people strategy. Lead initiatives in organizational design, workforce planning, and leadership development to enable long-term success.

• Talent & Performance Management: Guide performance, succession, and development planning efforts. Coach leaders to strengthen engagement, development, and retention of top talent. Partner with Talent Acquisition on hiring strategies that align with future business needs.

• Employee Relations & Culture: Serve as a trusted partner in navigating complex employee relations matters in collaboration with our HR Advisory team. Foster a culture of inclusion, recognition, and accountability through proactive engagement initiatives.

• Organizational Effectiveness: Use data and insights to identify trends, shape HR programs, and advise on organizational change. Influence HR strategy and contribute to transformation efforts across the enterprise.

• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure employment law compliance and consistent, fair HR practices to reduce risk and support an ethical, compliant workplace.

Job Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s degree or HR certification preferred). Required

Experience

• 8+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years as an HR Business Partner in a mid-to-large organization. Required

• Proven experience influencing senior leadership and delivering strategic HR initiatives. Required

• Strong knowledge of employment law, compensation practices, and talent management frameworks. Required

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills. Required

• Strong analytical mindset and ability to leverage data to drive decision-making. Required

• Proficiency with HRIS systems (e.g., Workday) and Microsoft Office tools. Required

Licenses and Certifications

• SPHR - Senior Professional Human Resources. Preferred

• SHRM - SCP (Senior Certified Professional Human Resources). Preferred

In addition to core traditional benefits, we take pride in offering benefits for every stage of life. 

• Retirement savings including both 401(k) and Pension plans. 

• Paid time off to volunteer in your community. 

• Opportunities to connect with others through our diversity-focused Colleague Resource Groups. 

• Competitive salaries with professional development and advancement opportunities. 

• Bonus benefits including well-being programs and incentives, parental leave, an employee stock purchase plan, military benefits and much more.  

• Personal banking, loan, investment and insurance benefits. 

Associated Bank serves more than 120 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota and we consider our colleagues critical to our continued success. See why our colleagues continually vote us a best place to work in the Midwest. Join our community on Facebook, LinkedIn and X. 

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