Senior Human Resource 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 click on Apply Now or apply in person at Merchants Bank, Winona (102 E 3rd 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:
• HR Business Partner with Retail: Serve as primary HR business partner to the Retail department. Work closely with retail business leaders to align HR strategies with business goals, develop and implement staffing and other solutions. Assist in preparing annual staffing models for the Retail team. Support organizational design optimization and succession planning efforts. Lead HR initiatives to improve efficiency and cross-functional collaboration.

• 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