Chief Human Resource Officer

Merchants Bank is a growing, employee-owned company, with a 150-year dedication to fulfilling the hopes and dreams of our community members and delivering outstanding customer service.  We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and service‑driven Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) to serve as the gatekeeper of our culture and core values while championing a strong Servant Leadership philosophy.  This position is located at our Winona, MN headquarters.

This senior leader will guide talent and performance management, ensuring alignment with our strategic pillars and supporting our high‑performance aspirations. The CHRO will oversee the development, implementation, and continuous enhancement of Human Resources and Training strategies that promote organizational effectiveness, strengthen workforce engagement, and reinforce Merchants Bank’s reputation as an employer of choice.

Responsibilities include leading culture‑driving programs; leadership initiatives; succession planning; directing all HR functions such as workforce planning, organizational development, performance management, talent development, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and compliance; and representing the Bank in regulatory, legal, and community settings.

10 years of progressive HR leadership experience (preferably in financial services), a BS/BA degree, strong strategic skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills required.  MBA or MA/MS in human resources or related field preferred.  Must have a demonstrated ability to foster and support an engaged workforce by encouraging all employees to focus on strengths, celebrate successes and foster effective recognition.  Must be detail orientated, organized and able to manage multiple projects.  SHRM or PHR certification is desired.

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.

Job Summary:

This is a strategic role with primary responsibility to serve as the gatekeeper of the Company’s culture and defined core value system, to include setting a strong Servant Leadership example for all stakeholders. In alignment with the Company’s strategic pillars, the CHRO is accountable for talent and performance management across the enterprise in a manner consistent with the Company’s high-performance aspirations as compared to industry peers. Strategic talent management areas of focus include clear performance expectations for all roles, continuous review of compensation and benefits required to attract different-making talent and formalization of the Company’s succession planning discipline.  Will be expected to provide leadership, development and execution of Human Resource (HR) and Training strategies in alignment with the direction of the organization. Establish, implement and administer HR and Training systems, practices and approaches to support the achievement of the Company’s strategic goals, as well as maintaining/building Merchants’ reputation as an employer of choice.

Relationship Responsibility:

• Reports directly to the President & Chief Executive Officer
• Will serve as an ex-officio (non-voting) member of the Executive Leadership Team
• Senior leader representative for HR/Training function as member of the Company’s Strategic Planning Team.
• Interacts with other department leaders to assist with a variety of matters conducive to effective, efficient and consistent operations of the organization. 
• Participates in outside meetings, development opportunities and community projects.
• Provides leadership, supervision and direction for the Human Resource/Training staff.
• Partners with members of the executive team to further the success and ongoing relevance of the organization. 
• Works with the Board of Directors and Board Compensation/Personnel Committee member on matters of significance related to Human Resource governance and key leadership role succession planning – including but not limited to recruitment, salary and benefit plan administration, formal leadership succession management and CEO performance management and compensation. 
  
  

Primary Duties:

Strategic & Culture Focus:

• Actively participates as a member of the executive team in developing business strategy and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance organizational effectiveness for ongoing earned independence and long-term relevance.
• Proactively works to identify industry best practices in areas of talent management and workforce engagement to ensure Company is well-positioned to attract and retain difference-making talent capable of differentiating Merchants in a competitive environment.
• Provides leadership and deploys team resources to support programs designed to drive culture consistency throughout the enterprise including, but not limited to, recruitment, new employee onboarding programs, employee engagement assessments, and training priorities as defined in the Company’s strategic plan and/or annual business plan.
• Promotes workplace engagement, growth and development by providing and supporting opportunities for education, mentoring, coaching and training; provides the tools, knowledge and cross training opportunities as necessary for individuals and in alignment with the needs of the business.
• Serves on and provides leadership to various management committees including, but not limited to Executive Leadership Team (Ex-Officio), Strategic Planning Team, Employee Retirement Benefit Plan Committee, Enterprise Risk Management Committee, and Compensation/Personnel Committee of the Board of Directors (Ex-Officio).
• Promotes the ongoing interest of the Bank whenever and wherever possible by participating and providing leadership in community and civic activities – representing the Bank and our commitment to community.
  
  

Human Resource Operations & Governance:

Establishes, directs and manages all Human Resource and Training functions that effectively communicate and support the mission and core values of the organization – with particular focus in the key areas:

Required Skills and Abilities: 

• Critical/strategic thinking and problem-solving skills are vital
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with all levels of staff, management, Board members, and external stakeholders is required.
• Must be highly-organized, detail-oriented and capable of performing in a fast-paced work environment; perform and manage self and others under the pressures of time constraints, multiple projects and specific deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a role model by exhibiting professionalism, promoting, and providing exceptional customer experiences (internal and external); be operationally sound in Human Resource/Training functions; and possess strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated ability to foster and support an engaged workforce by encouraging all employees to focus on strengths, celebrate successes and foster effective recognition.
• Demonstrated ability to provide and ensure clear and consistent communication in support of the strategic goals of the organization and in turn promote effective communication among all employees.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or related software and ability to function within various business programs.
• Regular and dependable attendance is an essential function of the job.
• Ability to perform other duties as required by business needs.
• Ability to complete compliance and product knowledge assignments in a timely manner.

Working Conditions and Demands:

Inside working environment; comfortable working temperature with low noise environment; prolonged periods in a stationary position; functioning with a computer and phone system; and ability to commute, access and navigate Merchants Bank locations and various community and offsite environments during and outside regular work hours in support of bank requirements and commitment to community. 

Education and Experience:

• BS/BA degree from an accredited college/university required; MBA or MA/MS in human resources or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years Human Resource or related experience with preference to executive leadership – including strategic and business planning experience, with strong preference for experience in the financial services industry. 
• Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) HR Certification or Professional Human Resource certification designation desired.

Director of Human Resources

FLSA Status: Full-Time, Salary, Exempt
FTE: 1.0
Hiring Range: $120,000- $140,000 Annually DOE
Website: Careers - Thomas Allen - Person Centered Services

Job Summary

The Director of Human Resources provides operational oversight for all HR functions.  This role partners with executive leadership to develop and execute people strategies that support organizational goals, foster a positive workplace culture, and ensure compliance with all employment laws and regulations.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Serve as an HR leader, coach, and advisor to management and senior leadership.
• Effectively lead, supervise, train, mentor, evaluate, and support professional development for staff.
• Oversee all HR functions, including talent acquisition, employee relationships, compensation and benefits, performance management, training and development, and compliance.
• Address employee concerns, conduct investigations, and ensure fair and consistent application of HR policies.
• Manage the process of employee requests for leaves of absence, reviewing documentation and ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable laws. Provide guidance to employees and managers on the available leave options, eligibility criteria and documentation requirements.
• Represent the company in unemployment hearings, provide clear and concise documentation to support the organization’s position. Collaborate with legal counsel to ensure compliance with relevant employment laws.
• Conduct investigations into employee performance or conduct issues, ensuring a thorough and unbiased process. Lead the development and implementation of fair and effective disciplinary policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with various committee chairs including DEI, Safety and Public Policy and Advocacy to lead initiatives that support a culture of employee engagement, well-being and community involvement.
• Direct, delegate, and monitor the work of the HR team ensuring maximum effectiveness and outcomes are achieved. Strive for continuous improvement, ensuring that operational and compliance processes are completed with accuracy and efficacy for improved timelines.
• Collaborate with accounting to effectively execute and audit payroll processes.
• Manage renewals of employee benefits. Work with contracted benefits consultants in evaluating and selecting health and other benefit products and services. Oversee the full lifecycle of the annual open enrollment process.
• Ensure benefits programs are in compliance with ERISA, the Affordable Care Act, and other applicable regulations. Maintain up-to-date plan documents and ensure timely audit completion and filing of notices and tax forms.
• Analyze HR metrics and data to inform decision making and continuous improvement.

Supervisory Relationships

• This position is responsible for supervising employees within the Human Resource, Learning and Development, and Administrative Support Departments.
• Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains staff in the department.
• Oversee the daily workflow of the department.
• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations.
• Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.

Required Knowledge, skills, abilities and Competencies

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions
• Knowledge of federal, state and local employment laws and regulations
• Ability to learn and use HR software and other relevant technology
• Works independently and displays initiative
• Attend to detail including any needed follow-up
• Displays positive co-worker interaction/teamwork
• Effectively utilizes time management skills and meets deadlines
• Completes training required for position within required and requested timelines

Minimum Education/Experience/Expectations

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources (HR), Business Administration, or related field required. Master’s degree in HR or MBA preferred.
• Society for Human Resource Management – Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) or Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification preferred.
• Minimum of twelve (12) years of progressive experience in Human Resources.
• 10+ years supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, and organizational development.
• 10+ years’ experience applying personnel practices to conform with all federal, state and local laws, including but not limited to FLSA, ADA, FMLA and Title VII
• Experience utilizing HRIS systems required. UKG preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform sedentary work at a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Benefits provided to full-time employees:  

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Dependent Care Account (DCA) options
• 401(k)
• Tuition, licensure, and certification reimbursement
• Six paid company holidays plus one additional floating holiday 
• Paid time off (PTO) 
• Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) 
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel
• Paid training and certifications to help you develop new skills and advance your career
• Flexible scheduling to fit your availability and personal needs
• Employee appreciation programs to recognize your contributions and efforts
• Opportunities for career advancement and growth to help you achieve your professional goals.