The role – what you’ll do
The Human Resources (HR) lead is a key member of the leadership team of one of Barr’s business units. They work closely with fellow BU leaders, BU and business support group (BSG) peers, and corporate HR staff to provide strategic HR guidance, services, and support. The HR lead fosters collaboration to assure that best practices and process improvements are gathered and shared, along with ensuring consistency and excellence in HR activities that meet company and team needs. The HR lead is an advocate and role model for fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. This person will be the manager of a team of HR generalists, recruiters, and HR associates.
We are looking for a collaborative, solution-oriented leader who excels at building relationships and strongly emphasizes client service. They enjoy collaborating with a wide variety of people and using their problem-solving, consensus-building, and conflict-resolution skills to help others navigate complex HR matters. They also bring extensive knowledge of competitive internal and external people practices, which they use collaboratively to clarify priorities, raise issues, and help move ideas forward.
Your impact – key responsibilities
Strategic HR leadership: responsible for strategic direction, overall planning, and performance of the BU HR function; collaborates with BU leaders and corporate HR staff to ensure alignment of BU HR activities with company-wide goals; responsible for fostering development and use of consistent HR processes across the BU.
People: ensure immediate and future subunit talent needs are addressed by developing, overseeing, and implementing robust HR strategies and talent management activities in line with Barr’s talent management framework.
HR operations and engagement: act as primary representative for the BU on activities to develop, implement, and refine HR policies, practices, and programs, assuring that the policies take into account BU needs and concerns; guide salary and bonus-setting processes to promote equity and alignment with company policy and objectives; oversee BU HR operational activities, including recruiting, training, budgeting, and compliance with company practices and employment laws; review and advise on performance management activities and termination decisions to assure compliance and consistency.
Communication: maintain strong communication with the BU leadership team and corporate HR teams, represent the BU in company-wide forums, gathering input to inform broader HR decision-making.
Risk management: develop, implement, and maintain processes to identify critical people risks, including talent gaps or compliance issues, and establish strategies to mitigate them; work to maintain an equitable and compliant work environment.
About the opportunity
Compensation: anticipated base salary range of $115,000–$165,000 USD annually. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. Employees in this position may also be eligible for a discretionary cash bonus based on team and individual performance. This position is classified as exempt (salaried) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Hybrid and travel: this position is designated as one with a hybrid work arrangement, which refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position may be based out of Barr’s Minneapolis or Duluth offices.
Physical requirements: candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
About you – necessary qualifications
Education: bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field. A degree in an engineering or science discipline related to Barr’s work may be considered if coupled with significant HR/staffing leadership experience.
Experience: 10+ years of progressive HR experience, or 10+ years at Barr with at least five years of HR leadership experience.
Providing strategic HR partnership to senior leaders.
Leading employee relations investigations, advising on complex personnel matters, and ensuring compliance with employment law and internal policies.
Drawing on a working knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
Project or program management experience.
Demonstrated integrity and proven ability to build relationships.
Skilled in solving problems, building consensus, and resolving conflicts.
Knowledge of competitive internal and external people practices.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work with others to clarify priorities, raise issues, resolve conflicts, and help move ideas forward.
Ability to develop, manage, engage, and support team members.
Ability to assert influence without authority.
Embraces Barr’s core values.
Travel: ability and willingness to travel periodically to other Barr offices.
Communication: strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Driver’s license: possession of a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.
#LI-Hybrid
Benefits - what we offer
We are committed to providing an employee experience that attracts and retains top talent. That's why we offer a competitive package of employee benefits - including some unique offerings not found at other companies. At Barr, we also believe that learning doesn't stop when you get your degree, which is why we provide coaching, mentoring, and support for ongoing educational opportunities to foster professional development at every stage of your career.
Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care
Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock
Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders
Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities
Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave
Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities
Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced-time, or full-time status.
About us - why choose Barr
At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.
As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our success.
To learn more about Barr's culture and values, visit: https://www.barr.com/Careers/Our-culture
Open positions at Barr Engineering Co. do not have application deadlines. Barr Engineering Co. is an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
