Human Resources Business Partner

About the role

At Nicolet National Bank, our culture is based on the principles of community banking, putting the needs of our customers at the forefront of our decision‑making. Our Core Values drive everything we do, and we are committed to serving our customers with excellence. We believe every job is critical to our success and strive to create a work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and supported. With locations in Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, and Florida, we proudly serve local communities and make a positive impact on the lives of our customers.

The Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) serves as a strategic advisor and trusted partner to assigned branches within the region. This role builds strong relationships with leaders and team members, provides expert guidance on HR policies and programs, and ensures a fair, consistent, and legally compliant workplace.

Responsibilities

• Proactively engage with assigned leaders to understand business goals, identify HR needs, and provide solutions that support organizational success.
• Build strong relationships with all levels of leadership to ensure alignment with organizational values and culture.
• Meet regularly with leaders and team members to understand workplace dynamics, identify improvement opportunities, and support a positive, productive environment.
• Respond to team member and leader inquiries regarding policies, procedures, guidelines, and programs; offer clear interpretation and practical recommendations.
• Conduct effective, thorough, and objective investigations into employee concerns, ensuring fairness, confidentiality, and legal compliance.
• Coach and guide managers through the progressive discipline process, ensuring understanding of policies, legal considerations, and best practices.
• Participate in discussions to support consistency, fairness, and alignment with Nicolet standards.
• Identify coaching needs and partner with leaders to support employee development.
• Identify training needs and collaborate with leaders to develop or coordinate training opportunities that enhance skills, leadership capability, and organizational effectiveness.
• Provide compensation coaching and education to leaders to ensure fair, consistent, and market‑aligned pay decisions.
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition Specialists to support staffing needs, align with workforce plans, and contribute to effective hiring decisions.
• Ensure consistency in job titling, job descriptions, and exemption status across assigned business units.
• Oversee the exempt and non‑exempt performance review process; consult leaders to ensure evaluations are fair, consistent, and aligned with expectations.
• Conduct exit interviews, analyze trends, identify risks, and provide actionable recommendations to leadership.
• Review employee surveys, identify themes, concerns, and opportunities, and partner with leaders to develop action plans that strengthen engagement and retention.
• Maintain accurate HR records and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and organizational requirements.
• Uphold Nicolet’s philosophy and policies by maintaining appropriate controls to ensure full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Promote diversity and inclusion, working successfully with others without regard to age, gender, race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, culture, religion, disability status, socioeconomic status, or other non‑job‑related classifications.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of HR generalist or HR Business Partner experience.
• PHR/SPHR or SHRM‑CP/SHRM‑SCP certification preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; experience with Paycor preferred.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and influence leaders.
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong organizational, multi‑tasking, and prioritizing skills.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance
• 401(k) with a company match
• PTO & 11½ paid holidays