HR Manager

This position is open until filled with a first application review date of April 2, 2026.

About the Department

The Department of Commerce aims to make sure Montana is the best place to work, live and play. We work alongside private industry and local organizations to create jobs, grow businesses, develop affordable housing and improve community infrastructure.

(You can learn more about us here.)

About this Position

The Commerce Director's Office provides centralized finance, budget, legal, IT and HR services and resources for the Department Divisions and attached boards.

The Montana Department of Commerce is seeking an experienced HR Manager. We're seeking a passionate, public service-orientated candidate who can effectively lead the human resources operations in an energetic agency. This candidate must also demonstrate strong leadership, change-management, strategic-planning, and analytical skills.

This position reports to the Enterprise HR Services Bureau Chief within the State Human Resources Division at the Department of Administration and has a dotted-line reporting structure to the Commerce Deputy Director.

This position provides direct supervision to two HR Business Partners and is a dotted-line supervisor for the HR and Contracts Assistant. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Program Development/Program Management- Manages all areas of human resources policy and programs to ensure the department is in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Works closely with the director, deputy director, and department management to develop, implement, and evaluate human resources policies, programs, functions, and activities. This position provides a long-range vision for designing human resources programs and systems to ensure the success of management initiatives.
• HR Management Strategy- Develops HR management strategies to recruit, retain, and ensure success of agency employees and management with supporting the agency mission. Establishes and implements new human resources processes based on collaborative efforts of the agency's management team.
• HR Office Management- Uses best practices to manage, develop, and ensure success of the human resources employees. Creates and maintains a healthy work environment using approachability, dedication to continual improvement, and management of career development. Positions human resources staff as strategic partners to ensure the success of the department's mission.
• Metrics and Analysis- Analyzes relevant human resources data, identifies and forecasts trends, and designs plans to solve problems in anticipation of changing workplace conditions. Creates models and conducts research to determine the impact of constantly changing economic and labor variables within the department.

What are we looking for?

Education and Experience:

• A bachelor's degree in Human Resources Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, Communications or a related field
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in human resources management, including two years of supervisory experience
• Professional Human Resource Certification (PHR) or similar certification preferred
• Alternate combinations of education and experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis

Competencies:

Knowledge of:

• Advanced knowledge of human resources and ability to manage human resources policies and programs in a diverse organization
• State Human Resources policies and procedures
• Negotiation tactics, HR data analysis, and effective communications strategies

Ability to:

• Provide strong leadership, change-management and strategic-planning skills
• Solve problems and make decisions, while understanding departmental impact
• Build relationships effectively with a diverse group of individuals
• Function under pressure and manage conflicting points of view
• Demonstrate discretion, integrity and fair-mindedness
• Manage multiple sensitive or controversial issues simultaneously

How to apply

Apply online by submitting your resume, cover letter, and three professional business references. References will not be contacted until after interview process is completed and you will be notified when we will be reaching out to them. (Please Note: You do not need to complete the "work experience" or the "education & certifications" portion of the application process in our recruiting system. You only need to upload the requested documentation.)

Benefits

• Look here to see the additional benefits! They include:

o Work/life Balance

o Health Coverage

o Retirement plans

o Paid Vacation and Sick Leave and Holidays

o And more…

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - Employment with the State of Montana may qualify you to receive student loan forgiveness under the PSLF. Look here to learn more and see if you may qualify!

Other important information to be aware of

• This position requires the successful completion of a criminal background check.
• Only online applications are accepted. By applying online, you can receive updates and monitor the status of your application.
• If you fail to upload the requested application documents and/or preference documents, we will notify you via email. Failure to upload these documents after notification will result in your application being removed from consideration.
• This position allows for a hybrid work schedule from a remote location within the State of Montana. Weekly travel to Helena offices will be required. Specific conditions will be outlined as part of the job offer and must adhere to state policy. New Employees may be required to complete training in person before hybrid work schedules begin.

This agency participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, Link to E-Verify Website.