Human Resource Manager

This position is open until filled. Candidates applying through July 26, 2026, will be included in the first application review. The successful candidate will be subject to a criminal background check, including the Child Protection Services registry.

The Department of Public Health and Human Services is seeking a Human Resources (HR) Manager. This position reports to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and directly and indirectly supervises up to ten full-time employees. The HR Manager ensures that HR practices align with and support the Department's various work units with all human resources services including but not limited to onboarding, offboarding, workplace investigations, performance management, career development, employee and labor relations, corrective action, policy development and administration, recruitment, retention, compensation, organizational structure, change management, strategic planning, data analysis, coaching and training, special projects, and compliance with all applicable employment rules and regulations.

Job Duties:

• Provides expert consultation, best practices, and training on HR topics, personnel matters, organizational structure, change management, and strategic planning.
• Monitors, interprets, and explains human resources policies, procedures, and employment law to ensure compliance.
• Oversees employee relations matters including investigating allegations and grievances, mediating disputes, responding to hearings, providing guidance to resolve complicated or contentious human resources issues, and directing disciplinary procedures.
• Participates with all aspects of recruitment not limited to identifying staffing needs, writing job descriptions, classifying positions as a certified MT state government position classifier, determining appropriate compensation, preparing effective vacancy announcements, screening and interviewing candidates, processing requisitions, consulting management, and onboarding employees.
• Conducts research and analysis of HR metrics by gathering feedback and using the HRIS and recruiting systems to identify opportunities and make recommendations to improve services, maintain thorough and accurate record management, and comply with established procedures.
• Serves as a liaison between management and unions by handling questions, interpreting documents, negotiating, and administering labor contracts, helps resolve work-related problems.
• Participates in strategic planning processes to evaluate business needs and implement appropriate business solutions to achieve desired results.
• Oversees all aspects of management for staff including recruitment, onboarding, employee development, work distribution, performance management, and offboarding.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of human resource management and related rules and regulations.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills with the ability to build consensus, maintain effective working relationships, and provide professional customer service.
• Skill to lead, supervise, manage, and motivate to accomplish goals and objectives.
• Ability to understand, remain non-confrontational, and maintain confidentiality when managing multiple and competing high-profile, sensitive, or controversial issues.
• Ability to research, compile, and analyze data from multiple sources to identify and resolve a wide variety of issues.
• Ability to develop and implement innovative and unconventional approaches, while using sound judgement to provide effective solutions.
• Well organized with strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the State's HRIS and recruiting systems.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources or related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible human resources experience, with exposure to the full range of human resources functions including: performance management, career development, employee and labor relations, corrective action, policy development and administration, recruitment, retention, compensation, organizational structure, change management, strategic planning, data analysis, coaching and training, and compliance with employment laws, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, WC, and state policies.
• Two years of supervisory experience.

Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional Human Resources Certification (SHRM/HRCI)
• State of Montana Classification Certification.
• Experience with human-resources information systems and Montana employment laws.
• Experience successfully resolving human resources issues in psychiatric, direct-care, or correctional facilities.