HR Business Partner

Furst-McNess Company is hiring a full-time HR Business Partner for our Rockford, IL headquarters office.  

Salary Range: $70,000-$90,000 (compensation will be determined by relevant experience and the interview process) 

Pay Type: Salary, paid bi-weekly 

Core Work Schedule:  Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week, start time between 7:30am-8am 

Work Setting: Hybrid (1 remote day per week, 4 days in-office)

Work Location: 1252 Bell Valley Road, Suite 220, Rockford, IL 61108   

Benefit Package: We offer a comprehensive benefits program designed to promote health, financial security, and work‑life balance. See our benefits summary below.   

POSITION SUMMARY:   

The Human Resources Business Partner serves as a strategic partner to leaders and managers, connecting people strategies with the business needs. This role partners closely with management to support employee relations, performance management, workforce planning, organizational effectiveness, and the implementation of HR programs and initiatives. The HR Business Partner provides guidance and coaching to leaders and employees while helping ensure consistent and effective HR practices across the organization. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Serve as the strategic HR partner to managers and employees 

  • Partner with managers to understand business needs and provide guidance on employee-related matters. 

  • Coach and advise managers on performance management, employee relations, corrective action, workplace concerns, and other HR matters. 

  • Serve as a resource to employees regarding workplace questions, policies, and HR programs.

  • Act as a liaison between employees and management to support communication, alignment, and resolution of workplace concerns.

  • Assist with the resolution and investigation of employee issues, grievances, and complaints. 

• Support performance management and employee development 

  • Facilitate and manage the performance review process, ensuring alignment with company goals and expectations. 

  • Partner with managers on employee performance concerns, development needs, coaching, and performance improvement. 

  • Support learning, development, and training initiatives across the organization. 

• Assess, develop, and implement strategies that foster a strong and positive workplace 

  • Support employee engagement and retention initiatives, including recognition programs, surveys, and other employee-focused activities. 

  • Gather and analyze employee feedback to identify opportunities to improve communication, engagement, and the employee experience. 

  • Partner with leadership to support a strong and consistent company culture. 

• Support HR policies, practices, and compliance 

  • Assist in the development, implementation, communication, and consistent application of HR policies and procedures. 

  • Provide guidance to managers and employees regarding company policies and HR practices. 

  • Partner with HR leadership to identify and address employee relations, compliance, and organizational needs. 

• Secondary Responsibilities 

  • Support organizational changes, workforce planning, and other HR initiatives as needed. 

  • Partner with HR team members to ensure employee records and HR information are accurate, complete, confidential, and maintained appropriately. 

  • Support employee communication and education regarding company programs, policies, and benefits. 

  • Assist with tracking and coordination of learning and training programs. 

  • Participate in HR projects and continuous improvement initiatives. 

  • Performs other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. 

• Experience in Human Resources with an emphasis on employee relations, performance management, HR operations, and business partnering. 

• Working knowledge of employment laws, HR policies, and HR best practices. 

• Experience with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 

• Strong interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and relationship management skills. 

• Ability to coach and partner effectively with managers and employees at all levels of the organization. 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive employee matters. 

• Highly organized, adaptable, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, changing environment. 

• Self-motivated and collaborative with the ability to work independently and across functional teams. 

• Maintain a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record. 

• Ability to travel as needed. 

About Furst-McNess Company:   

For more than a century, Furst-McNess Company has been a trusted leader in animal nutrition, delivering innovative feed, mineral, and management solutions to livestock producers across the United States. Our longstanding commitment to quality, integrity, and exceptional customer service guides everything we do. We bring together deep industry expertise and a people‑first culture built on safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Above all, we are dedicated to “Doing What’s Right” for animals, producers, and the future of agriculture. Learn more about us at https://www.mcness.com/  

• Locations: We have facilities and offices located throughout the United States, as well as an office in London, Ontario, Canada.  

Our Culture:    

At Furst-McNess, we strive to:    

• Understand that being great is a choice   

• Never settle for average or “good enough”   

• Relentlessly search for ways to serve our customers better   

• Work as a team   

• Value and respect one another   

• Earn trust through our actions   

• Act in a safe and professional manner at all times   

• Conduct ourselves with the highest level of integrity   

• Deliver on the commitments we make   

• Invest in our professional and personal development   

• Maintain a positive work environment that promotes success   

• Have fun and celebrate our successes  

Benefit Package Summary:  

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance  

• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)   

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match up to 5%  

• Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, and Paid Floating Holidays   

• 100% Company-Paid Benefits: Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP)  

• Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance, with additional coverage options for employees and dependents  

• Fitness Reimbursement, $200 annually  

• Cell Phone Reimbursement