HR Lead (Hybrid)

The role – what you’ll do

Barr is seeking a human resources (HR) lead to join our Human Resources team. In this hybrid role, you will support our business support groups (BSGs) by serving as a strategic HR partner to BSG directors and managers, providing leadership across all facets of human resources, including staffing, talent development, employee relations, and BSG HR operational oversight. You will work closely with members of the BSG HR team, corporate HR staff, and peers in other business units to align people strategies with core values and company-wide goals, promote consistent practices, and identify and implement process improvements.

A successful person in this role will be a collaborative, solutions-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. The HR lead is an advocate and role model for fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment.

Your impact – key responsibilities

• Strategic HR leadership: responsible for the strategic direction, planning, and performance of the BSG HR function. Collaborate with BSG leaders and corporate HR staff to align HR activities with company-wide goals. Responsible for fostering development and use of consistent HR processes across the BSGs.

• Talent management: ensure immediate and future BSG talent needs are addressed with robust staffing strategies in line with Barr’s talent management framework. This includes working with BSG leaders on staffing prioritization, budgeting, hiring, and integration planning. Oversee coaching program delivery in BSGs and other staff development programs in coordination with BSG and company leadership.

• Employee relations and engagement: serve as HR representative for employee concerns across the BSGs, manage and advise on complex employee relations issues, and ensure compliance with company policies and employment law. Advise on engagement, development, and retention strategies and tactics. Assure a robust and positive candidate and employee experience at all levels.

• Functional HR support: guide BSG HR operations, including budgeting, recruiting, training, and policy adherence, ensuring alignment with legal requirements and best practices. Lead salary and bonus setting processes for the BSGs, promoting equity and alignment with company guidelines.

• HR initiatives and collaboration: In coordination with peers in other subunits, BSG leaders, and corporate HR staff, contribute to and lead company-wide HR initiatives such as policy development, program and process improvements, and training delivery. Represent BSGs in broader HR forums and contribute insights that influence organizational decisions.

About the opportunity

• Hybrid: a hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position can be based out of Barr’s Minneapolis or Duluth, Minnesota, offices.

• Travel expectation: approximately up to 5 percent, primarily for internal meetings or company events, as needed.

About you – required core competencies

• Education: bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field.

• Experience: 10+ years of progressive HR 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.

  • Working knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.

  • Project or program management experience.

• Travel: ability and willingness to travel 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.

Helpful additional experience (not required)

• Certification in HR (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR).

• Experience working within a professional services or consulting firm environment.

• Familiarity with organizational development or change management frameworks.

• Experience in an employee-owned company.

Anticipated range of $120,000–$140,000 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.

#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.