Strategic Business Partner

Salem Five is a growing regional financial services organization with a rich history of over 170 years.  As an independent bank, we are deeply rooted in the communities we serve and offer our employees successful and rewarding careers.

This position requires working five days a week in the Salem, MA office.

Salem Five has more than 30 retail banking branches throughout Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties, strong business banking capabilities, an Insurance division, a Wealth Management & Trust organization and a Mortgage Company that has provided homeownership to generations of families.

Salem Five believes deeply in supporting the communities in which we reside. Donations through our Charitable Foundation or events at the branch or location-level are an important part of our DNA. We would not be the company we are without our commitment to businesses and organizations that help the region thrive and to our employees. Come see what we’re all about.   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Lead the HR Strategic Business Partner Team

• Lead, coach, develop, and evaluate two HR Strategic Business Partners.
• Establish consistent service standards and help coordinate priorities and business-line assignments.
• Provide guidance and support on complex employee and organizational matters.
• Partner with the CHRO and HR colleagues to identify opportunities to improve HR programs, processes, and service delivery.
• Help lead organizational change initiatives and translate business needs into practical people strategies.

Serve as a Trusted Business Partner

• Build strong, trusted relationships with leaders and employees through proactive communication, sound judgment, and practical problem-solving.
• Advise leaders on people strategies that support business goals and organizational effectiveness.
• Maintain direct HR responsibility for assigned business lines while providing guidance and backup support across the organization.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives and recommend improvements to HR practices, policies, and processes.

Performance and Talent

• Oversee the annual performance evaluation process for assigned business areas, helping ensure timely completion and consistency in performance assessments.
• Coach and advise managers on performance concerns, development opportunities, recognition, and retention.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition and business leaders to identify staffing needs and support succession planning and employee development.
• Help leaders recognize and develop high performers while addressing performance concerns effectively and consistently.

Provide Employee Relations Leadership

• Advise managers on employee relations matters, including performance management, disciplinary actions, corrective documentation, and termination recommendations.
• Support leaders in communicating corrective actions and navigating sensitive employee situations professionally and consistently.
• Promote consistent interpretation and application of HR policies, procedures, and programs.
• Conduct stay and exit interviews, identify emerging trends, and recommend strategies to strengthen engagement and retention.
• Coordinate unemployment claims and related documentation.

Support Compensation, Incentive and Recognition Programs

• Support the annual Management Incentive Compensation Plan process, including goal collection and review, calculations, and materials for Salary Committee.
• Participate in annual and off-cycle salary administration in partnership with managers and members of the Compensation team.
• Help ensure compensation and recognition decisions support the retention and recognition of key talent.
• Review and approve employee recognition transactions through Awardco in accordance with established guidelines.

Enhance Employee Engagement

• Participate in the planning and execution of organization-wide employee programs and events, including the Company Outing and Service Recognition.
• Collaborate with leaders and HR colleagues to identify opportunities to strengthen employee engagement, recognition, and the overall employee experience.

Promote Compliance and Sound HR Governance

• Maintain current knowledge of employment laws, regulatory requirements, and HR best practices.
• Partner with Benefits and Compensation colleagues on employment-related reporting and compliance requirements, including EEO, VETS, and Affirmative Action obligations.
• Support internal audits and regulatory examinations by coordinating documentation, deliverables, and corrective actions as needed.
• Participate in special projects and other HR initiatives that support the evolving needs of the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• At least 8 years of progressive HR experience, including significant experience as an HR Business Partner or HR generalist advising business leaders.
• Previous supervisory or people-management experience.
• Strong knowledge of employee relations, performance management, workforce planning, talent development, and applicable federal and state employment laws.
• Strong business acumen with the judgment and problem-solving skills necessary to develop practical HR solutions aligned with business objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to develop trusted relationships and influence and communicate effectively with leaders and employees at all levels.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and move initiatives forward.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to travel to other Salem Five locations as business needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within banking, financial services, or another highly regulated industry.
• SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or comparable senior-level HR certification.

Benefits/Incentives: We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well‑being and success, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts; 401(k) matching; and tuition reimbursement. You will also enjoy additional perks such as our employee referral program, annual holiday reception, summer family outing, and more.

Salary Range:            $138,000.00 - $234,000.00

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, and performance. This range may be modified in the future. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS   

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, and hear for extended periods of time. The employee frequently is required to sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and peripheral vision.  

Why This Role?

This position offers the opportunity to have an impact at multiple levels of the organization. You'll lead and develop an HR team, advise business leaders, influence talent and organizational strategies, and remain closely connected to the day-to-day employee experience.

For an HR leader who enjoys combining strategy with hands-on partnership, this role provides the opportunity to help shape HR practices while supporting the continued success of Salem Five, its subsidiaries, its leaders, and its employees.

If you're an experienced HR professional who brings sound judgment, business acumen, a collaborative approach, and a passion for building strong organizations through people, we invite you to apply.

No unsolicited resumes accepted from agencies.