INTRODUCTION
The Human Resources Manager provides comprehensive oversight for all human resources functions within the District. This position provides strong District-wide leadership on HR matters including supporting District management with HR issues and developing HR plans consistent with District strategic plans. The position emphasizes hands-on service delivery across key areas including talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, compliance, training and development, and workplace safety. The successful candidate will build and maintain a positive workplace culture that supports the District’s mission while ensuring legal compliance and minimizing employment-related risks.
Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director, this position manages the Human Resources (HR) team and serves as the primary HR business partner to all supervisors, managers, and directors throughout the District.
Established in 1930 to protect the lakes and streams of the upper Yahara watershed, the District is a wastewater collection and treatment utility serving about 435,000 people in 24 Madison-area owner communities covering about 190 square miles. Organized as a municipal corporation, the District is governed by a nine-member Commission appointed by the communities we serve.
Through the treatment process, we recover valuable resources from the wastewater we receive before returning clean water to the environment. Our mission is to protect public health and the environment. The District is dedicated to service, reliability, and sustainability, and our tradition of innovation has positioned us as a leader among clean water utilities.
Working at the District is more than just a paycheck. It is about taking care of the communities we live in and giving back to the environment that surrounds us. We are trusted leaders working together to protect one of our most valuable resources- our water. Choose to do Work Worth Doing!
POSITION SUMMARY
- Leadership — Anticipates workforce implications of internal and external changes, facilitates forward-looking collaboration on HR strategies, and provides guidance and direction to District leadership and management. Maintains awareness of industry trends and fosters continuous improvement.
- Management Excellence — Develops and implements comprehensive HR programs that align with organizational goals and drive operational results.
- Employee Relations Excellence — Skilled in conflict resolution, performance management, and fostering positive employee relationships.
- Proactive Compliance — Maintains expertise in employment law, regulatory requirements, HR evidence-based practices, and workforce trends that impact operations.
- Workforce Development — Experienced in building engaged, well-trained teams and fostering employee growth and development.
- Integrated HR program consistent with industry best practices and District strategic priorities.
- Effective talent acquisition and employee experience programs that attract, retain, engage, and develop an effective workforce.
- Compliant and competitive compensation and benefits programs.
- Positive employee relations climate with effective resolution of workplace issues.
- Safety-conscious workplace culture aligned with accessibility and accommodation standards.
- Respectful and inclusive workplace culture.
- Comprehensive training and development programs that build organizational capability.
- Effective succession planning initiatives for critical technical and leadership roles to reduce organizational risk and support continuity of operations.
- Ensures fair and equitable HR practices, including full compliance with all employment laws and regulations.
- Minimized employment-related legal risks and liability.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field.
- Demonstrated training or education plus two additional years of experience may be substituted for the degree.
- Minimum 6 years of progressive HR experience with at least 3 years in a leadership role managing HR staff Proficiency with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
Preferred:
- Master’s degree in human resources or related field HR professional certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP)
- Experience with public entities supporting exempt and non-exempt employees, familiarity with labor relations
- Background in workplace safety, HR risk management, and injury reporting and management processes, including familiarity with OSHA regulations. Experience with the Workday ERP.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Comprehensive knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations
- Strategic thinking skills, with ability to align HR programs with organizational goals and key operational outcomes
- Ability to identify and address barriers to equal opportunity in recruitment, development, performance management, and advancement processes
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Conflict resolution and negotiation expertise Analytical skills with ability to interpret HR data and metrics
- Project management and organizational skills
- Proficiency with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
- Change management and leadership skills
- Employee engagement expertise and commitment to workforce development and retention
- Ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with HR professionals and industry experts.
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