Apply on Employer Site

Northwestern Mutual · 3 days ago

HR Services Specialist

Wisconsin, United States

Full-time

Hybrid

Entry, Mid Level

$49K/yr - $104K/yr

2+ years exp

Northwestern Mutual is a company focused on providing excellent client services, and they are seeking an HR Services Specialist to support their HR Shared Services team. This role involves collaborating on various HR programs, resolving complex employee issues, and developing training and policy resources to enhance the team's efficiency.

AdviceConsultingEmployee BenefitsFinanceFinancial ServicesInsuranceLife InsuranceWealth Management

Responsibilities

Administers HR plans and programs. This includes interpretation and explanation of complex information, resolving eligibility issues, and facilitates all other problem resolution

Uses discretion to escalate to appropriate subject matter experts when necessary

Ensures legal compliance and manages risk

May be the primary/back-up liaison to third party for HR systems and applications

Responsible for analyzing data and trends highlighting areas of focus

Investigates and coordinates the resolution of highly complex cases and other issues with business partners and third parties

Determines participant communication and educational needs and coordinates these efforts with other SMEs and the corporate communications team

May take the lead (or back-up) role in HR efforts relating to operational enhancements, working with internal partners, external consultants, and gathering data from various vendors and internal sources

May act as team lead in identifying training needs for the Shared Services team

Actively participates in and coordinates/leads team meetings, huddles, and ongoing training

Monitors assignments and casework needs, adjusting working assignments and proactively helping as needed

Makes use of policy documents, knowledge bases, manuals and other tools in the day-to-day resolution of complex cases, escalations, and transactions some of which will have escalated from lower tiers in HR Services

Utilizes a deep understanding of the HR concepts underpinning many policy issues to explain the background and context of rules and procedures to employees with more complex issues

Responsible for meeting case resolution standards, in accordance with the goals established for the role

Maintains a close working relationship with the professional level specialists in the core HR functional disciplines to resolve problems or to identify areas of ambiguity needing clarity or improvement

Uses an in-depth operational knowledge of databases, and other systems to record the outcome of calls and to track patterns in cases

Assists with orienting/training new employees

Qualification

HRISLabor RegulationsNew Hire OnboardingPerformance ManagementTraining DeliveryCompensation ManagementAnalytical SkillsInterpersonal SkillsOrganizational SkillsSelf-motivated

Required

Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience) and at least two years of progressively responsible HR experience, preferably in Human Resources or in a Shared Services environment

Thorough understanding of Human Resources laws affecting plan administration and operations

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, ability to interpret plan documents and apply this knowledge to make solid decisions

Superior interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with employees of all levels

Strong organizational skills, with the ability to independently set priorities, manage multiple assignments and flexibility to meet varying priorities

Highly self-motivated and self-directed with the ability to manage multiple assignments without close supervision

Demonstrated computer experience including Word, Excel, SharePoint, Workday, ServiceNow and proficiency with current HR software packages