HR Business Partner II

HR Business Partner II

Job Locations US-WI-Milwaukee | US-IL-Chicago Requisition ID 2026-13421 Category Human Resources

Overview

Are you looking for a highly rewarding opportunity that provides extensive career growth opportunity? Gilbane is seeking an HR Business Partner II, under the direction of the HR Manager, plans and executes the day-to-day HR processes and initiatives for their geographical area with a specific focus on building and enhancing the people leader skills.

Who are we?

As a Top-10 ENR Contractor, Gilbane is a family-owned business with 45 offices that has been shaping communities since 1870. Consistently recognized as one of the most reputable construction management firms in the country, Gilbane is committed to delivering projects safely and on-time. You will have the opportunity to build schools, labs, hospitals, corporate offices, sports arenas and more!

We are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Who are you?

You are someone who acts inclusively, showing empathy and treating others with respect and dignity in order to uphold Gilbane's core value of Caring and "People First" workplace culture. You seek to listen in order to understand and can convey information clearly. You're a strong problem solver who can identify, prioritize, and implement alternatives for solutions, and you demonstrate adaptability by collaborating with others and supporting team members to achieve excellence. A self-starter who shows passion, commitment, and ownership all while delivering on business outcomes and driving results. You're someone who identifies opportunities for new and improved ways of doing things that result in value-add solutions.

Your core values match Gilbane's: Integrity, Caring, Teamwork, Toughmindedness, Dedication to Excellence, Discipline, Loyalty, and Entrepreneurship.

What's in it for you?

Gilbane offers employees multi-dimensional training opportunities through a number of resources. While managing your responsibilities to projects, you will be able to enroll in trainings through our award-winning Gilbane University to build leadership and technical skills. In addition, you would work with an experienced team which provides you with the opportunity to learn new industry skills every day. You will protect and promote the interests of both Gilbane and the client in all matters as well as demonstrating the personal characteristics of a developing leader.

Responsibilities

Supports managers (M1-M5) in assigned geography on all people-related matters
• Delivers People First priorities to managers in their geography including talent management, engagement, inclusion, compensation, and performance, participates in local employee relations investigations
• Conducts local trainings with people leaders on related topics, both key people process and building people leader capabilities (I.e., having 1:1's, feedback, etc.)
• Supports staffing efforts and labor strategy at (M1-M5) in partnership with HR Manager and Director
• Addresses urgent manager needs including performance management of direct reports, coaching managers through employee/manager conflict and team dynamics, coaching, etc. including drafting PIPs in partnership with managers
• Executes People First goals within geography with significant focus on consistent roll out and building people leader capabilities
• Provides advice to managers on employee wages and salaries to administer the Salary Planning Process
• Champions the annual performance appraisal process to ensure completion and coaches managers on ratings system and conducting effective performance discussions
• Fosters a deep understanding of the day-to-day work environment, partners with leadership to address any emerging issues, and provides feedback when relevant to HR Director, People Strategy for impacted group
• Advises local ERG leaders on draft and execution of ERG annual goals
• Conducts local terminations (approved at manager level) and manages RIF process
• Works closely with the HR Manager to ensure that HR processes, actions and programs for the enterprise are in alignment and executed
• Partners with the Talent Acquisition team in the recruitment process by understanding staffing needs, interviewing key hires (M5+), and making recommendations to management for hiring decisions
• Analyzes HR metrics and data to inform decisions and identify trends, risks, and opportunities
• Builds awareness around key metrics People Leaders
• Maintains awareness of current and changing employment law
• Provides coaching and guidance to field management teams related to employee performance, interpersonal team conflict, and team dynamics
• Acts as a responsive and agile HR partner, promptly addressing urgent workforce needs and adapting to rapidly changing operational priorities
• Maintains composure and exercises solution-oriented thinking in the face of evolving field demands and last-minute business adjustments
• Demonstrates agility in driving people strategy, ensuring responsiveness to the fast-paced demands of the business
• Coaches and supports less experienced team members
• Supports a positive and inclusive work environment

Qualifications

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field
• 6-8 years of Human Resources experience, with a minimum of 3 years of experience in an HR Business Partner role
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality
• Thorough knowledge of industry and employment-related laws and regulations
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
• Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization's HRIS and talent management systems

Salary to be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience of the applicant, as well as the internal equity and alignment with the team. For Chicago, IL this ranges from $105,000.00 - $135,000.00 plus benefits and retirement program. For Milwaukee, WI this ranges from $95,000.00 - $120,000.00 plus benefits and retirement program.

Gilbane offers an excellent total compensation package which includes competitive health and welfare benefits and a generous profit-sharing/401k plan. We invest in our employees' education and have built Gilbane University into a top training organization in the construction industry. Qualified applicants who are offered a position must pass a pre-employment substance abuse test.

Gilbane is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or disability status. Click here to view the physical demands and working conditions required to perform this role. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Note to Recruiters, Placement Agencies, and Similar Organizations : Gilbane does not accept unsolicited resumes from agencies. Please do not forward unsolicited agency resumes to our jobs alias, website, or to any Gilbane employee. Gilbane will not pay fees to any third party agency or firm and will not be responsible for any agency fees associated with unsolicited resumes. Unsolicited resumes received will be considered property of Gilbane and will be processed accordingly.

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