Northwestern Mutual

HR Advisor

Northwestern Mutual$70K — $105K *
Business Services
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in business or related field, or equivalent HR experience
  • 3+ years of HR experience preferred, especially in HR centers or business HR
  • Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively at all levels
  • Ability to communicate clearly, adjusting style to fit the audience
  • Critical thinking skills for problem-solving and anticipating challenges
  • Proven record of delivering empathetic and professional support to employees
  • HR certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) are a plus

Responsibilities

  • Provide employee relations counsel and complex policy interpretation to leaders
  • Coach managers to create safe spaces for open communication
  • Assist in conflict resolution to manage workplace issues
  • Partner with leaders to foster positive team culture
  • Equip leaders with strategies for goal setting and employee development
  • Follow up with stakeholders for effective case management
  • Analyze employee relations trends and recommend policy improvements

Benefits

  • Opportunities for mentorship and career development within the HR field
  • Access to training resources for self-service and process improvement
  • Engagement in cross-functional collaboration with HR partners
  • Participation in strategic projects and initiatives
  • Possibility of flexible working conditions (Hybrid/Onsite options)
Full Job Description

About the Job:

The HR Advisor provides coaching support to leaders on how to address and manage employee issues (e.g., policy violation, low performance, discipline, job abandonment, conflict mediation) as well as provide general policy interpretation and consultation to leaders and employees (e.g., performance, attendance, misconduct). The HR Advisor typically advises front-line leaders for more routine cases with limited complexity.  Finally, HR Advisor also provides employee support for dealing with workplace tension, conflict, or general manager/team/employee concerns.   

What You'll Do:

Employee Relations:

  • Provide employee relations general counsel and service to leaders (primary client) and employees; provide complex policy interpretation and strategic consultation to leaders and employees.   
  • Coach & guide managers on how to create a confidential and psychologically safe space for employees to share personal experiences, fostering trust and open communication.   
  • Counsel employees and leaders to help with conflict resolution to better manage potential issues in the workplace. Topics could include components related to Performance Management, Health Services, Union/Collective Bargaining Agreement, and other complex employee matters.
  • Partner with leaders to build strong employee relationships and cultivate a positive, trust-based team culture. This can include attending meetings to facilitate effective communication, ensure alignment, promote transparency, and support successful resolution of concerns.
  • Coach managers to capture and deliver feedback that is holistic, balanced, and future-focused.   
  • Equip leaders with effective strategies for goal setting, continuous conversations, and employee development, highlighting their intersection with employee relations, coaching, counseling, and discipline.
  • Follow up with relevant stakeholders (e.g., leaders, employees, Employee Relations, and/or Business HR) to keep a check on the resolution as applicable for effective case management.   
  • Assists in the assembly of HR Solutions insights based on employee relations cases and trends; prepares actionable insights for Business HR (BHR) and HR SET teams as applicable for strategic application.   
  • In partnership with Sr. HR Advisors and HR Advisory leadership, analyzes themes from cases and make recommendations for changes in Company policies, practices, training, programs and/or procedures.   

General HR Solutions/ Case Management

  • Serve as a general escalation point for HR Contact Center cases; may act as a mentor for aspiring HR Advisors as part of pipeline development.
  • May be identified as a topic subject matter expert and project lead in support of general HR Solutions transformation portfolio.  
  • May be assigned to maintain components of Knowledge Management in terms of content creation / refreshing to maintain accuracy for consistent application for employees & managers.   
  • Assist with building the future-state model by contributing to the creation of strategy, operating model, SLAs, and processes in partnership with the HR Solutions Team.   
  • Improve the consistency of the customer experience and empower leaders / employees via improved self-service, training/resources, process improvement, etc. 
  • Build strong relationships with HR SET partners, working cross-functionally and collaboratively to solve problems and identify areas for improvement.   
  • May act as key liaison for a function(s) Business HR team, to include presenting insights, facilitating proactive 1v1s in hot spots, etc.  The HR Advisor may be strategically paired with a Senior HR Advisor to enhance support for large functions and provide mentorship, enabling independent management of smaller functions.

What Experience You'll Bring:

  • Bachelor's degree in business or related field, or equivalent work experience in employee relations, business HR (generalist/consultant) or related HR field.
  • Typically, 3 years of previous HR experience, with at least 1-2 years within an HR Center of Excellence, HR Solutions, or within Business HR preferred. 
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
  • Performs work with thoroughness and adherence to compliance and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Ability to communicate (written/verbal) in a concise manner, adjusting style to match the audience; exhibits self-awareness, empathy, and active listening skills.
  • Ability to think critically to problem solve, anticipate challenges, and propose innovative solutions.
  • Proven ability to deliver superior user-experience with timely, accurate, and empathetic support to employees and leaders, ensuring professionalism and fostering a positive and productive workplace.
  • Must be able to remain calm under pressure in situations with conflict & high stress; approachable with a strong customer service focused (strong EQ).
  • Experience in assessing and prioritizing work with varied levels of urgency. Adapts to changing case load and projects timelines while still delivering on responsibilities.
  • HR certifications (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR, or similar) are a plus.


Skills:

1. HR Acumen

Demonstrates general HR knowledge and understanding of the disciplines beyond their own specialty. Understands how all HR disciplines interact and impact other areas. Utilizes their well-developed network to make informed decisions on various HR matter.

2. Consulting

Connects with stakeholders to understand and gain specific information to help resolve customer problems in a given domain. Communicates effectively intent to customers, solicits customer requirements, utilizes domain knowledge and collaborates with the right stakeholders.

3. Emotional Intelligence

Includes self-awareness and self-management, empathy towards stakeholders (internal and external) via active listening. Builds trusting relationships and establishes credibility with peers, managers and stakeholders to influence optimal outcomes for employees and clients.

4. Interpersonal Savvy

Relates well to all kinds of people inside and outside of the organization. Builds appropriate rapport, constructive and effective relationships. Uses diplomacy and tact and diffuses high-tension situations comfortably.

5. Adaptive Communication

Formulates strategies to be used to convey complex information about services, products, systems, or processes to targeted audiences; communicates and liaises between technical and non-technical audiences.

6. Prioritization

Assesses and accurately assigns priority levels to different tasks based on importance, urgency, and alignment to business and strategic goals.

7. Learning Agility & Critical Thinking

Pursues learning and obtains knowledge continuously in relevant fields, methods, or technologies in current and future practices; continuously utilizes critical thinking to identify opportunities, execute solutions, and measure impact to constantly improve existing practices and processes based on feedback, lessons learned, and market trends.

#LI-Hybrid, #LI-Onsite

Compensation Range:

Pay Range - Start:

$70,320.00

Pay Range - End:

$105,480.00

Geographic Specific Pay Structure:

Structure 110:

$77,360.00 USD - $116,040.00 USD

Structure 115:


$80,880.00 USD - $121,320.00 USD

We believe in fairness and transparency. It’s why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you’re living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click to learn more.




About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 160 years. Through a holistic planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to millions with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. The company manages billion of dollars of investments owned by its clients and held or managed through its wealth management and investment services businesses. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance).

Northwestern Mutual Careers

Joining Northwestern Mutual presents a unique opportunity to be part of a team that is dedicated to empowering personal and professional growth, innovation, and leadership in the financial services industry. As a company renowned for its commitment to excellence and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, Northwestern Mutual offers unparalleled job opportunities for both seasoned professionals and those at the start of their careers.

Work You’ll Do

At Northwestern Mutual, we believe in building strong relationships not only with our clients but also among our team members. By joining our team, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the industry, all united in their commitment to leadership and innovation. Our employees are equipped with top-tier benefits and diversity training that ensure their career journey is both rewarding and inclusive.

Explore Professional Growth and Development

Northwestern Mutual is committed to fostering an environment where career growth is not just a possibility but a priority. With a variety of positions available, from financial representatives to internships for budding professionals, our company is a place where your skills and passion can thrive. We provide extensive training programs and leadership development opportunities that prepare you for success in your current role and beyond.

Innovative Work Environment

Our team at Northwestern Mutual is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology and innovative financial strategies to provide exceptional service to our clients. This focus on innovation is not just about staying current; it's about leading the way in the financial sector. Employees at all levels are encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative, driving the company forward as a leader in the financial industry.

Be Part of Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords at Northwestern Mutual; they are integral to our company culture and business strategy. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees can flourish. Our diversity training programs are designed to enhance understanding and foster an inclusive environment for all team members.

Networking and Career Advancement

Networking within Northwestern Mutual opens doors to expansive career advancement opportunities. We encourage our employees to engage in internal networking events, which often lead to mentorship and further career development. Whether you are looking to enhance your resume, prepare for an interview, or step into a leadership role, Northwestern Mutual provides the resources and support to help you achieve your professional goals.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to the next level. Explore the job opportunities and internships available at Northwestern Mutual and find out how you can contribute to our legacy of innovation and leadership.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Northwestern Mutual.

SEARCH NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL JOBS

Join us and start your journey at Northwestern Mutual today, where your career is nurtured, your skills are honed, and your achievements are celebrated.
Learn more about Northwestern Mutual
Size
7,000 employees
Industry

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Northwestern Mutual

More Business Services Jobs

Find similar HR Advisor jobs: