Employee Relations / HR Business Partner Manager

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Transportation - Agency 27

Location:

Lincoln, NE

Hiring Rate:

$32.291

Job Posting:

JR2025-00020073 Employee Relations / HR Business Partner Manager (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed):

10-23-2025

Job Description:

As NDOT's Employee Relations/HR Business Partner Manager, you will be a pivotal force in creating and implementing HR policies, practices, and procedures to foster a positive work environment that aligns with industry best practices and agency goals, growth plans, and business objectives. You will tackle complex employee relations issues, lead the Business Partner team, and ensure compliance with employment laws. This strategic role demands a sharp, empathetic leader who can decisively resolve disputes and mentor teams, while also implementing transformative change that enhances our agency as an employer of choice.

We reward our employee’s hard work with a friendly and supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• State-matched retirement contribution of 156%
• 13 paid holidays
• Generous leave accruals that begin immediately
• Military leave
• Tuition reimbursement program
• Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
• 79% employer-paid health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans
• Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
• Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
• Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
• Training and Development based on your career aspirations
• Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship
• Employee Assistance Program
• Fun, inviting teammates
• Free parking

Pay range is $32.291 - $50.571 per hour. The pay rate may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints if approved.

JOB DUTIES

• Manage all aspects of NDOT’s employee relations program, activities, and initiatives related to performance management, employee engagement, policy development, grievance management, labor relations, employment law, contract and rules interpretation and compliance, workplace complaints/investigations, etc.
• Develop, refine, and implement employee relations-related strategies and key priorities in conjunction with agency leadership that support a high-performance culture and advance the mission of NDOT.
• Manage the Business Partner team by providing vision, purpose, and support in alignment with the agency’s mission and strategic business plan.
• Act as a trusted advisor to both employees and management, provide expert guidance, and consistently demonstrate an exceptional level of integrity while ensuring compliance with related employment law, policy, and business objectives.
• Design and manage the effective execution of the performance management process, tools, and training; partnering with agency leadership to ensure a successful performance management cycle.
• Develop, implement, and manage agency HR policies and procedures by identifying strategies that support near and long-term business objectives.
• Identify opportunities for HR to engage effectively with management, partner with leadership, demonstrate HR value by aligning to business objectives, and support change management activities.
• Proactively identify resources and strategies to formulate actionable recommendations and options for leadership.
• Work very closely with Division and District leadership, HR Centers of Expertise (COEs), and other NDOT areas needed to prioritize and support the Divisions’ and Districts’ day-to-day business needs, including providing organizational restructuring consultation and facilitating strategic business planning.
• Perform analysis and prepare statistical reports, narrative reports, high-quality point of view documents, presentations, data reports, etc., to formulate goals and objectives, interpret results, and present to leadership across the agency and at all levels.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field and one year of related experience. Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in employee relations, performance management, union relations, and/or employee engagement.

• Experience leading a team of HR professionals in one or more of the areas listed above.

Other:

• Valid driver’s license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation. Occasional overnight travel may be required.

• Regular and reliable attendance is also required.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Demonstrated experience in coaching, partnering, and influencing outcomes at all levels of management.

• Demonstrated experience in conducting investigations to include information and data gathering, analyzing information, and validating conclusions.

• Experience leading a workforce through a changing environment.

• Demonstrated leadership experience with program oversight.

• Highly effective communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, perform an in-depth analysis of programs and policies, and possess the interpersonal skills necessary to interact with employees and all levels of leadership.

• Ability to influence outcomes effectively.

• Ability to build and leverage enduring relationships.
  

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.

Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.