Employee Relations Manager Jobs in Rochester, MN

Working at Knobelsdorff

Along with building state-of-the-art projects, we build meaningful careers, lasting opportunities, and teams of dedicated individuals who truly own their work. As a leading turnkey specialty contractor specializing in Automation, Electric, Energy, and Power Services, our team tackles challenging, cutting-edge projects that provide opportunities to build new skills, confidence, and gain valuable hands-on experience in a variety of different industries. We tackle industrial electrical installations, advanced automation systems, and renewable energy solutions.

Since our founding as a family-owned company in 1988, we've grown while staying true to our core values. Starting your career with Knobelsdorff means joining a culture that values your contributions, moves quickly, takes calculated risks, and celebrates team members who step up and own their work.

If you're ready to join a team where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated, Knobelsdorff (KE) is the place for you.

Job Purpose:

Reporting directly to the Director of Human Resources, the HR Generalist supports day‑to‑day HR operations while serving as a trusted resource for employees and leaders. This role blends employee relations, compliance, performance management, and HR administration, with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on culture, development, and operational excellence.

Position descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive lists of all duties; rather, they reflect the primary end results and outcomes for which this role is accountable.

What You'll Do:

You’ll be part of a team that gets things done, works with purpose, and takes pride in the results. Your day-to-day responsibilities may include:

1. Employee Relations Support & Guidance (30%) - Provide guidance and support on employee relations matters to foster a positive, compliant, and respectful workplace.

Example:
Collaborated with a supervisor to address recurring attendance issues by reviewing timekeeping records and conducting a one‑on‑one meeting with the employee. Developed a corrective action plan with clear expectations and follow‑up checkpoints, resulting in improved punctuality and consistent attendance.

2. Business Partner to Division (20%) - Serve as an HR partner to assigned divisions by providing operational support in payroll processing, talent acquisition coordination, learning and development initiatives, and ensuring accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality of HR systems and reporting.

Example:
Partnered with division leaders to streamline payroll processes, support hiring for critical field roles, coordinate compliance training programs, and ensure accurate HR data across multiple systems.

3. Compliance Management (15%) - Assist in the development, implementation, and ongoing compliance of federal and state employment policies and procedures, ensuring consistency and alignment with organizational standards.

Example:
Maintained accurate tracking and reporting of employee leave under Minnesota’s Paid Leave program, ensuring timely approvals, payroll coordination, and clear communication to employees regarding their benefits.

4. Performance Management (15%) - Coordinate and administer the organization’s performance management program, including goal setting, check‑ins, and annual review cycles. Provide guidance to managers and employees and support a culture of continuous feedback and development.

Example:
Coordinated the annual performance review cycle by sending reminders, troubleshooting system issues, and guiding managers through the process—resulting in 98% on‑time completion and improved feedback quality across divisions.

What You Bring

You are someone who shows up ready to work hard, learn fast, and contribute to a team that takes pride in doing things right. Successful candidates typically bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent work experience)
• 2–4 years of experience in Human Resources or a related function
• Working knowledge of employment laws and HR compliance requirements
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and integrity
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment

Bonus Points for:

• SHRM‑CP, SHRM‑SCP, or PHR certification
• Experience with HR data analysis and reporting to support decision‑making
• Familiarity with change management and process improvement in HR operations
• Bililngual

Total Rewards Statement

As a full-time employee at Knobelsdorff, you'll have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and future.

• 100% employer-paid health and dental coverage for employees
• HSA contributions to support your medical expenses
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) with competitive company match
• Profit sharing and performance-based incentives
• Paid weekly with competitive wages
• PTO, six paid holidays, and education reimbursement
• Exclusive employee discounts through Working Advantage

The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $85,000 per year, which reflects a good-faith estimate based on market data and internal equity.  

We believe your work should be rewarded with more than just a paycheck. At KE, we invest in your total wellbeing.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing and handling documents
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 15 pounds (files, office equipment, training materials)
• Regular verbal communication and active listening, both in person and virtually

Accessibility: If you need accommodations as part of the employment process, please contact Knobelsdorff Human Resources at 651-923-4970 or via email at HR@KEway.com.

Workplace Requirements

• Primarily based in a professional office environment using standard office equipment
• Daily interaction with employees, managers, and external partners
• Occasional collaboration in conference rooms or off‑site training locations
• Standard business hours with minimal exposure to hazardous environments

Travel Requirements

Occasional travel between worksites or for meetings and training (up to 20%)

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)

Knobelsdorff (KE) is an EEO to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

• EEO is the Law (English/Spanish)

KE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters.

If you need accommodation during the hiring process, let us know and we’ll work with you.