Sr. Human Resource Business Partner

Sr. Human Resource Business Partner

About First Farmers Bank & Trust

First Farmers Bank & Trust has been proudly serving families, farms, and businesses since 1885, building relationships rooted in trust and community. With over 140 years of experience, we’ve grown to become one of the largest community banks in Indiana and Illinois, offering a full range of financial services—from personal and business banking to agricultural lending and mortgage solutions.

Our mission is simple: deliver personalized financial services while fostering strong relationships that help our communities thrive. We believe in combining today’s digital banking convenience with the traditional values of integrity, perseverance, and customer care.

With 37 branches in Indiana and Illinois, we remain deeply committed to the communities we serve. Through initiatives like financial education programs, scholarships, volunteerism, and local partnerships, we invest in what matters most—people.

At First Farmers, we also invest in our employees. We offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a culture that values collaboration and community engagement. When you join our team, you’re not just starting a job—you’re joining a company built on heart and grit.

Position Summary

The Senior Human Resource Business Partner (Sr. HRBP) serves as a strategic advisor to business leaders and employees, aligning HR initiatives with organizational goals and supporting First Farmers Bank & Trust’s mission of delivering exceptional financial services and fostering strong community relationships. This role is responsible for fostering a positive work environment and managing complex employee relations issues. The Sr. HRBP partners closely with leadership to drive organizational effectiveness, mitigate risk, and promote a culture of engagement and accountability, while ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead investigations into complex employee relations issues, including harassment, discrimination, and policy violations.
• Provide guidance and recommendations to managers on performance management, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
• Assist in the recruitment and hiring process.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and internal policies.
• Collaborate with business leaders to align HR strategies with organizational goals.
• Advise on workforce planning, talent development, and organizational design.
• Support change management initiatives and employee engagement strategies.
• Analyze ER trends and metrics to identify risks and recommend proactive solutions.
• All other job duties as assigned
• * The company reserves the right to modify duties and responsibilities over time as needed.

Skills

• Exceptional problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills with senior leaders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High emotional intelligence and cultural awareness for diverse workforces.
• Ability to coach and develop managers on ER best practices.
• Skilled in driving change management and fostering employee engagement.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.

Work Environment

• Primarily office or branch-based environment with standard business hours. Travel to other branch locations up to 50%.
• Daily extended use of banking software, secure digital platforms, and standard office equipment.
• Repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds as needed.

 Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field, OR equivalent work experience
• Experience in multiple HR functions (e.g. comp, talent, ER).
• Solid understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex ER cases and provide sound recommendations.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field, OR equivalent work experience
• SHRM-CP/SCP or PHR/SPHR
• Experience supporting multiple business units or a large complex organization
• Experience in organizational development and change management