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HR Manager

Universities of Wisconsin · Oshkosh, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

You'd be supervising a team of HR Generalists. Tell me about a time you had to coach a generalist whose case work wasn't where it needed to be.

What they are checking: Whether they can develop people through specific feedback instead of quietly redoing the work themselves.

Tell me about an employment policy you proposed or rewrote. How did you get stakeholders to accept it?

What they are checking: Their ability to move a policy from idea to adoption in an organization with many people who can say no.

This role helps managers line up their business needs with HR strategy. Give me an example of when you did that well.

What they are checking: Whether they act as a partner who solves the manager's real problem, not just a processor of forms.

Tell me about a time an employee relations issue escalated beyond what you expected. What did you learn?

What they are checking: Their judgment under pressure and whether they reflect honestly on what they would do differently.

What would you do

A department chair wants to handle a performance problem in a way that doesn't match university policy. How do you work through that with them?

What they are checking: Holding the line on policy while keeping a working relationship with a manager who outranks you on campus.

Two of your generalists are giving managers different answers on the same leave question. What do you do?

What they are checking: How they create consistency across a team so the unit speaks with one voice and avoids legal exposure.

The position is hybrid. How do you lead a team well when you're not all on campus the same days?

What they are checking: Whether they have concrete habits for staying available and keeping standards up without daily face time.

If the unit can't keep up with workforce needs during a busy hiring season, how would you decide what gets done first?

What they are checking: Whether they can set priorities with limited staff and explain those trade-offs to leadership.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd monitor whether our HR practices are staying compliant with employment laws and institutional policy, not just reacting when something goes wrong.

What they are checking: Whether they have a real system for catching compliance drift early, such as audits, checklists and data reviews.

How would you explain the practical differences between managing academic staff, university staff and faculty when it comes to hiring and discipline?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that a public university has several employee types with different rules, and not one HR playbook.

How do you handle an FMLA request that overlaps with a possible ADA accommodation?

What they are checking: Working knowledge of how leave and accommodation laws interact, which is where many HR mistakes and lawsuits start.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Universities of Wisconsin.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Position Title: HR Manager Job Category: Academic Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: HR Manager Job Duties: The Human Resources Manager reports directly to the HR Associate Director. This position designs, implements, and monitors various human resources (HR) functional programs at the university and supervises a team of HR Generalists. They also assist in strategy development to ensure the unit is able to process and support workforce needs and ensure regulatory compliance. This position has the ability for a hybrid work schedule with a blend of on-campus and remote days during the work week. UW Oshkosh provides a competitive benefits package for all benefit-eligible positions. Key Job Responsibilities: • Directs and manages unit operational functions and/or staff • Identifies, proposes, implements, and interprets employment policies and practices for stakeholders, and provides recommendations for changes • Monitors programs and practices to ensure compliance with human resources laws, regulations, and institutional policies • Serves as subject matter expert to support unit managers' alignment of business needs and human resources strategy • Identifies, designs, implements, and monitors Human Resources and staff training programs consistent with strategic objectives and initiatives Compensation: Starting at $70,000, commensurate with experience Required Qualifications: • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field • Minimum of two (2) years of experience in Human Resources • Strong working knowledge of human resources laws, principles, and practices • Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills • Experience with an HRIS database and applicant tracking system • Ability to maintain discretion and the highest ethical and professional standards while dealing with confidential information Preferred Qualifications: • Related HR certifications such as PHR or SHRM-CP • Previous work experience in a university setting or the public sector • Prior experience supervising HR staff Education: • Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or related field How to Apply: Applicants must submit the following documents using the online application: • Resume • Cover Letter *Please use your application materials to speak to each of the qualifications for this position as listed above. Be sure to describe your relevant experience and areas of expertise, using specific examples from your work and education history. Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application. All final candidates will be asked to provide names, email contact information, and/or phone numbers for three (3) references, with at least one being from a manager or supervisor, during the interview process. Note: Once you have attached your materials and submitted your application, you will not be able to go into the system and change them. To Ensure Consideration: Applications received by the end of the day on October 18, 2026 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration. Application materials will be evaluated, and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Incomplete and/or late application materials may not receive consideration. Contact Information: For questions regarding your application and additional options to apply, contact Human Resources at recruitment@uwosh.edu or 920-424-1166 Legal Notices: Reasonable Accommodations UWO provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact hroffice@uwosh.edu or 920-424-1166. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability. Confidentiality of Applicant Materials UWO is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law. UWO will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request. CBC & Reference Check Policy All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening which includes a criminal background check, work authorization, and verification of education. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the UWO Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see https://uwosh.edu/police/ , or call UWO Police Department, at (920) 424-1212 for a paper copy. UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

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