Chief Human Resource Officer

Posted Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 6:00 AM

Merchants Bank is a growing, employee-owned company, with a 150-year dedication to fulfilling the hopes and dreams of our community members and delivering outstanding customer service. We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and service‑driven Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) to serve as the gatekeeper of our culture and core values while championing a strong Servant Leadership philosophy. This position is located at our Winona, MN headquarters.

This senior leader will guide talent and performance management, ensuring alignment with our strategic pillars and supporting our high‑performance aspirations. The CHRO will oversee the development, implementation, and continuous enhancement of Human Resources and Training strategies that promote organizational effectiveness, strengthen workforce engagement, and reinforce Merchants Bank’s reputation as an employer of choice.

Responsibilities include leading culture‑driving programs; leadership initiatives; succession planning; directing all HR functions such as workforce planning, organizational development, performance management, talent development, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and compliance; and representing the Bank in regulatory, legal, and community settings.

10 years of progressive HR leadership experience (preferably in financial services), a BS/BA degree, strong strategic skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills required. MBA or MA/MS in human resources or related field preferred. Must have a demonstrated ability to foster and support an engaged workforce by encouraging all employees to focus on strengths, celebrate successes and foster effective recognition.

Must be detail orientated, organized and able to manage multiple projects. SHRM or PHR certification is desired.

Merchants Bank offers competitive wages and benefits for our full‑time employees including health, dental, life, disability and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts, 401(k) and ESOP retirement plans; bonus plan; paid time off; tuition reimbursement; and a variety of voluntary supplemental insurance options.

Please click on Apply Now or apply in person at Merchants Bank, Winona (102 E 3 rd Street). Questions can be emailed to  Merchants Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

This is a strategic role with primary responsibility to serve as the gatekeeper of the Company’s culture and defined core value system, to include setting a strong Servant Leadership example for all stakeholders. In alignment with the Company’s strategic pillars, the CHRO is accountable for talent and performance management across the enterprise in a manner consistent with the Company’s high‑performance aspirations as compared to industry peers.

Strategic talent management areas of focus include clear performance expectations for all roles, continuous review of compensation and benefits required to attract different‑making talent and formalization of the Company’s succession planning discipline. Will be expected to provide leadership, development and execution of Human Resource (HR) and Training strategies in alignment with the direction of the organization. Establish, implement and administer HR and Training systems, practices and approaches to support the achievement of the Company’s strategic goals, as well as maintaining/buili…