The posting
Our Associate Relations team partners closely with other human resources teams, managers and associates to support business goals and ensure we're fostering an experience that makes us proud to be a UMBer.
As the Sr. Associate Relations Partner, you will be a trusted advisor and thought partner to people leaders within assigned lines of business (LOBs) on issues related to the UMB associate experience. To achieve this objective, you will champion our culture, and help recognize and proactively mitigate risk to the organization related to the associate experience. This is a subset of the overall responsibilities which will include multiple initiatives as assigned by Human Resources leadership.
This role is hybrid (Mon through Thu on-site / Fri remote) located in downtown Kansas City, MO.
How you will spend your time:
- Serve as key adviser to people leaders on UMB’s performance management philosophy, performance coaching and the Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) process up to and including termination, compliance with UMB’s HR policies and practices, compliance with employment laws and regulations, the position elimination process, and leadership strategies to improve the associate experience.
- Lead internal investigations from start to finish, from conducting interviews and analyzing relevant documentation to reaching conclusions and developing recommended action plans. This may include consulting with Corporate Legal as needed.
- Handle all reasonable accommodation requests, including engaging in interactive dialogues and supporting the business in assessing undue hardship.
- Analyze trends and identify training needs for all people leaders related to the associate experience, especially as it pertains to performance coaching and compliance with HR policies and employment laws. Lead efforts to develop relevant training material to address these needs, and lead/conduct training sessions for people leaders.
- Serve as a trusted resource for associates on complex questions and concerns, such as alleged mistreatment or unlawful conduct. Recognize and mitigate risk through building trust and relationships, as well as leading climate reviews, analyzing and aggregating the feedback, and advising management on recommended action plans.
We are excited to talk if you have:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field and at least 8 years of Human Resources experience OR equivalent combination of education and work experience.
- At least 3 years of experience in associate / employee relations including HR employment data analysis.
- Strong business acumen and demonstrated ability to learn business processes and client needs to effectively and proactively mitigate risk related to the associate experience.
- A commitment to foster inclusion and diversity.
- Experience effectively driving communication and collaboration across multiple disparate groups with competing streams simultaneously.
- Ability to create, maintain and disseminate information to stakeholders for multiple projects/work streams at one time.
Bonus Points if you have:
- Worked in the banking or financial services industry.
- A Master’s degree in Human Resources, MBA, Juris Doctorate (JD), or similar advanced degree.
- PHR certification.
Applicants must have legal authority to work in the United States. Work Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
This position was posted on 10/19/2026. The application deadline for this position is 45 days from the posting date unless filled earlier.
Compensation Range:
$98,208 - $144,705
The posted compensation range on this listing represents UMB’s good faith and reasonable estimate based on its budget and what it expects to be the starting pay for this role, but the actual compensation may vary by geographic location, experience level, and other job-related factors. Please see the description of benefits included with this job posting for additional information.
UMB offers competitive and varied benefits to eligible associates, such as Paid Time Off; a 401(k) matching program; annual incentive pay; paid holidays; a comprehensive company sponsored benefit plan including medical, dental, vision, and other insurance coverage; health savings, flexible spending, and dependent care accounts; adoption assistance; an employee assistance program; fitness reimbursement; tuition reimbursement; an associate wellbeing program; an associate emergency fund; and various associate banking benefits. Benefit offerings and eligibility requirements vary.
Are you ready to be part of something more? You're more than a means to an end—a way to help us meet the bottom line. UMB isn't comprised of workers, but of people who care about their work, one another, and their community. Expect more than the status quo. At UMB, you can expect more heart. You'll be valued for exactly who you are and encouraged to support causes you care about. Expect more trust. We want you to do the right thing, no matter what. And, expect more opportunities. UMBers are known for having multiple careers here and having their voices heard.
UMB and its affiliates are committed to inclusion and diversity and provide employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need accommodation for any part of the employment process because of a disability, please send an e-mail to [email protected] to let us know the nature of your request.
If you are a California resident, please visit our Privacy Notice for California Job Candidates to understand how we collect and use your personal information when you apply for employment with UMB.
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