Nicholas Phillips

Senior HR leader with 7+ years of progressive HR leadership experience serving as a trusted advisor to multiple statewide agencies advising executives on workforce strategy, organizational effectiveness, and high-risk employee relations. Drive data-informed workforce planning, turnover reduction initiatives, and talent forecasting to strengthen staffing outcomes across complex public-sector environments. Build strong partnerships with agency heads to align HR strategy with mission, improve operational consistency, and deliver compliant, people-centered solutions across diverse teams.

Human Resources Director at State of Indiana – State Personnel Department (2025-11 – Present)

Lead complex investigations and high-risk employee relations cases, serving as trusted advisor to executive leadership across nine state agencies with 1,500+ employees.

• Led complex investigations and high-risk employee relations cases, reducing organizational exposure and strengthening leadership accountability through consistent, policy-aligned guidance.
• Served as a trusted advisor to executive leadership in nine state agencies, improving decision-making accuracy and reducing vacancy rates by implementing data-driven workforce planning models.
• Directed HR strategy and operations for agencies totaling more than 1,500+ employees across multiple statewide locations, improving workforce stability through analytics-based forecasting and proactive retention strategies.

Human Resources Manager at State of Indiana – State Personnel Department (2023-10 – 2025-11)

Led HR strategy and operations for 3 Senior HR Business Partners and 1 HR Business Partner, ensuring consistent employee relations, hiring, and data management.

• Lead HR strategy and operations for 3 Senior HR Business Partners and 1 HR Business Partner, ensuring consistent employee relations, hiring, and data management across the agency.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on investigations, disciplinary actions, unemployment, and workforce planning.
• Designed and implemented an updated interview guide and hiring manager training program, improving consistency and selection quality.
• Monitor turnover and forecast workforce needs, developing proactive retention strategies aligned with agency goals.
• Recognized for strengthening HR's role as a strategic partner, driving initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness and employee engagement.

Senior HR Business Partner at State of Indiana – State Personnel Department (2021-01 – 2023-10)

Partnered with executive leadership across multiple divisions (~900 positions) to provide guidance on employee relations, investigations, and workforce strategy.

• Partnered with executive leadership across multiple divisions (~900 positions) to provide guidance on employee relations, investigations, disciplinary actions, and workforce strategy.
• Led transition from manual performance appraisals to SuccessFactors (SAP) system; trained 100% of staff, ensuring successful adoption.
• Created equal pay equity opportunities by conducting compensation reviews and implementing standardized pay recommendations.
• Reduced high vacancy rates at underperforming facilities through targeted recruitment and retention strategies.
• Developed and distributed leadership newsletters focused on management training and staff development.

HR Business Partner at State of Indiana – State Personnel Department (2019-08 – 2021-01)

Managed staffing for 500 positions across two facilities, leading full-cycle recruiting and overseeing employee relations investigations.

• Managed staffing for 500 positions across two facilities, leading full-cycle recruiting including interviews, onboarding, background checks, and compliance.
• Oversaw employee relations investigations, disciplinary actions, unemployment claims, and workers' compensation cases.
• Maintained employee data, payroll actions, and performance appraisals in PeopleSoft, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Conducted turnover analysis and policy reviews to maintain compliance with state and federal labor laws.
• Chaired Critical Incident Committee, improving organizational response and accountability across DOC facilities.

Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management – Keller Graduate School of Management

Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Tourism Management – Indiana University