---
title: 'Human Resources Generalist at Cottingham & Butler'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/human-resources-generalist-cottingham-butler-dubuque-iowa-0z6baaa1z71n'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-09'
---

# Human Resources Generalist at Cottingham & Butler

- **Company:** Cottingham & Butler
- **Location:** Dubuque Iowa, United States
- **Posted:** 2024-06-03
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-09
- **Apply:** https://boards.greenhouse.io/cottinghambutlerinsuranceservicesinc/jobs/4045685008?gh_jid=4045685008

## Job description

Human Resources Generalist

We’re looking for a proactive, detail‑oriented HR Specialist who’s ready to jump in and make an impact. In this role, you’ll support our Human Resources - Operations team by handling employee relations, managing HRIS systems, and driving the core HR processes that keep our organization running smoothly.

Essential Functions:

Employee Relations

- Serve as the first point of contact for employee concerns, conducting initial investigations and escalating when appropriate.
- Coach supervisors on performance and policy matters while supporting training on respectful workplace practices.
- Identify trends, recommend proactive solutions, and maintain accurate, confidential documentation.

HRIS & Data Management

- Act as the HRIS expert for configuration, reporting, and data integrity.
- Lead audits, reconciliations, and compliance‑driven reporting.
- Troubleshoot issues and partner with IT and vendors on improvements.
- Train HR and operational leaders on system tools and reporting.

Operational HR Support

- Lead and support HR projects that improve efficiency and experience.
- Provide hands‑on support during peak seasons and special events.
- A collaborative, detail‑oriented, eager‑to‑learn mindset.

If you love variety, collaboration, and being the person people rely on to get things right, apply and bring your strengths to our HR Generalist role!

## Benefits

- Most Benefits start Day 1
- Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
- Flex Spending or HSA
- 401(k) with company match
- Profit-Sharing/ Defined Contribution (1-year waiting period)
- PTO/ Paid Holidays
- Company-paid ST and LT Disability
- Maternity Leave/ Parental Leave
- Subsidized Parking
- Company-paid Term Life/ Accidental Death Insurance

About Cottingham & Butler:

At Cottingham & Butler, we sell a promise to help our clients through life’s toughest moments. To deliver on that promise, we aim to hire, train, and grow the best professionals in the industry. We look for people with an insatiable desire to succeed, are committed to growing, and thrive on challenges. Our culture is guided by the theme of “better every day” constantly pushing ourselves to be better than yesterday – that’s who we are and what we believe in.

As an organization, we are tremendously optimistic about the future and have incredibly high expectations for our people and our performance. Our ability to grow as a company, fuels investments in new resources to better serve our clients and provide the amazing career opportunities our employees want and deserve. This is why we are a growth company and why we are committed to being better every day.

Want to learn more? Follow us on [www.CottinghamButler.com](http://www.cottinghambutler.com/) | [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cottingham-&-butler/) | [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/cottinghambutler)

## About Cottingham & Butler

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Cottingham & Butler is a privately-held national insurance broker providing risk management, property & casualty, and employee benefits insurance and consulting services.
- **Entity Type**: Private (privately held, bootstrapped – no external funding rounds reported)
- **Headquarters**: Dubuque, Iowa, United States
- **Founded**: 1887
- **Founders**: Not publicly named (family-led; current leadership includes David Becker – CEO, Andrew Butler – Executive Chairperson, John E. Butler – Chairperson, Mike Hessling – President)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Insurance brokerage and risk management
- **Target customers**: B2B – mid-market to large enterprises across various industries
- **Mission**: “To partner with our clients, to protect their most valuable assets, and to build an exceptional company of passionate insurance professionals.” [cottinghambutler.com](https://www.cottinghambutler.com/about/leadership)

## Products & Services
- **Property & Casualty Insurance**: Coverage for commercial property, liability, workers’ compensation, and more.
- **Employee Benefits Solutions**: Health, dental, vision, life, disability, and voluntary benefits consulting.
- **Captives & Programs**: Alternative risk financing and captive management for sophisticated clients.
- **Claims Management**: Full-service claims administration and advocacy.
- **Safety Management Services**: Risk control, loss prevention, and safety consulting.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not disclosed (privately held)
- **Key Metric**: Annual revenue of approximately **$779.8M** (LinkedIn estimate) [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cottingham-&-butler)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Privately held; no external investors disclosed. Key partners include New Horizon Academy (on-site childcare provider).
- **Growth Signals**: 
  - 3rd largest privately and independently held insurance broker in the U.S. [cottinghambutler.com](https://www.cottinghambutler.com/about/leadership)
  - Over 1,300 employees (company states) [cottinghambutler.com](https://www.cottinghambutler.com/about/leadership); LinkedIn reports ~715 employees with +6.9% YoY growth [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cottingham-&-butler)
  - Active job postings increased +36.9% quarterly and +43.8% yearly [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cottingham-&-butler)
  - National presence with offices across the U.S. and in Canada.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Scale & Independence**: As the 3rd largest privately held broker in the U.S., they combine national resources with independent ownership, enabling long-term client focus without shareholder pressure.
- **Longevity & Trust**: Operating since 1887 – 135+ years of stability and client relationships.
- **Culture of Continuous Improvement**: “Better Every Day” mantra drives innovation and service excellence.
- **Integrated Services**: Full suite from insurance placement to claims and safety, offering a seamless client experience.

## Strategic Focus
- **National Expansion**: Growing geographic footprint and service capabilities to reach more clients.
- **Talent Development**: Heavy investment in employee growth, with a scholarship program that has awarded over $1M to students and strong internal promotion paths.
- **Innovation in Risk Management**: Developing new captive and program structures to meet evolving client needs.

## Why Work Here
- **Culture**: Emphasizes “Better Every Day” – a commitment to personal and professional growth, integrity, transparency, and respect. [cottinghambutler.com](https://www.cottinghambutler.com/ourculture-people)
- **Benefits**: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription, free telehealth, paid disability, brain health resources, 401K with profit sharing, tax-advantaged accounts, dependent scholarship program. [cottinghambutler.com](https://www.cottinghambutler.com/careers-culture)
- **Family Support**: On-site childcare center at Dubuque headquarters with preferred rates for employees (powered by New Horizon Academy). [cottinghambutler.com](https://www.cottinghambutler.com/careers-culture)
- **Work Environment**: Headquarters in Dubuque, Iowa, with onsite dining and fitness; hybrid/remote options not explicitly stated but likely role-dependent. Offers both sales and corporate/service career tracks.
- **Growth Opportunities**: Strong internal mobility, mentorship for new grads, and a track record of promoting from within.

## Sources
1. [cottinghambutler.com](https://www.cottinghambutler.com/) – Company homepage, services, mission
2. [cottinghambutler.com/careers-culture](https://www.cottinghambutler.com/careers-culture) – Careers page with benefits and culture details
3. [cottinghambutler.com/about/leadership](https://www.cottinghambutler.com/about/leadership) – Leadership, history, and company facts
4. [cottinghambutler.com/ourculture-people](https://www.cottinghambutler.com/ourculture-people) – Culture and values page
5. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/cottingham-&-butler) – LinkedIn company profile with employee count, revenue, and growth trends

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