Senior Human Resources Generalist (Chicago)
Why This Role Matters People decisions shape every part of the employee experience, from a candidate's first day to how they are supported through challenges, growth, and career transitions. As our Sr. Human Resources Generalist, you'll help create a consistent, compliant, and positive experience for employees and leaders across multiple states while serving as a trusted advisor during some of the most important moments in an employee's journey. Your work will directly influence employee engagement, manager effectiveness, compliance, and the successful integration of new team members through growth and acquisitions. About the Role The Sr. Human Resources Generalist provides HR support across multiple locations and states, partnering closely with managers and employees on employee relations, leave administration, onboarding, compliance, and day-to-day HR operations. This role serves as a key resource for General Managers and employees, helping resolve workplace concerns, ensure compliance with employment laws, and improve HR processes that support business goals. What You'll Actually Do in Your First 30 Days Meet with General Managers and key leaders across your assigned locations to understand business priorities, workforce needs, and current HR challenges. Review active employee relations matters, leave cases, and ongoing compliance obligations to ensure smooth continuity of support. Audit employee records, HRIS data, onboarding documentation, and recent employee status changes for accuracy and compliance. Learn existing HR processes related to investigations, onboarding, offboarding, acquisitions, and leave administration, identifying opportunities for improvement. What Success Looks Like in the First 90 Days Within your first 90 days, you will: Build productive working relationships with General Managers and key leaders across your assigned region. Become the primary HR contact for employee relations matters and HR policy guidance. Successfully manage active leave cases while maintaining compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Complete an audit of employee records, HRIS data, and wage compliance requirements within your region. Establish a regular cadence of communication with site leadership, including quarterly business-partner meetings. Responsibilities Serve as the primary HR contact for employee relations concerns, partnering with managers and employees to address workplace issues professionally and consistently. Conduct prompt, thorough, and well-documented internal investigations and recommend appropriate resolutions. Provide guidance to employees and managers regarding company policies, practices, and HR processes. Recommend and implement improvements to HR processes, policies, and programs to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. Maintain accurate employee records, including hiring documentation, compensation changes, and employment status updates. Review and process approved new hire, transfer, promotion, and termination documentation. Support employee onboarding and integration activities associated with acquisitions and organizational growth. Administer employee leave programs, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation coordination, and personal leaves of absence. Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations. Maintain HRIS records and generate reports that support business and HR decision-making. Conduct quarterly audits related to minimum wage changes and other applicable employment law updates. Schedule and lead quarterly business review discussions with General Managers within the assigned region. Act as a proactive HR business partner, helping leaders navigate employee-related challenges and organizational changes. Must Have 5 years of Human Resources experience with significant responsibility for employee relations, workplace investigations, and leave administration. Working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, including California employment law. Experience independently conducting and documenting employee investigations and recommending resolutions. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to coach managers and communicate clearly with employees at all levels. Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and HR systems, including the ability to analyze workforce data and generate reports. Nice to Have Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field. SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR, or similar HR certification. Experience supporting multi-state employee populations. Experience supporting workforce integration related to acquisitions or organizational growth. Experience partnering directly with operational leaders across multiple locations. Travel Approximately 30% travel within the assigned region. What We Offer In addition to competitive pay (starting at $85,000) we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your physical, financial, and personal well-being: Medical, dental, and vision insurance options Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 401(k) with company match Tuition reimbursement Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Voluntary life, AD&D, and short-term disability coverage Paid holidays and time off $50,000 basic life/AD&D and long-term disability at no cost Propane discount Our Culture We believe the best HR teams balance compliance with support. You'll work with leaders who value practical solutions, open communication, and genuine partnership, and you'll have the opportunity to make a visible impact on both employees and the business.
