HR Generalist (Part-Time)

Location: Downers Grove - Onsite with some opportunities for remote work.

Industrial Kinetics is seeking a hands-on, experienced HR Generalist to serve as our dedicated in-house HR resource for a small, privately held manufacturing company. This role combines practical HR administration, Paylocity ownership, compliance, manager support, and process improvement. Reporting directly to our President, this role will focus on coaching managers to strengthen their leadership and staff‑management skills, streamlining process workflows, and supervising the use of our HRIS system. The ideal candidate will ensure that Industrial Kinetics maintains full compliance while driving continuous improvement across our people‑focused operations.

Company Overview:

At Industrial Kinetics, we're not just about conveyor systems; we're about revolutionizing the way goods move efficiently and seamlessly. Family-owned and operated since 1969, we have been creating innovative material handling concepts that make a quantifiable difference to the bottom lines of our ever-growing list of well-known customers. We are a growing and stable company focused on serving customers and employees, not bankers and investors. To learn more about Industrial Kinetics, please visit us at www.iki.com.

Industrial Kinetics offers:

• Hiring compensation range: $ 35.00 - $ 50.00/hour, dependent on experience, skills, and education.
• Paid leave provided in accordance with Illinois Law

Position Summary:

This role is best suited for an HR professional who enjoys practical, hands-on HR work in a small company environment. It is not a narrowly specialized HR role. The successful candidate should be willing to handle administrative details, employee questions, manager coaching, compliance follow-up, HRIS workflows, and process improvement. The HR Generalist will be responsible for managing the day-to-day HR operations for our small job-shop manufacturing business. Own core HR administration and compliance and serve as the primary administrator for our HRIS platform (Paylocity) including onboarding/offboarding, data integrity, and process discipline. Provide practical guidance to managers on employee relations, performance management, coaching, and corrective action. As our dedicated, in-house HR professional, you will add elements of systematization and cohesion to improve outcomes for the company, its employees, and customers.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and refine HR policies in accordance with company mission, vision and culture standards.
• Serve as primary HR contact for employees and managers regarding attendance, performance, conduct, capabilities, employee issues, and other employee-related matters.
• Serve as process owner for Paylocity modules used by the company (onboarding/offboarding, performance reviews, document library); ensure data integrity and workflow discipline.
• Train managers and employees on HRIS workflows and expectations; maintain internal SOPs and reference guides for common HR tasks.
• Coach managers on performance management, documentation, and corrective action plans and help ensure consistent follow-through.
• Own the HR calendar (e.g., performance reviews, scheduled coaching touchpoints, discipline follow-ups) and maintain simple tools to keep leaders on track.
• Coordinate recruiting workflow with outside recruiting partners and hiring managers.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and discretion regarding personnel, compensation, and company financial information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Human Resource Certification, a plus.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible HR experience, or 3+ years with demonstrated ability to operate independently in a small-company environment.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing or job-shop environment strongly preferred.
• Experience in a small, privately held company is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in Paylocity or similar HRIS systems preferred.
• Experienced in partnering and collaborating with department managers on workflows, implementation of directives and deliverables.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies:

• Proficient in Human Resource best practices and knowledgeable in federal, state and county employment laws.
• Strong computer and data management skills (MS Office, ERP, Paylocity desired).
• Proficient with Microsoft applications and understands the use of ERP systems for manufacturing.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to produce clear, concise written documentation that managers can use (policies, SOPs, corrective action documentation).
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills to interact with all departments and levels within the organization.
• Strong organization and time management; able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Practical experience with AI with willingness to use it and the wisdom to know its limitations
• Comfortable operating as the primary HR resource in a small company environment, including both administrative follow-through and judgment-based employee relations work.

For Consideration:

Joining our team at Industrial Kinetics will offer the opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact on both people and processes. If you're energized by variety and motivated by the opportunity to help a growing organization strengthen its foundation, we'd be excited to welcome you to our team. For consideration, please submit a resume by clicking the apply button.

Industrial Kinetics is an equal opportunity employer.

AI may have been used during the recruiting process. See (link) to learn how.

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