HR Manager - Chicago - $100k-$125k

HR Manager

Our client is a growing organization that provides essential operational and workforce services to large industrial and transportation-related businesses across North America. The company has undergone significant change over the past several years and continues to refine its structure, processes, and long-term strategy. They are looking for an HR Manager who can help support the business through this transformation and organizational change. The HR Manager will serve as a key partner to site and business leadership, providing day-to-day guidance on people-related matters while helping to execute broader HR initiatives. This role offers a mix of strategic partnership and hands-on execution, making it an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys being close to the business and influencing outcomes through strong relationships and practical solutions. Leading a small HR team, the HR Manager will support a wide range of responsibilities including employee relations, performance management, workforce planning, talent acquisition, retention strategies, training and development, compliance, compensation, benefits, and organizational effectiveness. The position will work closely with leaders across the organization to ensure HR programs align with operational goals and employee needs. The ideal candidate will bring progressive human resources experience within a labor-intensive environment and have a track record of partnering with leaders to drive positive business and workforce outcomes. Prior experience in transportation, logistics, distribution, manufacturing, infrastructure, or other operationally focused industries is highly preferred. Experience supporting unionized workforces and managing direct reports is highly preferred.

Join an organization at a pivotal point in its journey, where HR will have a meaningful impact on supporting business objectives and future growth. Serve as the lead HR resource for about 400 employees across both union and non-union employee populations. Partner directly with the President and executive leadership team, providing guidance on workforce matters and key business decisions. Work closely with a newly assembled leadership group focused on strengthening operations, driving accountability, and positioning the business for sustained success. Oversee the full scope of HR responsibilities, including employee relations, labor relations, compliance, talent acquisition, benefits, retention, and organizational effectiveness. Lead a small HR team while operating with significant independence, influence, and visibility across the organization. Help reestablish employee trust and engagement following a period of organizational change and leadership transition. Take ownership of workforce planning, onboarding, leadership development, succession planning, and retention efforts to enhance the employee experience and support business performance.

A successful HR Manager should have: experience serving as an HR Manager, HR Business Partner, or HR leader within a mid-sized organization. Comfortable operating in a hands-on environment where both strategic thinking and day-to-day execution are required. Proven ability to support diverse employee populations, including hourly, salaried, field-based, and corporate staff. Experience helping organizations navigate growth, change, restructuring, process improvement, or business transformation. Working knowledge of labor relations and experience supporting unionized workforces. Background in transportation, logistics, manufacturing, distribution, construction, field services, or similar operational environments. Strong understanding of employee relations, performance management, employment law, and HR compliance. Able to build trust with employees and leadership while bringing structure, consistency, and accountability to HR processes. Previous people management experience with the ability to develop and lead a small HR team. Strong communicator who can influence stakeholders, solve problems, and drive business outcomes.

Competitive salary between $100,000 and $125,000 USD. Comprehensive benefits package. Annual bonus potential. Hybrid work schedule (3 days onsite). High visibility and influence with executive leadership and key business stakeholders.