Human Resources (HR) Manager

Aurora, IL

SUMMARY: The HR Manager leads all HR functions for Westells Aurora, Illinois manufacturing facility (~120 employees). Reporting to the CFO, this strategic and hands-on role covers the full employment lifecycle - talent acquisition, employee relations, compliance, compensation, benefits, and team development. The HR Manager serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and employees alike, driving a positive, safe, and productive workplace culture. On-site daily; not a remote position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Lead full-cycle recruitment for hourly, skilled trades, and salaried roles; develop job descriptions, coordinate screenings and background checks, and oversee a structured onboarding program

Employee Relations

• Serve as primary point of contact for employee concerns, grievances, and conflict resolution
• Conduct fair and thorough investigations into workplace complaints and policy violations
• Advise manager on corrective action, performance improvement plans, and terminations
• Promote a respectful, inclusive, and harassment-free work environment

Compliance & Policy Administration

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, OSHA, EEO); maintain the employee handbook, HR policies, and standard operating procedures
• Manage I-9/e-Verify documentation and prepare required government reports (EEO-1, OSHA 300 logs)

Compensation & Benefits

• Review and approve bi-weekly ADP payroll, ensuring accuracy of hours, deductions, and pay rates; maintaining proficiency in ADP to service as payroll backup when needed

• Lead annual benefits strategy and renewal; partner with the insurance broker to evaluate plans, negotiate carrier contracts, determine employee cost-sharing, and manage open enrollment

• Perform wage analysis and recommend compensation adjustments to maintain market competitiveness

• Manage all 401(k) plan responsibilities: compliance testing (ACP/ADP, top-heavy), Form 5500 filing, annual audit, provider relationship, and periodic plan/provider evaluation in partnership with the CFO

Training & Development

• Identify training needs and coordinate safety, skills, and leadership development programs

• Track required certifications and ensure compliance with OSHA and other mandatory training

• Own the annual performance review and merit increase processes; set goals, calibrate ratings with managers, and build succession plans for key roles identifying high-potential talent

Safety & Worker's Compensation

• Manage workers' compensation claims, return-to-work programs, light duty assignments, and annual WC audits; participate in safety and incident investigations

Team Leadership

• Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management for supporting HR personnel, ensuring effective workload distribution, ongoing development, and timely performance reviews.

HR Metrics & Reporting

• Track and analyze key HR metrics; turnover, absenteeism, time-to-fil, and engagement

• Prepare HR reports for senior leadership

• Maintain the HR platforms to ensure data accuracy and process efficiency

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CFO and senior leadership on organizational design, workforce planning, vendor contract negotiations, and change management

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field

• SHRM-SCP or SPHR strongly preferred; SHRM-CP or PHR considered

• Minimum of 5-8 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 2 years in a Senior HR Generalist or HR manager role; manufacturing or industrial environment strongly preferred

• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR best practices

• Experience with ADP Payroll processing or a similar payroll system

• Demonstrated experience with benefits broker management, carrier negotiations, and 401(k) plan administration and compliance

• Proven ability to lead compensation review cycles, succession planning, and vendor contract negotiations

• Integrity - handles sensitive and confidential information with discretion

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust across all levels of the organization

• Excellent project management and problem-solving skills

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Required to sit, stand, bend and walk regularly; lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

• Visual and auditory ability sufficient for written and verbal communication.

• The position is primarily office-based within a manufacturing facility. Occasional exposure to production floor environments (noise, machinery, temperature variation) should be expected.

Salary Range: $95,000 - $100,000