AKIRA Senior Human Resources Generalist
In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 40+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com). AKIRA is extremely well-posed for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand.
AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other fast-fashion competitors: Otherworldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.
The Position: Senior Human Resources Generalist
Location: Chicago, IL (In-office; not remote)
Position Overview
The Senior HR Generalist serves as a trusted advisor to employees and managers, providing strategic and operational HR support across employee relations, compliance, employee engagement, talent management, and HR operations. This role is responsible for fostering a positive workplace culture, ensuring compliance with employment laws, resolving complex employee issues, and supporting organizational goals through effective HR programs and practices. The ideal candidate is an experienced HR professional with strong employee relations expertise, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to influence and partner with leaders across the organization.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Provide expert guidance and support to employees and managers regarding HR policies, procedures, practices, and employment regulations.
Serve as a trusted advisor to managers on employee relations matters, performance management, coaching, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution.
Investigate and resolve employee complaints, conflicts, and grievances through thorough, objective, and confidential investigations.
Implement conflict resolution strategies and facilitate mediation to address workplace challenges and improve team effectiveness.
Help employees understand their rights, responsibilities, and available company resources.
Identify and proactively address trends that may impact employee engagement, retention, productivity, or workplace culture.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
Interpret and apply employment legislation, company policies, and HR best practices to minimize organizational risk.
Collaborate with the HR team to develop, review, and update HR policies, procedures, employee handbooks, and guidelines to reflect legal requirements and organizational needs.
Assist with policy implementation and ensure employees and managers understand and adhere to company policies.
Support internal audits, compliance initiatives, and recordkeeping requirements
Conduct training sessions for employees and managers on HR-related topics, including employee relations, workplace conduct, leadership development, conflict resolution, HR compliance, employee rights, and company policies.
Provide coaching and guidance to leaders to strengthen management effectiveness and employee engagement.
Support organizational development initiatives, succession planning, and talent development programs.
Promote a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
Collaborate with HR and business leaders to create and implement initiatives that improve employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention.
Drive employee survey participation and feedback collection efforts to identify opportunities for improvement.
Analyze engagement data and workforce trends to develop actionable recommendations.
Conduct exit interviews and analyze turnover data to identify root causes and recommend retention strategies.
Process employee lifecycle transactions, including new hires, promotions, transfers, employee changes, leaves of absence, and terminations within the HRIS.
Support payroll, benefits, leave administration, and employee inquiries, escalating complex matters as necessary.
Maintain and update key HR documentation, including employee records, trackers, calendars, master sheets, and payroll-related reports.
Ensure HR data integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality.
Assist with onboarding and offboarding activities to ensure a positive employee experience.
Maintain accurate records of employee relations cases and prepare reports on trends, metrics, and organizational insights.
Utilize HR data and workforce analytics to identify opportunities for process improvements and proactive employee relations strategies.
Develop reports and presentations to support HR and business decision-making.
Lead or contribute to process improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, compliance, and employee experience.
Recommend and implement HR best practices to support organizational objectives.
Regularly conduct store visits and engage with retail teams to build relationships and ensure consistent HR support across locations.
Provide on-site coaching, employee relations support, and guidance to field leadership.
Support workforce planning and organizational change initiatives across multiple locations.
Additional Responsibility
Mentor and guide junior HR team members when appropriate.
Participate in special projects and strategic HR initiatives.
Assist with other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
The Ideal Candidate
Excellent communication, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills.
Strong employee relations, workplace investigation, and conflict resolution experience.
Ability to influence and coach leaders at all levels of the organization.
Exceptional problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities.
Strong organizational, analytical, and time management skills.
Advanced attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Experience working with HRIS systems and HR reporting tools.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with the highest level of discretion.
Strong business acumen and commitment to delivering exceptional employee support.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.
PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred.
Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive Human Resources experience.
Proven experience as an HR Generalist, Senior HR Generalist, or similar HR Business Partner role, with a strong focus on employee relations.
Experience conducting workplace investigations and managing complex employee relations matters.
Retail or multi-site HR experience preferred.
Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
Demonstrated experience supporting employee engagement, performance management, compliance, and organizational development initiatives.
Ability to travel up to 15% locally and domestically.
Other requirements
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at a time.
Ability to travel to company locations as needed.
Benefits and Perks:
AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full-time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet Insurance, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and a generous employee discount. We’re committed to internal growth, providing meaningful development and career advancement opportunities.
Job Type: Full-Time
We are committed to fair and transparent compensation practices. Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors. Additional compensation and benefits may also apply and will be discussed during the hiring process.
We may utilize AI-assisted and automated tools as part of the recruiting and hiring process. All employment decisions are made in compliance with applicable laws and without discrimination.