Human Resources Business Partner (Hoffman Estates)

Who we are. What we do.

We are Bystronic - a global technology company passionate about creating an impact for a sustainable future with sheet metal and beyond.

We want to work with people who support us in creating innovative solutions to move our industry forward. Our focus is on automating the complete material and data flow of the laser cutting and bending process chain.

In a nutshell:

The HR Business Partner is a trusted advisor to leaders and employees across assigned U.S. business functions and locations. The role combines strategic partnership with hands-on execution to align people priorities with business goals, strengthen leadership capability, improve organizational effectiveness and deliver a consistent employee experience. Success requires strong business acumen, sound judgment, comfort working in a manufacturing environment and the ability to use workforce data to turn business needs into practical people solutions.

What you will be doing:

• Partner with business leaders to translate operating plans and growth priorities into workforce, talent and organizational strategies.
• Coach leaders on performance, employee relations, talent decisions, team effectiveness and change leadership.
• Use workforce insights and HR metrics to identify risks, recommend solutions and measure impact.
• Build an accountable, inclusive and high-performing culture across the employee lifecycle.

Key tasks and Responsibilities:

• Build a deep understanding of assigned functions, operating priorities, workforce capabilities and talent risks; incorporate people implications into business decisions.
• Lead workforce planning, organizational design and headcount planning in partnership with business and Finance leaders.
• Coach leaders on performance expectations, feedback, accountability, development and difficult people decisions.
• Manage complex employee relations matters and workplace investigations with consistency, discretion, timely documentation and appropriate escalation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state and local employment laws and consistent application of Bystronic policies and the Code of Conduct.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition and hiring leaders on workforce needs, selection quality, internal mobility and effective onboarding.
• Facilitate talent reviews, succession planning and development actions for critical roles and high-potential employees.
• Lead annual and ongoing talent processes, including goal setting, performance reviews, merit planning, engagement actions and career development.
• Partner with Total Rewards to support equitable, market-informed compensation decisions and effective communication of pay and benefits programs.
• Analyze turnover, absenteeism, engagement, performance and other workforce data; identify trends and recommend measurable actions.
• Support organizational changes, restructures and integration activities through stakeholder planning, communication and risk management.
• Strengthen the employee experience by listening to employee feedback, identifying root causes and partnering with leaders on practical improvements.
• Collaborate across the global HR organization and with Centers of Expertise to deliver consistent, scalable programs and processes.
• Maintain accurate employee documentation and use HR systems effectively while protecting confidential information.
• Lead or contribute to HR projects, policy improvements and process simplification with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Maintain visible, trusted relationships with employees and leaders, including regular presence in the business and manufacturing operations.

HR Business Partner KPI's:

• Progress against agreed workforce plans, critical-role succession coverage and talent development actions.
• Turnover, regrettable attrition, absenteeism and employee engagement trends within supported groups.
• Timeliness, quality and risk management of employee relations cases and workplace investigations.
• On-time completion and quality of performance, talent, compensation and engagement cycles.
• Manager effectiveness and adoption of HR programs, policies and change initiatives.
• Delivery of assigned people priorities and measurable process improvements.

Key Skillset:

• Business acumen and the ability to connect people decisions to operational and financial outcomes.
• Strong employee relations, investigation, coaching, conflict resolution and employment-law knowledge.
• Data literacy, including the ability to interpret workforce metrics, identify trends and present clear recommendations.
• Consultative communication, influence and relationship-building skills across frontline employees through senior leaders.
• Sound judgment, integrity and discretion when handling sensitive or confidential matters.
• Change leadership, project management, problem-solving and continuous improvement capability.
• Comfort navigating ambiguity and balancing strategic priorities with responsive, hands-on support.
• Proficiency with HRIS platforms and Microsoft Office applications; ability to learn new digital tools quickly.

Your education & experience:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration or a related field required.
• Five or more years of progressive Human Resources experience, including meaningful experience advising leaders as an HR Business Partner or senior HR generalist.
• Demonstrated experience with employee relations, investigations, performance management, talent planning, organizational change and workforce planning.
• Experience supporting a manufacturing, engineering, field service or similarly operational environment with hourly and salaried populations strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of U.S. employment laws and regulations; multi-state experience preferred.
• Payroll experience, including familiarity with payroll processes, timekeeping and issue resolution, preferred.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR or SPHR certification preferred.
• Ability to work onsite and travel to other Bystronic locations as business needs require.

What's in it for you:

• PTO
• Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD)
• Life Insurance
• Paid Holidays
• 401k with 100% match up to 5%

People power our purpose:

At Bystronic, we live our values of innovation, openness and dedication and offer a diverse and international working environment. We offer careers at all levels, ranging from opportunities for professionals to apprenticeships, internships and traineeships. Join our team and grow with us by using your unique skills to make an impact through innovation.