Human Resources Business Partner (Bilingual)

Human Resources Generalist

Are you passionate about turning ideas into reality, embracing ownership, and working at the forefront of connectivity? Join viaPhoton and be part of a culture that thrives on fearless innovation, teamwork, and continuous growth, where learning, unlearning, and relearning are part of the journey. This dynamic role offers significant ownership and responsibility. We're looking for individuals who excel in environments where their contributions make an impact, are hungry to learn, and are energized by meaningful work that drives company growth while accelerating their career. If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you!

viaPhoton is on an ambitious mission to revolutionize how critical digital infrastructure is manufactured and deployed. Best-in-class data centers and telecom providers need fiber optic solutions delivered in weeks, not months — whether that's for AI infrastructure, 5G networks, or next-generation broadband. We're reimagining fiber optic manufacturing for the AI era. Manufacturing is no longer just an operations challenge, but an automation and speed-to-market problem that customers urgently need solved. In 5 years, we've grown to a team of over 200 and added top Hyperscalers to our growing customer base. We've only just gotten started — our ambition is to become the market leader of the $40+ billion connectivity industry.

We seek candidates who will be culture contributors and who align with our core values:

• Fearless Innovation we are pioneers unafraid to change the norm in relentless pursuit of better
• Forward Together we believe that when we work together toward a collective goal, we all succeed
• Integrity Over Everything we believe in long term relationships and doing what is right, always
• Nimble, Always we are solutions obsessed, move fast, and stay nimble
• Be the Bar we set our own standard of excellence and hold ourselves to it

Essential Purpose: Responsible for delivering hands-on HR support across the full employee lifecycle at viaPhoton's Naperville facility. This role partners closely with operations and frontline leadership to drive compliance, employee relations, performance management, and workforce development in a fast-growing manufacturing environment.

What You Will Do:

1. Manage employee relations matters including complaints, investigations, and corrective discipline, ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes.
2. Conduct exit interviews, process separations, and identify trends to inform retention strategies and leadership action.
3. Ensure facility-level compliance with federal, state, and local employment law, including OSHA recordkeeping, workplace safety standards, and regulatory reporting.
4. Administer and support leave programs including FMLA, Workers Compensation, and ADA accommodations, coordinating with payroll and benefits as needed.
5. Partner with managers to conduct 90-day performance and attendance reviews for new hire non-exempt employees, providing guidance on documentation and next steps.
6. Support ongoing performance management by coaching frontline supervisors on feedback, documentation, and corrective action processes.
7. Serve as a point of contact for payroll inquiries, benefits administration, and employee wellness programs, triaging issues and connecting employees with the appropriate resources.
8. Facilitate required training programs including harassment prevention and forklift certification, tracking completion and maintaining accurate records.
9. Build trusted relationships with frontline employees and leadership, serving as an accessible, bilingual resource on the floor.
10. Perform additional duties as required.

What You Will Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish required.
• 2+ years of experience in an HR Business Partner, Employee Relations, or generalist HR role, preferably in a manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Working knowledge of employment law and HR compliance including OSHA, FMLA, Workers Compensation, ADA, and EEO requirements.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations, managing corrective discipline, and handling employee separations.
• Familiarity with payroll processes, benefits administration, and leave management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust across all levels of the organization, from the production floor to senior leadership.
• Comfortable facilitating training sessions and presenting to small and large groups.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with an HRIS system is a plus.

What We Offer:

• Cutting-Edge Technology – Opportunities to work on the forefront of fiber optic technology.
• Professional Development – We're committed to your growth, offering resources, career development, and a culture where your voice is heard.
• Fun Team Environment – Monthly team bonding events, free lunches, and activities to keep us connected.
• Flexible Paid Time Off – Take time when you need it, with PTO that grows over time plus 10 paid holidays, including two floating holidays to use at your discretion.
• 401(k) Match – We offer company match to help you plan for your future.