Human Resources Manager (Naperville)

Careers with our clients through Forvis Mazars | Executive Search

Location: Naperville, IL (On-Site, 5 Days per Week)

Our client in the food and beverage services industry is seeking an experienced and people-focused Human Resources Manager to join their leadership team in Naperville, IL . This is a unique opportunity to shape and support a growing organization while serving as a trusted advisor to both leadership and employees.

As the HR Manager, you will be the primary HR resource for the organization, partnering closely with ownership and department leaders to foster a positive, high-performing workplace culture. You will oversee core HR functions including employee relations, benefits administration, performance management, policy development, recruiting support, and compliance.

The ideal candidate is approachable, professional, and confident enough to have difficult conversations when necessary while maintaining empathy and respect. We are looking for someone who enjoys building relationships, supporting employees, and helping leaders navigate people-related decisions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary HR partner for employees, managers, and executive leadership.
• Act as a liaison between leadership and staff, ensuring clear communication and alignment across the organization.
• Administer employee benefits programs and support employees with benefit-related questions and resources.
• Coordinate and support performance management processes, including KPI reviews and employee evaluations.
• Partner with department managers to drive employee development and accountability initiatives.
• Review, maintain, and improve company policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure HR practices remain compliant with applicable employment laws and regulations.
• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, employee engagement, and retention initiatives.
• Coach managers on employee relations matters, performance concerns, and workplace issues.
• Lead employee investigations, corrective actions, terminations, and conflict resolution when necessary.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and professional workplace culture.
• Identify opportunities to leverage HR technology and modern tools to improve processes and employee experience.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, preferably in a standalone or highly autonomous HR role.
• Experience supporting both employees and leadership teams in a growing organization.
• Strong knowledge of employee relations, performance management, benefits administration, and employment practices.
• Experience handling sensitive conversations, including performance concerns, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to balance empathy with accountability and make sound decisions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience working with HRIS platforms and HR technology solutions; experience with systems such as Rippling is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• HR certification (PHR, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR) is a plus.

Why Join our Client?

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing organization.
• Direct collaboration with company leadership and a seat at the leadership table.
• Positive, team-oriented culture that values people, professionalism, and accountability.
• Ability to help foster HR strategy and processes as the organization continues to grow.
• Competitive compensation and bonus opportunities.

Compensation

• Base Salary: $100,000 - $135,000
• Performance Bonus based on company and individual performance