Human Resources Director (Chicago)

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer - Old Republic Professional

Department: Human Resources

Location/Schedule: Chicago, IL/Hybrid, 3 days in-office

Classification: Full-Time / Exempt

Who We Are:

Old Republic is a leading specialty insurer that operates diverse property & casualty and title insurance companies. Founded in 1923 and a member of the Fortune 500, we are a leader in underwriting and risk management services for business partners across the United States and Canada. Our specialized operating companies are experts in their fields, enabling us to provide tailored solutions that set us apart.

Position Overview:

The HR Director serves as the senior Human Resources leader, providing strategic and operational HR leadership that aligns people initiatives with business objectives, organizational values, and company culture. This role partners closely with leadership to drive talent strategies, workforce planning, employee engagement, and organizational effectiveness while fostering a positive and inclusive employee experience.

The HR Director directs and oversees all aspects of the local human resources function, including talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compensation administration, compliance, leadership coaching, and employee development. As a trusted advisor to leaders and employees, this position ensures HR programs and practices support both business success and a high-performing workforce. The HR Director also leads full-cycle recruiting efforts and develops talent strategies to attract, retain, and develop top talent across the organization.

Essential Job Functions:

• Partner with leadership to develop and execute workforce strategies that support operational priorities, organizational effectiveness, talent needs, and employee engagement.
• Advise leaders on organizational design, talent planning, succession planning, leadership development, and change management initiatives to strengthen business performance.
• Develop and implement HR programs, practices, and policies that ensure compliance, consistency, and alignment with corporate standards while addressing local business needs.
• Analyze workforce trends, employee feedback, and key HR metrics to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and inform business decisions.
• Lead and oversee the full-cycle recruiting process for the location. Partner with hiring managers to attract, hire, and retain high-quality talent while ensuring an exceptional candidate experience and alignment with organizational workforce needs.
• Provide guidance and oversight for compensation administration, job evaluations, market benchmarking, and annual compensation planning in partnership with the ORI Compensation, Benefits and Payroll teams.
• Champion employee engagement initiatives that foster a positive and high-performing work environment.
• Lead complex employee relations matters, workplace investigations, performance concerns, and policy interpretation; partner with Legal Counsel on resolution and risk mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and company policies while proactively addressing potential areas of risk.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and coach to managers and leaders on employee relations, leadership effectiveness, talent decisions, and organizational challenges.
• Directly supervise and develop one Human Resources team member, providing coaching, performance management, career development, and ongoing support.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of related professional experience required
• 5+ years of experience leading a team
• Prior experience leading HR operations for an office or business unit.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• HR experience within the Insurance industry or decentralized organization is a plus.
• Familiarity with HR information systems (UKG experience a plus), digital tools, and data analysis software.
• Experience in the following areas: change management, performance management, talent management, employee engagement, communication and workforce planning.
• Demonstrated expertise in employee relations, including conducting complex investigations, managing sensitive issues, and mitigating legal and organizational risk.
• Deep understanding and knowledge of relevant employment laws and regulations, as well as ethical guidelines.
• Strong executive presence with a proven ability to effectively communicate and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including senior leadership, to advocate for HR initiatives.

ORI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ORI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.