HR Consultant

We are seeking an experienced and consultative HR Consultant to support a portfolio of small to mid-sized clients across a variety of industries. This individual will serve as a strategic HR partner while also remaining hands-on with day-to-day HR operations, compliance, payroll administration, employee relations, and HR process management. This role is ideal for someone who is comfortable operating with an “HR Department of 1” mentality — balancing strategic advisory responsibilities with tactical execution. The ideal candidate is highly autonomous, adaptable, relationship-driven, and confident stepping into client environments and quickly establishing credibility and trust. This position requires regular travel to client sites approximately 1–2 times per week in the Chicagoland area, so reliable transportation (along with close proximity to Chicago) is required. Key Responsibilities Serve as the primary HR partner and trusted advisor for a portfolio of small to mid-sized client organizations Build strong strategic relationships with leadership teams and stakeholders, quickly gaining trust and credibility Provide guidance and support on employee relations matters including performance management, investigations, conflict resolution, coaching, and policy interpretation Manage and process payroll activities accurately and timely while partnering with internal and external payroll providers as needed Conduct HR risk assessments and identify areas of compliance exposure or process improvement Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and HR best practices Support HR operations including onboarding, offboarding, policy administration, benefits coordination, leave administration, and employee communications Lead or support implementation and optimization of HR systems, technology platforms, and HR processes Supervise and mentor 1 HR Coordinator, providing guidance, prioritization, and developmental support Partner with clients on organizational structure, workforce planning, employee engagement, and HR strategy initiatives Create and maintain HR documentation, reporting, and compliance records Support clients during periods of organizational change, growth, or transition Operate independently with strong accountability, organization, and follow-through across multiple client engagements Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred 5+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally supporting small to mid-sized organizations Prior experience in an HR Consultant, HR Generalist, HR Business Partner, or standalone HR leadership role Hands-on payroll processing experience required Experience operating independently in environments with limited HR infrastructure Prior experience managing or mentoring at least 1 HR Coordinator or junior HR team member Strong employee relations and conflict resolution experience Deep understanding of HR compliance, employment laws, and HR risk mitigation practices Demonstrated ability to build strategic relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels Strong HRIS and HR technology systems knowledge Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills Comfortable balancing strategic consulting with day-to-day tactical HR responsibilities Reliable transportation and ability to travel to client sites 1–2 times per week required Preferred Qualifications PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred Experience working in a consulting or outsourced HR model Exposure to multiple HRIS/payroll platforms and systems implementations Experience supporting organizations through growth, acquisitions, or operational change initiatives #J-18808-Ljbffr