Manager, Human Resources

We are proud to be consistently recognized as one of the world’s best places to work. We are currently the #1 ranked consulting firm on Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work list and have maintained a spot in the top four on Glassdoor’s list since its founding in 2009. Extraordinary teams are at the heart of our business strategy, but these don’t happen by chance. They require intentional focus on bringing together a broad set of backgrounds, cultures, experiences, perspectives, and skills in a supportive and inclusive work environment. We hire people with exceptional talent and create an environment in which every individual can thrive professionally and personally. WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH You’ll work closely with the broader Chicago Human Resources and Program Management teams, as well as local business function and office leadership. You’ll also collaborate with regional centers of excellence and cross-functional teams, including HR Operations, Benefits, Immigration & Mobility, Recruiting, and Office Services. WHERE YOU’LL FIT WITHIN THE TEAM The HR Manager leads day-to-day HR decision making for general consulting Managers and Senior Managers while partnering with the HR Senior Manager on complex and high-risk matters. The HR Manager also serves as owner of local business function processes including hiring, performance management, and annual review cycles. This role delivers strategic and operational HR support across the employee lifecycle. The role requires strong planning, prioritization, collaboration, and communication skills. The HR Manager is responsible for managing and developing an HR Specialist and HR Coordinator and helps drive operational excellence across the Chicago HR team. WHAT YOU’LL DO Roles and Responsibilities: Cohort-Specific Duties: The HR Manager has primary HR ownership for the general consulting Manager and Senior Manager cohorts. Through management of the HR Specialist and HR Coordinator, the role also provides oversight and escalation support for the Associate Consultant and Senior Associate Consultant populations. Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned cohorts, providing guidance on policies, options, timelines, and next steps, and escalating more complex matters as appropriate. Oversee core HR programs across the employee lifecycle for assigned populations, including transfers, leaves of absence, and offboarding. Partner closely with Program Management to support performance management and promotion processes including ratings/calibration discussions, promotion committee coordination, materials generation, and related communications Provide guidance and recommendations to Program Management Team on policy and process, ensuring appropriate documentation and stakeholder alignment Execute departure and transition processes, including employee consultations, exit interviews, creating and tracking departure documentation, coordination with internal stakeholders, and analysis of exit trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Manage and resolve complex people matters including medical leaves, accommodations, performance concerns, and employee relations issues (workplace conflicts, policy interpretation, investigations, and sensitive employment decisions), in collaboration with supervisors, regional risk teams, HR leadership, and office leadership as appropriate. Operational & Team Responsibilities: Manage and develop an HR Specialist and HR Coordinator by providing coaching and performance feedback, fostering professional growth, and ensuring high-quality delivery of HR services. Ensure effective delivery and outcomes across assigned populations for self and direct reports by setting priorities, reviewing work plans, directing team resources, resolving escalations, and making day-to-day HR decisions Lead the execution of local business function processes including hiring, performance management, and annual review cycles, collaborating with HR Senior Manager, local business function leadership, and regional stakeholders as needed. Help drive operational excellence across Chicago HR processes to improve efficiency and ensure consistent execution of HR offerings. This includes identifying opportunities to leverage technology and AI tools and to implement external best practices. The HR Manager will primarily focus on improvements within administrative items/people movement tracking, onboarding, and cohort-specific programming. Provide strategic thought partnership to the HR Senior Manager on team-specific priorities and dynamics. Additional Duties: Participate in the Office Situational Response Team, supporting incident management and policy application Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Office Services, Recruiting, Benefits, Immigration & Mobility, and HR Operations) to ensure accurate, timely, and consistent execution of HR activities Support ad hoc HR/talent strategic projects and initiatives as assigned by the HR Senior Manager, Talent VP, or other office leadership. Support teammates and local teams during periods of peak workload or coverage needs. Support local events, trainings, and programs that reinforce Bain's culture and values. ABOUT YOU Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field Minimum of 6+ years of progressive HR experience Strong knowledge of HR best practices across the employee life cycle such as performance management, employee relations, compensation, benefits, leaves of absence, and talent development Strong knowledge of local, state, and federal employment laws and regulations Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication, organizational, and project management skills, with high attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and consistently follow through in a fast-paced environment Proven experience managing sensitive employee relations matters and conducting workplace investigations Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, professionalism, and integrity Demonstrated ability to influence without authority and build credibility across multiple stakeholder groups Continuous improvement mindset and willingness to learn and evolve Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree or HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR/SPHR) Experience within a professional services, consulting, or other fast-paced, client-focused environment Previous people management experience, including direct supervision of at least one employee Hybrid Work Arrangement This role follows a hybrid model, requiring in-office presence at least 3 days per week. U.S. COMPENSATION INFORMATION Compensation for this role includes base salary, annual discretionary performance bonus, 401(k) plan with an annual employer contribution based on years of service and Bain’s best in class benefits package (details listed below). Some local governments in the United States require a good-faith, reasonable salary range to be included in job postings for open roles. The estimated annualized compensation for this role is as follows: In Illinois, the good-faith, reasonable annualized full-time salary range for this role is between $109,500 - $131,500. Placement within this range will vary based on several factors including, but not limited to experience, education, licensure/certifications, training and skill level. Annual discretionary performance bonus This role may also be eligible for other elements of discretionary compensation 4.5% 401(k) company contribution, which increases after 3 years of service and is 100% vested upon start date Bain & Company's comprehensive benefits and wellness program is designed to help employees achieve personal independence, protection and stability in the areas most important to you and your family. Bain pays 100% individual employee premiums for medical, dental and vision programs, offering one of the most comprehensive medical plans for employees without impacting your paycheck Generous paid time off, including parental leave, sick leave and paid holidays Fully vested 401(k) company contribution Paid Life and Long-Term Disability insurance #J-18808-Ljbffr