Sr. Human Resources Manager

Description

Illinois | Field-Based | 50%+ Travel
HR That Happens Where the Work Happens

We are looking for an experienced Senior Human Resources Manager who enjoys being in the field, working directly with managers and team members, and solving real workplace issues.

This is a hands-on, working HR Manager role - not a sit-behind-a-desk position. You will spend significant time across our Illinois locations personally handling employee relations, investigations, union matters, ADA accommodations, leaves of absence, corrective action, and manager training.

We need someone who is approachable and engaging, but also confident enough to set expectations, hold people accountable, and navigate difficult conversations. You should be comfortable taking ownership of an issue from the first conversation through resolution.
Why Work With Us?

You'll have the opportunity to make a direct impact across our locations while having real ownership of your work. You'll build relationships with employees and managers, use your HR expertise every day, and work in an environment where no two days are exactly the same.

If you like being in the business rather than watching the business from HR , this may be the role for you.
What You'll Do

• Serve as a hands-on HR resource for assigned Illinois locations.
• Conduct workplace investigations involving employee complaints, misconduct, harassment, retaliation, policy violations, and workplace conflict.
• Coach managers on performance, attendance, corrective action, documentation, and employee relations matters.
• Draft and review corrective actions, PIPs, investigation findings, and termination documentation.
• Interpret and apply collective bargaining agreements to day-to-day workplace matters.
• Manage union grievances from initial receipt through investigation, documentation, response, and grievance meetings.
• Work directly and professionally with union representatives and shop stewards.
• Support collective bargaining preparation and the labor negotiation process.
• Assist with arbitration preparation, including documentation, timelines, evidence, and witness preparation.
• Independently manage the ADA interactive process from the initial employee interaction through accommodation determination, implementation, documentation, and follow-up.
• Apply strong knowledge of FMLA and leave laws and coordinate overlapping ADA, FMLA, workers' compensation, disability, and other applicable leaves.
• Conduct HR and manager training on employee relations, documentation, ADA, FMLA, Company policies, and CBA requirements.
• Maintain accurate case documentation and identify matters requiring escalation.
• Travel to assigned Company locations at least 50%.

What We're Looking For

• 7+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, preferably in a multi-site or field environment.
• Union/labor relations experience is required.
• Hands-on experience interpreting collective bargaining agreements.
• Experience handling grievances and drafting grievance responses.
• Knowledge of collective bargaining and negotiation processes.
• Experience supporting or preparing for labor arbitration matters.
• Strong hands-on ADA experience, including independently managing the interactive process from initial request through resolution.
• Strong working knowledge of FMLA and leave-of-absence laws.
• Significant employee relations and workplace investigation experience.
• Strong coaching, training, written communication, and documentation skills.
• Sound judgment and the ability to remain objective in difficult or emotionally charged situations.
• Ability to take initiative and manage multiple priorities without requiring continuous direction.
• Ability and willingness to travel 50% or more.

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Labor Relations, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
Who Will Thrive Here?

Someone who isapproachable but accountable, confident but fair, and comfortable rolling up their sleeves and getting involved.

You can connect with a team member, coach a manager, work with a union representative, conduct a difficult investigation, deliver training, and still keep multiple cases moving.

Most importantly, you genuinely enjoy working with people - while understanding that good HR sometimes means having the difficult conversation and setting the standard.