Head of Employee Relations & HR Compliance

The HR Manager leads all HR functions for Westell's Aurora, Illinois manufacturing facility (~120 employees). Reporting to the CFO, this strategic and hands‑on role covers the full employment lifecycle — talent acquisition, employee relations, compliance, compensation, benefits, and team development. The HR Manager serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and employees alike, driving a positive, safe, and productive workplace culture. On‑site daily; Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

Lead full‑cycle recruitment for hourly, skilled trades, and salaried roles; develop job descriptions, coordinate screenings and background checks, and oversee a structured onboarding program

Employee Relations

Serve as primary point of contact for employee concerns, grievances, and conflict resolution

Conduct fair and thorough investigations into workplace complaints and policy violations

Advise manager on corrective action, performance improvement plans, and terminations

Compliance & Policy Administration

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, OSHA, EEO); maintain the employee handbook, HR policies, and standard operating procedures

Manage I‑9/e‑Verify documentation and prepare required government reports (EEO‑1, OSHA 300 logs)

Review and approve bi‑weekly ADP payroll, ensuring accuracy of hours, deductions, and pay rates; maintaining proficiency in ADP to service as payroll backup when needed

partner with the insurance broker to evaluate plans, negotiate carrier contracts, determine employee cost‑sharing, and manage open enrollment

Manage all 401(k) plan responsibilities: compliance testing (ACP/ADP, top‑heavy), Form 5500 filing, annual audit, provider relationship, and periodic plan/provider evaluation in partnership with the CFO

Training & Development

Identify training needs and coordinate safety, skills, and leadership development programs

Track required certifications and ensure compliance with OSHA and other mandatory training

Own the annual performance review and merit increase processes; set goals, calibrate ratings with managers, and build succession plans for key roles identifying high‑potential talent

Manage workers’ compensation claims, return‑to‑work programs, light duty assignments, and annual WC audits; Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management for supporting HR personnel, ensuring effective workload distribution, ongoing development, and timely performance reviews.

HR Metrics & Reporting

Track and analyze key HR metrics; Prepare HR reports for senior leadership

Maintain the HR platforms to ensure data accuracy and process efficiency

Serve as a strategic advisor to the CFO and senior leadership on organizational design, workforce planning, vendor contract negotiations, and change management

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field

Minimum of 5‑8 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 2 years in a Senior HR Generalist or HR manager role; manufacturing or industrial environment strongly preferred

Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR best practices

Experience with ADP Payroll processing or a similar payroll system

Demonstrated experience with benefits broker management, carrier negotiations, and 401(k) plan administration and compliance

Proven ability to lead compensation review cycles, succession planning, and vendor contract negotiations

Integrity – handles sensitive and confidential information with discretion

Excellent project management and problem‑solving skills

Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

Visual and auditory ability sufficient for written and verbal communication.

The position is primarily office‑based within a manufacturing facility. Occasional exposure to production floor environments (noise, machinery, temperature variation) should be expected.