Human Resources Generalist- Chicago, IL

About Our Client

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Human Resources Generalist to lead all HR functions for our growing manufacturing organization. This is a standalone HR role supporting approximately 52 employees, including both union and non-union personnel. The HR Generalist will partner closely with leadership and collaborate daily with Finance, Sales, and Marketing to support the organization's people, compliance, and payroll functions. This position is ideal for an HR professional who enjoys working in a smaller company where they can own the full employee lifecycle and make meaningful contributions as part of a close-knit team.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain employee records and ensure HR documentation is complete, organized, and compliant.
• Administer all core HR functions, including employee relations, onboarding, offboarding, benefits administration, and policy administration.
• Maintain and interpret the employee handbook and HR policies.
• Manage workplace injury reporting, workers' compensation claims, and related documentation.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, local, and labor regulations, including those applicable to union employees and government defense contracting.
• Support recruitment and hiring activities as needed.
• Serve as a trusted HR resource for managers and employees.
• Collaborate closely with Finance, Sales, Marketing, and company leadership on HR-related initiatives.
• Maintain confidentiality while providing practical, business-focused HR support.

Requirements

• 10-15 years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• Bilingual in Spanish/English.
• Experience working as an HR Generalist in a small or mid-sized manufacturing company.
• Proven experience managing payroll and employee recordkeeping.
• Strong working knowledge of employment law, HR compliance, employee relations, and HR best practices.
• Experience supporting both union and non-union workforces is preferred.
• Familiarity with workers' compensation, workplace injury reporting, and policy administration.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in a department of one.
• Manufacturing experience is required.
• College degree is not required; relevant experience is valued.

What's on Offer

• 100% on-site position.
• Collaborative, team-oriented culture with close interaction across departments.
• Well-established organization serving a variety of clients.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact as the sole HR professional.
• Competitive salary based on experience $75k-$85k.
• Quarterly discretionary bonus opportunities.
• Annual discretionary year-end bonus.
• Comprehensive benefits package.