Senior Manager, Human Resources

About the role

The Senior Manager, Human Resources position is based in Chicago, IL. This role serves as a strategic HR partner for corporate functions, supporting senior leaders, managers, and employees across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Oversee management, training and development, succession planning, employee relations, and organizational development activities for all corporate functions.
• Provide guidance on people programs and policies across client groups, ensuring consistent and compliant implementation while maintaining open communication with managers and employees.
• Build strong, proactive relationships with senior leaders, managers, and employees by fostering an open and collaborative environment that elevates people management practices and supports effective conflict resolution.
• Partner with managers throughout the performance management cycle by advising on objective setting, offering tools and guidance for ongoing feedback, and supporting development discussions.
• Provide consultation on complex performance matters, including improvement plans, exit strategies, and conflict situations.
• Develop and implement people initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness and employee engagement, while providing coaching and support to help employees understand their potential and growth opportunities.
• Contribute to the development, recommendation, and implementation of people practices, strategies, initiatives, programs, and policies aligned with business objectives and market best practices.
• Collaborate with VP HR on organizational design and workforce planning initiatives based on business needs.
• Work with Executive and Leadership teams on needs assessments and the creation, development, and implementation of organizational design strategies and structural changes for both short- and long-term goals.
• Partner with the Talent Acquisition team on recruitment for assigned client groups, providing insight into business needs and ensuring alignment with company values.
• Lead and develop a team of HR professionals by overseeing hiring, performance reviews, feedback, training and development needs, goal setting, and day-to-day coaching and mentorship.
• Conduct exit interviews, identify trends or opportunities, and recommend or implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure legal compliance by monitoring and applying relevant federal and state HR requirements, conducting thorough and objective investigations, and interpreting company policies for managers and employees.
• Collaborate with USA HR and Shared Services teams to promote and accelerate a culture of excellence where employees feel engaged, supported, and motivated to deliver strong business results.
• Partner with the VP HR on strategic initiatives across the business.
• Lead or participate in special projects and global initiatives as required.
• Maintain and analyze key HR metrics to inform decision-making and drive effective solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business, or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Master's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of Human Resources Business Partner experience required; multi-site and international CPG experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in employee relations, performance management, talent acquisition, organizational development, training, and HR financials.
• Strong knowledge of employment and labor laws.
• Experience utilizing HR metrics, KPIs, and financial data to support business decisions.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Experience with SuccessFactors, Paylocity, and Alchemy is preferred.
• Ability to align HR practices – including talent acquisition, performance management, rewards, training, and employee relations with business strategy to attract, develop, and retain talent.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement people initiatives that support business objectives.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to leverage data and insights to develop holistic plans and drive informed decision-making.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities with the ability to balance the needs of multiple stakeholders, influence without authority, build buy-in, and lead change.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound, timely decisions based on thoughtful analysis and objective evaluation of available information.
• Proven change management and project management skills, with the ability to lead multiple projects and process improvement initiatives simultaneously while delivering results aligned with business strategy.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple competing priorities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to facilitate discussions and deliver effective presentations.