Senior Organizational Excellence Manager

Location: Schaumburg, IL
Supervisor: Organizational Excellence Executive
Department: Organizational Excellence
FLSA Status: Exempt
Direct Reports: 1

About the Role

The Senior Organizational Excellence (OE) Manager is a strategic and operational leader responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing initiatives that foster a high-performing, engaged, and legally compliant workplace. This role ensures HR strategies, programs, and services are aligned with ASA’s mission, strategic plan, and cultural values. Responsibilities include administration of HR systems, management of compensation and benefits, employee relations, performance management, compliance, and internal communications. The Senior OE Manager serves as a trusted advisor to leadership, driving initiatives that attract, retain, and develop top talent.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the OE function, ensuring timely delivery of services, achievement of department goals and priorities, and provide expertise in OE management.
• Manage and administer the compensation program to ensure alignment with ASA’s compensation philosophy and strategy. Conduct comprehensive compensation analysis, benchmarking, and salary recommendations.
• Oversee ASA’s benefit program, including plan design and administration, compliance, and vendor relationships. Optimize the organization’s leave management program, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the administration of the HRIS and ensure data accuracy, process integrity, and security of employee e-files. Partner with Finance to process bi-weekly and off-cycle payrolls.
• Manage the OE and staff budget and forecasts. Partner with Finance to develop and manage wage and benefits budgets to ensure fiscal discipline and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for employee relations matters, conducting investigations, developing action plans, and advising leadership on resolution strategies. Involve HR Executive on complex issues.
• Guide onboarding, training, and leadership development programs for managers and senior leaders. Partner with internal and external resources to address development needs, implement coaching, oversee performance management, and lead succession planning to ensure organizational continuity.
• Lead the bi-ennial employee survey process from design to delivery, analyze results to identify key trends, and drive the implementation of targeted improvement initiatives that enhance employee engagement and organizational performance.
• Champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives by leading Employee Resource Groups and the DEIB Committee, ensuring programs actively foster an inclusive workplace culture, advance equity, and create a strong sense of belonging that enhances ASA culture.
• Oversee legal compliance with all applicable employment laws and regulations by maintaining up-to-date policies, procedures, and employee handbooks. Monitor and interpret existing and emerging federal and state legislation impacting HR.
• Develop and manage reward and recognition strategies and employee engagement events that align with organizational values, foster a positive workplace culture, and enhance overall employee satisfaction and loyalty.
• Prepare employment-related statistical data and other reports to support leadership decision-making.
• Manage work team and resources, including workload and prioritization. Build and cultivate a successful team of high-performing staff who demonstrate strong commitment. Ensure the department meets deadlines and monitors performance against department goals.
• Perform work in alignment with ASA core values: Dedication, Collaboration, Commitment to Excellence, Continuous Improvement.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Management, Business Administration, or related field highly desired.
• Professional in HR (PHR or SHRM-CP) certification preferred.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• Association experience a plus.
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience required.
• Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures in the field of HR.
• HRIS database management experience required; UKG preferred.
• Computer proficiency in a Windows/Microsoft Office environment.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to objectively coach employees and manage complex issues.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment with light noise. Work may be frequently interrupted. The employee will spend most of the workday sitting, computing, and talking/hearing. Required lifting (boxes) in the 10-25 lb. range requiring the ability to bend at the waist and knee. OSHA Category III: position whose tasks/duties will not put them at risk for exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials, therefore, universal/standard precautions are not required.

Schedule and Travel

• May require more than 37.5 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Ability to travel to meetings at national, regional, or local venues and fulfill evening or weekend obligations.
• Under 10% air travel required.

Values-Based Behaviors

Staff

• We Are Dedicated: Member / Customer Service Orientation
  • Takes personal responsibility for every member/customer interaction (internal or external).
  • Provides best-in-class service to build customer loyalty and extend member/customer retention.
  • Handles all member/customer interactions professionally and demonstrates appropriate confidentiality.
  • Provides timely resolution of member/customer inquiries and facilitates problem resolution.
• Ownership and Commitment
  • Takes pride in contributing to the organization’s success.
  • Represents the organization with professionalism and integrity.
  • Expresses commitment to ASA’s mission, vision, and values.
  • Sets challenging, results-based goals.
  • Perseveres when challenges arise to ensure results are achieved.
  • Demonstrates ability to take responsibility and holds oneself accountable for results.
  • Can be depended on to follow up on work tasks and deliver as promised.
• We Are Committed To Excellence: Judgment and Decision-Making
  • Makes quality decisions in a timely manner, even under uncertain conditions.
  • Considers both short and long-term implications/risks of decisions.
  • Conducts thorough search for information, evaluates alternatives, and chooses the appropriate course of action based on objective data as much as possible.
  • Exercises judgment and independent actions within limits of authority.
  • Includes appropriate people and considers diverse viewpoints in decision-making process.
  • Supports and explains reasoning for decisions.
  • Uses data and analysis to make informed decisions.
• Quality and Productivity
  • Manages time and prioritizes effectively.
  • Uses organizational skills to manage workload and follow through on assignments.
  • Anticipates competing demands of multiple projects and establishes a course to accomplish and meet deadlines, working with manager as needed to re-prioritize and strategize.
  • Plans proper assignments and utilizes time and resources in performance of duties.
  • Produces quality work products that are complete, thorough, clear, and accurate.
• We Are Continuously Improving: Initiative and Innovation
  • Takes initiative to suggest improvements, seek additional responsibility, and solve problems.
  • Initiates discussions with chain of command and co-workers to improve work processes, quality, interpersonal relations, and work outcome.
  • Presents innovative ideas to improve the organization and work results.
  • Strives to increase productivity and eliminates inefficient work habits and processes.
  • Gathers feedback on new products or initiatives for continuous learning.
  • Values and incorporates the input of diverse perspectives.
• Professional Development
  • Takes responsibility for professional development and growth.
  • Seeks performance feedback.
  • Increases expertise and job knowledge.
  • Identifies areas of strength and weakness and takes action to make improvements.
  • Considers where additional skills or abilities would benefit ASA.
• We Are Collaborative: Communication
  • Articulates ideas clearly and concisely, both in written and oral communications.
  • Keeps others informed, ensuring effective communication methods to appropriate stakeholders.
  • Demonstrates active listening skills, attending to the conversation and asking clarifying questions.
  • Adds constructively to conversations, cultivating a healthy exchange of ideas and providing opinions in a productive manner.
• Collaboration and Teamwork
  • Establishes and maintains effective work relationships and works cooperatively in group situations.
  • Addresses and resolves conflict effectively.
  • Offers assistance, resources, and support to co-workers.
  • Identifies and includes appropriate stakeholders in decisions and initiatives.
  • Shows open-mindedness in considering multiple opinions and viewpoints.
  • Fosters an inclusive environment where co-workers feel a sense of belonging.

Supervisory Staff

• Dedication
  • Develops and articulates area goals and strategies.
  • Ensures area alignment to strategic vision and goals of the organization.
  • Understands how area of responsibility fits into overall organization.
  • Promotes excitement and dedication through establishing and communicating a vision for the area, communicating how individual jobs tie to the organization’s mission and strategic objectives, and celebrating successes.
• Commitment To Excellence
  • Plans work and allocates resources effectively, equitably, and efficiently, including personnel planning and ensuring appropriate coverage for customer/member service.
  • Ensures effective recruiting, hiring, and onboarding of new staff (if applicable).
  • Anticipates problems and develops alternative plans.
  • Adjusts for re-prioritization and unforeseen circumstances as needed.
  • Focuses on desired outcomes rather than the activity.
  • Recognizes the financial implication of management decisions.
  • Demonstrates strong budgeting skills, and effectively manages department budget (if applicable).
  • Uses successful techniques in negotiating contract terms and pricing.
• Continuous Improvement