HR Director of Employee Relations - Strategic Leadership Role in Elmhurst, IL

Join Robert Half in an exciting opportunity for a strategic HR Director of Employee Relations in the western suburbs of Chicago. This hybrid position offers a perfect blend of hands-on leadership and strategic oversight, reporting directly to the CHRO. With a salary target of $150,000-$155,000 plus bonus, this role is ideal for seasoned HR professionals passionate about employee engagement, compliance, and data-driven decision-making. Located in Elmhurst, Illinois, you'll enjoy 4 days remote work and 1 day in-office, with light travel. Discover how this position at our client company can advance your HR career while promoting a positive workforce culture.

About the Role

As HR Director of Employee Relations, you will be the cornerstone of employee relations programs, managing a team of HR Managers and driving key initiatives in performance, engagement, and compliance. This role demands a skilled facilitator and analytical thinker with deep expertise in HR best practices and employment law. Oversee HR systems like UKG Workforce Ready, serve as the go-to for HRIS functionality, metrics reporting, and dashboard development. Perfect for those seeking to make a tangible impact on workforce experience in a dynamic, multi-state operation. Elmhurst, IL offers a vibrant community with easy access to Chicago's professional scene, making it an ideal location for HR leaders.

Key Responsibilities

Take charge of high-impact duties that shape the organization's HR landscape:

• Employee Relations Expertise: Act as the primary escalation point for complex, high-risk issues spanning multiple states, ensuring swift and fair resolutions.
• Investigations & Compliance: Lead thorough, compliant investigations and collaborate with Legal and Compliance on EEOC claims, audits, and legal matters.
• Policy & Performance: Standardize performance and disciplinary actions while developing scalable ER policies and procedures compliant with evolving employment laws.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and develop regional HR Managers, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Performance & Engagement: Oversee programs for hourly workforces and spearhead rewards/recognition initiatives to boost retention and engagement.
• HRIS & Analytics: Own UKG Workforce Ready for ER data, create insightful dashboards, analyze trends, and recommend proactive risk-reduction strategies.
• Process Optimization: Drive efficiency improvements and lead special projects in HR strategy, workforce experience, and compliance.

Required Qualifications

To excel in this HR Director role, bring the following expertise:

• 10+ years in employee relations, with proven multi-state leadership and investigation experience.
• Advanced knowledge of federal/state employment laws, EEOC processes, and compliance best practices.
• Hands-on proficiency with HRIS platforms, especially UKG Workforce Ready, for reporting and analytics.
• Strong leadership skills to build and motivate HR teams.
• Analytical mindset for data-driven insights and trend analysis.
• Experience in performance management for non-exempt/hourly employees.
• SPHR/SHRM-SCP certification preferred; Bachelor's in HR/Business required, Master's a plus.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and project management abilities.

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Why Join Us?

This position offers more than a job—it's a career-defining opportunity with robust benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401k matching, and PTO. Enjoy work-life balance with a hybrid model in desirable Elmhurst, IL. Partner with Recruiter Connie Stathopoulos at Robert Half to elevate your HR impact. Apply now for this high-visibility role driving employee success and organizational excellence. With competitive pay, bonus potential, and growth avenues, this is your chance to lead transformative HR initiatives in a supportive environment. Robert Half connects top talent like you to premier opportunities—seize it today!