Human Resources Business Partner

HR Business Partner – Manufacturing

Location: Northern Chicago Suburbs, IL

Hire Type: Direct Hire

Salary: $120,000–$145,000/year

Schedule: Full-Time | Onsite

Overview

We are seeking an experienced HR Business Partner to support a growing manufacturing organization in the northern Chicago suburbs.

This is a highly visible, hands-on HR position supporting a manufacturing operation undergoing significant growth and organizational change. The HR Business Partner will work closely with directors, managers, supervisors, and employees while helping leadership navigate workforce expansion, organizational development, employee relations, performance management, and evolving business needs.

The ideal candidate will be a strong HR generalist with experience supporting a manufacturing environment and previous exposure to a facility ramp, startup, expansion, or other high-growth operation.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as a strategic HR partner to manufacturing and functional leadership.

Support workforce planning and staffing strategies during a period of significant organizational growth.

Coach and counsel directors, managers, and supervisors on employee relations, performance, organizational, and leadership matters.

Provide comprehensive HR support across employee relations, performance management, compensation, workforce planning, organizational development, and talent management.

Partner with leadership on organizational design, restructuring, succession planning, and evolving business requirements.

Guide managers through complex employee relations matters, corrective actions, performance concerns, and sensitive personnel situations.

Support organizational growth by identifying workforce needs and partnering with leadership and Talent Acquisition on staffing plans.

Assist with leadership development, training, and employee development initiatives.

Build strong relationships across hourly, professional, supervisory, and leadership populations.

Maintain a visible presence within the manufacturing operation and serve as an accessible HR resource for employees and leadership.

Adapt HR strategies and support as organizational structures and business priorities evolve.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related discipline preferred.

Strong HR Business Partner, HR Manager, or Senior HR Generalist experience within a manufacturing environment.

Experience supporting a manufacturing ramp, startup, facility expansion, significant headcount growth, or rapidly changing operation strongly preferred.

Experience partnering directly with directors and senior managers.

Strong background in employee relations, workforce planning, performance management, organizational development, and leadership coaching.

Experience supporting both hourly manufacturing employees and salaried professional/leadership populations.

Ability to confidently coach leaders through challenging employee and organizational situations.

Experience within regulated manufacturing is beneficial but not required.

Backgrounds within automotive, consumer products, CPG, medical device, pharmaceutical, food, or other complex manufacturing environments may translate well.

Schedule & Work Environment

This is a fully onsite position within a manufacturing environment. The HR Business Partner will maintain a strong presence within the operation and work directly with employees and leadership across multiple levels.

Typical business hours are approximately 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, with some flexibility required to provide occasional later coverage for employees working outside of first shift.

Additional company and site information will be shared with qualified candidates during the interview process.