Human Resources Consultant

Human Resources Consultant - Client Operations

Company Overview

• Our client is an established organization providing specialized business support and operational consulting services to companies across a variety of industries.
• The organization is seeking an experienced Human Resources Business Partner to support a diverse group of businesses with their human resources needs. This opportunity combines traditional HR responsibilities with project-based consulting, employee relations, compliance, and operational improvement initiatives.
• Unlike a traditional internal HR position, this opportunity offers exposure to different business environments, leadership teams, and workforce challenges. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted resource to management while helping organizations strengthen their HR processes and improve employee experiences.
• The ideal candidate will bring a broad HR generalist background, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to independently manage multiple assignments in a collaborative, client-focused environment.

Location, Compensation & Benefits

• Location: Greater Chicago Area
• Work Arrangement: Hybrid – combination of remote work, office collaboration, and occasional onsite business engagements
• Base Salary: $95,000-110,000
• Additional Compensation: Annual bonus
• Employment Type: Full-time

Why This Opportunity

• Join an established organization offering exposure to businesses across multiple industries
• Work directly with company owners, executives, and management teams to address organizational and workforce needs
• Develop broader HR expertise by supporting different business environments rather than one internal employee population
• Take ownership of assignments involving employee relations, HR operations, compliance, and workforce initiatives
• Help organizations establish, strengthen, and improve their human resources functions
• Apply both strategic HR knowledge and hands-on operational experience
• Collaborate with experienced professionals across different business functions
• Participate in project-based assignments that provide variety in responsibilities and workplace challenges
• Gain experience recommending policies, improving workplace procedures, and supporting organizational effectiveness
• Build relationship-management and consulting skills while helping businesses navigate changing workforce needs
• Enjoy a flexible hybrid arrangement combining remote work, office collaboration, and occasional business visits

Position Overview

• The Human Resources Business Partner will provide practical HR guidance, operational assistance, and project support to businesses throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area.
• This position combines traditional human resources responsibilities with business consulting and organizational support. Depending on the needs of each assignment, the individual may assist an established HR department, provide temporary support during staffing transitions, or help company leadership develop and implement improved human resources procedures.
• The individual will work closely with management teams and employees to address workforce matters, strengthen HR practices, maintain employment compliance, and support organizational objectives.
• The successful candidate will bring broad HR generalist experience, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to transition effectively between different business environments while maintaining a high standard of service.

Key Responsibilities

Human Resources Operations & Business Support

• Provide practical human resources guidance and operational assistance to businesses with varying workforce sizes, organizational structures, and HR needs
• Evaluate existing HR practices and recommend improvements that support business objectives and effective employee management
• Provide temporary assistance, project support, and ongoing HR guidance based on organizational requirements
• Help establish foundational HR processes when dedicated internal resources are limited or unavailable
• Partner with business owners and management teams to identify workforce challenges and develop appropriate solutions

Employee Relations & Workforce Management

• Advise management on employee-related matters and support consistent application of workplace policies
• Assist with employee relations concerns and provide guidance on maintaining constructive workplace relationships
• Recommend approaches to improving employee engagement, retention, and workforce effectiveness
• Coordinate employee onboarding activities, including new-hire documentation, orientation procedures, and administrative requirements

HR Compliance & Policy Development

• Review HR policies and procedures to identify potential compliance concerns and operational inconsistencies
• Assist with implementing employment practices that reflect applicable laws, regulations, and business requirements
• Provide guidance on maintaining appropriate personnel documentation and employment records

HR Administration, Systems & Process Improvement

• Provide support involving payroll administration, employee benefits, and human resources information systems
• Coordinate with payroll and benefits providers to address administrative questions and resolve processing issues
• Maintain accurate personnel information and support appropriate documentation practices
• Assess HR workflows and recommend improvements that increase administrative efficiency and consistency
• Assist with implementing enhancements to HR systems, reporting processes, and employee administration

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive professional human resources experience
• Broad HR generalist background with experience managing day-to-day human resources operations
• Strong working knowledge of employment laws, HR compliance requirements, and workplace policies
• Demonstrated ability to advise management on employee relations, HR procedures, and workforce-related decisions
• Experience coordinating onboarding, offboarding, employee administration, and retention initiatives
• Familiarity with payroll processing, benefits administration, and HRIS systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and standard business software applications
• Ability to assess HR challenges and provide practical recommendations tailored to business needs
• Experience communicating professional recommendations to company leadership, both verbally and in writing
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish credibility with business owners, managers, and employees
• Comfortable working with organizations that have different levels of internal HR support and operational sophistication
• Ability to independently manage HR responsibilities while collaborating with other professionals

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline
• Professional HR certification through SHRM or HRCI
• Experience supporting employees or operations across multiple states
• Previous experience in HR consulting, outsourced HR services, or project-based HR assignments
• Experience supporting organizations undergoing growth, operational changes, or HR process improvements
• Interest in developing a long-term career involving human resources consulting and business support services