HR Manager (SMB, One Location)

Are you a proactive HR professional who loves the 'human' side of Human Resources as much as the technical side?

For over 76 years, C-Line Products, Inc. has built a reputation for quality and integrity in the office products industry. As our long-tenured HR Coordinator prepares for a well-earned retirement, we are seeking a dynamic HR Manager to step into this elevated role.

As the sole HR presence for our team of 35 in our Mt. Prospect facility, you won't just be processing paperwork – you will be the strategic lead for our payroll, safety, and compliance functions, and the primary 'architect' of our workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Culture & Events: Take full ownership of planning and executing employee events, including managing budgets and logistics. From large-scale, off-site holiday parties to internal potlucks and recognition programs, you will be the ‘architect of fun’ responsible for boosting morale and fostering a sense of community. Bring the energy!
• Payroll & Benefits: Weekly payroll using ADP Workforce Now. Manage benefits administration, open enrollment, monthly billing reconciliation, and year-end payroll processes.
• Compliance & Safety: Maintain our safety programs (OSHA) and conduct regular internal audits to ensure 100% compliance with DOL, USCIS, EEOC, and ADA regulations. This also includes attendance at national safety conferences 1-2 times per year.
• Labor Relations: Administer the CBA for our 10 unionized employees in Shipping, Maintenance, and Manufacturing. Ensure payroll and disciplinary actions align with contract terms.
• Recruiting: Manage the end-to-end hiring process for warehouse and office staff.
• Policy Management: Maintain and update the Employee Handbook and HR Policy Manual to reflect current state and federal laws.
• Organizational Development: Drive the annual performance review process, identify training needs, and implement programs to improve employee retention, performance, and leadership capabilities.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Experience: 5 years in an HR role; experience in a Senior Generalist role or higher is preferred, experience in a small-to-midsize business (SMB) is a plus.
• Software: Must be proficient in ADP Workforce Now.
• Education: Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or a related field. Certifications (SHRM/PHR) and equivalent experience considered.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of DOL, FLSA, OSHA, COBRA, and ADA.
• Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills (verbal and written); Bilingual fluency (English/Spanish) is highly preferred to effectively support our entire workforce.
• Traits: A self-starter who has a high level of attention-to-detail, follow-up and follow-through, and enjoys "doing" as much as "planning."

Travel & Schedule Requirements:

• Travel: Ability to travel 1–2 times per year (typically 2–3 days at a time) to attend national safety conferences or professional development seminars.
• Events: Flexibility to attend and oversee occasional after-hours employee events, such as the annual holiday party.

Working Conditions:

• Environment: Standard office environment requiring the use of PCs, printers, phones, and associated computer peripherals.
• Pace: Workflow requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Physical Demands: Standard office tasks, including extended periods of computer use and filing.
• Location: This position will be required to be on-site at our facility in Mt. Prospect, IL.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive Pay: $88,400 – 98,800/year, based on experience and skills.
• Position Type: Full-time, Exempt, Salary
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance packages.
• Future Security: 401(k) retirement plan options, with company match.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick time, and holiday pay.
• Culture: A supportive, team-first environment where your ideas matter.
• Growth: Opportunity to grow and make a real impact as we move into the next generation of our business.

About C-Line Products, Inc.:

We’ve grown and adapted over 75 years, but our commitment to integrity and customer and employee satisfaction has always remained the same. As our long-term HR Coordinator prepares for retirement, we’re looking for an experienced professional to step into this elevated ‘Department of One’ role and own the full spectrum of our HR operations.

If you’re an ADP-proficient HR leader who thrives in a nimble environment – balancing the technical details of payroll and safety with the rewarding work of planning employee events and fostering a positive workplace – you will find a home here.

We value both tradition and fresh ideas, and we look forward to seeing how your background can help us steer the future of our organization.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Pay: $88,400.00 - $98,800.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• This role requires travel 1–2 times per year for 2–3 days to attend national safety conferences. Are you able to meet this requirement? (please answer Yes/No)
• Briefly describe one employee event or morale-boosting initiative you planned and executed entirely on your own. Why did you decide to plan it? What was the outcome?
• Are you professionally fluent in English and Spanish (both written and verbal), with the ability to translate safety training materials and conduct employee relations meetings independently? (please answer Yes/No)

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• mid-to-senior level HR: 3 years (Required)
• ‘Department of One’ or small team HR: 2 years (Required)
• ADP Workforce Now: 2 years (Required)
• OSHA and safety compliance : 2 years (Preferred)
• union/CBA administration : 2 years (Preferred)
• Employee Benefits administration: 3 years (Required)
• full-cycle recruiting (office & warehouse roles) : 2 years (Required)
• independent management of full-cycle weekly payroll: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Mount Prospect, IL 60056 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $88,400 - $98,800