Manager, People Relations

Manager, People Relations Chicago, Illinois On-Site Human Resources Full-Time 10% Core Spaces 2286 Job Description Who We Are Core Spaces (Core) is more than a real estate company, it’s a people company. Where building relationships is just as important as building properties. From researchers and architects to designers and operators, Core is made up of risk takers and dreamers who are on a mission to invent the future of living. Our six cultural values guide us every day and we strive to live them in everything we do: PUSH (Invent Better Places to Live), GRIT (We Got This), LIFT (Help Each Other Win), SHINE (Bring Your Full Self), UPHOLD (Never Break Trust), GROW (Always Get Better). Everything Core does stems from this culture of collaboration and innovation, and the drive to constantly improve the resident experience. This unique approach has led to creating spaces and services that are redefining the way people live. What We Do Founded in 2010, Core is a vertically integrated real estate investment manager focused on acquiring, developing and managing across the student housing and build-to-rent (“BTR”) sectors. Its residential communities feature world-class amenities, progressive design, and hospitality-driven service. Core’s student housing portfolio includes over 74,440 beds currently owned or managed, with a pipeline of over 53,860 beds in various stages of development. Core’s BTR division has over 3,000 homes under development, now leasing or in its pipeline in high-growth metros nationwide. For more information, visit www.corespaces.com. *Portfolio and pipeline numbers as of Q1 2026 Benefits That Matter A culture that provides you with a sense of belonging Competitive pay that values your contributions Incentives designed to reward your achievements Paid flexible PTO to disconnect or celebrate life milestones Paid 14+ holidays, including your birthday, to disconnect and celebrate Paid Parental Leave that begins after 90 days Paid volunteer time off to give back to your community Monthly workshop weeks; fewer meetings & more collaboration Robust health plan options that begin within at least 30 days of your employment Monthly phone reimbursement Wellness allowance and perks, including a yearly subscription to a meditation app An environment that provides you a voice to share your perspectives Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for access to confidential support services Company retirement options including 401(k) + matching & Roth account option Position Overview As an advocate of our Company values, the People Relations Manager will work in lockstep with senior members of the People Relations team to support and execute the investigation and resolution of people relations matters by coaching people leaders in managing team member performance, progressive discipline, and corrective action with a focus on risk mitigation. The role will be hands-on with the ADA and leave administration process in partnership with our Associate Director who leads the ADA/LOA process and the Payroll & Benefits team. Working in close collaboration with the Talent Development and Talent Management teams, you’ll support the development and execution of people initiatives, programs, and events that authentically evolve our ‘OneCore’ culture, create meaningful moments of connection across and within teams, and elevate the employee experience (let’s go)! With over 1,200 team members across locations, entities, and time zones, we continue to grow rapidly, and we need your expertise to help deliver best-in-class experiences. You’ll thrive in this role if you’re resourceful, quick on your feet, and committed to helping others succeed. This is not your first rodeo; you are experienced in developing and maintaining positive relationships and serving as a trusted go-to source for people matters. You may not know all the answers, but you are resourceful and committed to finding them! What You Will Do People Relations, Managing Performance & Risk Mitigation Execute people relations matters for the company by guiding and coaching managers in progressive discipline steps and corrective action remedies, managing and prioritizing in a fast-paced, high-growth environment under the leadership and direction of senior members of the People Relations team Demonstrate effective organization and time management to prioritize and progress multiple cases/matters day-to-day/week-to-week with flexibility to extend hours as needed for time-sensitive matters in various time zones Utilize and support the evolution of our toolkit of templates, guidelines, and resources for managers regarding performance management, leaves of absence, and ADA accommodation in close partnership with the Talent Development Manager Assist leaders in ensuring appropriate progressive discipline documentation is recorded and corrective action steps are followed through with team members to mitigate risk proactively Guide managers on developing and executing Performance Improvement Plans in partnership with the Talent Development Manager Intake complaints and manage the investigation process; consult with senior members of the People Relations team on the appropriate actions and next steps Lead with compassion and company values by seeking to understand an individual’s situation to understand the why and influence managers to do the same ahead of making judgments and determinations Establish and maintain the communication of various people matters that affect other People Operations departments such as Payroll & Benefits or Talent Management Utilize the HRIS and Company technology as appropriate for tracking, recording documentation, and reporting Facilitate exit interviews with team members when voluntary resignations occur to identify the root cause, potential leadership concerns, and enhancement opportunities for the team members' experience Keep a close eye on team member retention and turnover trends, and make speedy recommendations for actions to improve Execute the involuntary termination process and ensure the appropriate approval process is followed Prepare and finalize severance agreements when appropriate Accommodation & Leave Administration Execute the accommodation process for assigned cases following ADA compliance and ensure the necessary documentation is received and tracked Intake and initiate leave administration process for assigned cases, tracking and running point through the hand-off to the benefits administration team and/or 3rd party leave administrator Team Member Support Resources Advocate and communicate team member support resources such as the OneCore Mindfulness Programming, the Employee Assistance Program, Calm, and 3rd party mindfulness coach Promote and participate in the company’s diversity council with a mission to connect, raise awareness on DEIB matters, and implement change Policy and Compliance Participate in the identification, research, and execution of compliant employment policies and practices across federal and multiple state and local jurisdictions Assist with evolving and maintaining the company handbook Help with the development and maintenance of guidelines to ensure consistent practices of policy interpretation Other Occasional travel may be necessary as needed Perform all other duties and tasks as assigned by management Must be able to complete all physical requirements of this role with or without a reasonable accommodation Ideally, You'll Have 5+ years of experience with resolution of employee relations matters and the administration of leaves of absence, ADA accommodation, and Human Resources policies Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or Organizational Development Impeccable regard for using discretion with confidential documents and information Conflict resolution expertise, with experience handling sensitive employee issues and complex investigations. Knowledge of employment law and regulations (FMLA, ADA, EEO, and multi-state compliance). Strong emotional intelligence (EQ) and interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport across teams. Change management experience, with the ability to guide teams and managers through organizational changes and transitions. Sound judgment in prioritizing competing demands. Adaptable communication skills to collaborate effectively across diverse groups of stakeholders. Passion for collaboration, rallying people, and influencing others to effectively get things done. Proactive approach and keen attention to detail. Ability to work autonomously while keeping key stakeholders informed. You'll crush it if you have Experience working in student housing, single-family rentals, hospitality, or multi-family industries. Proven ability to exercise flexibility and adapt in a fast-paced, high-growth environment Expertise in executing the ADA accommodations and leaves of absence processes in compliance with multiple local/state jurisdictions (specific experience with Illinois, Washington, Oregon, and California laws are a plus). Experience working with a mix of onsite, remote, and hybrid teams, supporting multiple time zones effectively. Proficiency in HRIS systems (such as Paycom) and experience maintaining accurate documentation. Organizational Structure Reports to: Associate Director, People Relations Direct Reports: N/A Disclaimer Please note that job responsibilities, reporting lines, and duties outlined in this job description are subject to change to meet the evolving needs of the organization. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Core Spaces celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment, which creates a sense of belonging for all employees. We do not discriminate and believe every individual should be proud of who they are and the community they represent. Pay Range USD $110,000.00 - USD $125,000.00 /Yr. Additional Compensation Employees may be eligible for discretionary bonuses, typically up to 15% of base salary annually, depending on individual and organizational performance. Compensation Disclosure The compensation range listed reflects the base salary or hourly rate that we reasonably and in good faith expect to offer for this role at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as education, experience, skills, certifications, seniority, geographic location, and business needs. This role may be eligible for additional forms of compensation, including bonuses, commissions, stipends, or non-cash incentives, depending on position and performance. Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other role-based offerings, subject to eligibility requirements. All compensation components are subject to change based on business needs or market conditions.

Salary : $110,000 - $125,000