Human Resources Manager

Title

Human Resources Manager - Professional Services

Downtown Chicago, IL, Hybrid

Full-Time, High-Visibility Role

About the Company

Some HR roles support the business.

This one helps define how it operates.

We’re partnered with a high-performing, client-driven professional services organization where expectations are high, timelines are real, and how teams operate directly impacts outcomes.

This is an environment where HR is expected to bring clarity, judgment, and consistency—especially when it matters most.

About the Role

You’ll operate as a key HR leader supporting both management and staff across multiple functions, advising on performance, employee relations, compensation, and talent strategy.

This is not a passive role.

👉 You’ll be expected to step into complex situations, guide leaders, and help drive decisions that impact both people and performance.

Responsibilities

Leadership Partnership & Employee Relations

• Advise leaders on performance management, employee relations, and workplace challenges
• Lead investigations and resolve sensitive issues with professionalism and consistency
• Balance employee advocacy with business priorities
• Align people decisions with business priorities, timelines, and client expectations
• You’ll be expected to make sound decisions in real time—often without perfect information.

Talent, Recruiting & Workforce Planning

• Lead recruiting efforts across multiple levels, including senior and specialized roles
• Partner with leaders to identify internal talent and support mobility
• Ensure hiring decisions align with long-term team needs

Compensation & Performance Alignment

• Support compensation reviews, market analysis, and internal equity decisions
• Guide leaders through performance evaluation processes
• Reinforce accountability and clarity around expectations

HR Operations & Team Leadership

• Oversee core HR processes and ensure consistency across teams
• Coach and develop junior HR team members
• Improve workflows and strengthen how HR supports the organization

Data, Insight & Continuous Improvement

• Use data from employee feedback, turnover, and performance trends to inform decisions
• Identify patterns and recommend practical improvements
• Support leadership with insights that drive action

Qualifications

• 8 years of HR experience in a professional services or high-expectation environment
• Strong employee relations experience—you’ve handled complex situations directly
• Experience supporting leaders on performance, compensation, and team dynamics
• Ability to operate with discretion, sound judgment, and independence
• Experience mentoring or leading junior HR team members

Required Skills

• Comfortable working with high-performing, demanding teams
• Brings calm and clarity to complex situations
• Handles difficult conversations with confidence
• Understands how HR decisions impact culture, retention, and performance

🚫 This Role Is Not For You If

• You prefer low-pressure or highly structured environments
• You avoid conflict or difficult conversations
• You rely heavily on policy instead of judgment
• You need constant direction instead of operating independently

Compensation & Benefits

$115K – $145K base bonus

Comprehensive benefits strong total rewards package

Equal Opportunity Statement

We’re committed to building strong, diverse teams and an environment where people can do their best work.

Let’s Talk

If you’ve built your HR career in environments where expectations are high—and you’re ready to operate with real ownership—this is worth a conversation.

Confidential inquiries welcome.