Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) - Employee Relations Specialist

Position Type: Temporary-to-Permanent (Temp-to-Perm)

Pay Rate: $40.00 / hour

Work Schedule: Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote)

Reports To: Vice President of Human Resources

Location: Lombard, IL (Hybrid)

Hiring Timeline: Immediate / Quick Placement

We are seeking an experienced, action-oriented HR Business Partner specializing in Employee Relations for a temp-to-perm opportunity. In this role, you will manage the day-to-day operations of the HR office regarding employee and manager concerns. You will serve as a trusted advisor, handling complex workplace investigations, performance management coaching, comprehensive documentation, and compliance.

The ideal candidate can hit the ground running in a fast-paced environment. Experience in the food service or hospitality industry is highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Employee Relations & Day-to-Day Operations: Manage daily HR office inquiries, acting as the primary point of contact for employee and management concerns, conflict resolution, and workplace culture.
• Investigations & Compliance: Conduct thorough, objective, and timely investigations into workplace complaints, ethical concerns, or policy violations. Ensure strict adherence to local, state, and federal labor laws.
• Coaching & Consultation: Provide strategic guidance and coaching to managers and supervisors on performance management, corrective action, and effective leadership practices.
• Documentation & Risk Management: Draft precise, legally sound HR documentation, including investigation summaries, performance improvement plans (PIPs), and separation agreements to minimize organizational risk.
• Executive-Level Collaboration: Report directly to the VP of HR and participate in executive-level conversations, translating HR metrics and employee relations trends into actionable business insights.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience: 4 years of progressive HR experience, with a heavy emphasis on Employee Relations and Workplace Investigations.
• Industry Plus: Prior experience in the food service, hospitality, or manufacturing industries is strongly preferred.
• Compliance Knowledge: Deep understanding of state and federal employment laws (FMLA, ADA, EEO, FLSA, etc.).
• Communication Skills: Exceptional communication skills with a proven ability to conduct high-stakes executive-level conversations and handle sensitive situations with empathy and discretion.
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical and conflict-resolution skills, with a track record of documenting investigations comprehensively.
• Availability: Must be available for immediate or quick placement and able to commit to a hybrid schedule (3 days in office / 2 days remote).