HR Manager

Job Title: Contract Human Resources Manager

Industry: Manufacturing

Location Vernon Hills, IL

Pay: $45-50hr

Work Schedule: Monday–Friday | Fully Onsite

Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

About The Company:

Addison Group is partnering with our client to identify an experienced Contract Human Resources Manager to provide leadership across key HR functions during a transitional period. This is a hands-on role supporting approximately 200+ employees in a manufacturing environment while partnering closely with senior leadership to ensure continuity across HR operations.

The ideal candidate has a strong background in benefits administration, leave management, employee relations, payroll oversight, and compliance, and is comfortable balancing strategic priorities with day-to-day HR responsibilities.

Job Description:

The Contract Human Resources Manager will oversee a broad range of human resources functions, including benefits administration, leave management, employee relations, talent acquisition oversight, compliance, and HR operations. This individual will collaborate with leaders across the organization to maintain effective HR programs, support employees and managers, and ensure compliance with employment regulations and company policies.

This role requires a proactive HR professional who can quickly assess priorities, manage multiple initiatives, and confidently support a fast-paced manufacturing workforce.

Key Responsibilities:

Benefits & Total Rewards

• Lead the administration of employee benefit programs, ensuring a seamless employee experience.
• Coordinate annual open enrollment activities, including planning, employee communications, and enrollment support.
• Partner with external benefits consultants and insurance providers to review plan offerings and recommend improvements.
• Administer retirement and incentive programs, including 401(k), profit-sharing, bonus programs, and required employee notifications.

Leave Administration

• Manage the complete lifecycle of employee leave requests, including FMLA, ADA accommodations, short-term disability, workers' compensation, and other protected leaves.
• Provide guidance to employees and managers throughout the leave process while ensuring compliance with applicable laws.
• Coordinate documentation, approvals, and return-to-work processes.

Employee Relations

• Advise managers on employee performance, workplace concerns, coaching strategies, and corrective action.
• Conduct or support employee investigations while maintaining confidentiality and consistency.
• Partner with leadership to resolve employee issues and promote a positive work environment.
• Provide guidance on policy interpretation and best HR practices.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Oversee recruiting activity and monitor hiring progress across open positions.
• Support workforce planning, job posting strategies, and candidate selection efforts.
• Ensure effective onboarding processes for new employees and partner with hiring managers to deliver a positive new hire experience.

Payroll & HR Operations

• Oversee payroll processing activities and provide backup support when necessary.
• Maintain employee information within the HRIS and ensure data accuracy.
• Support compensation changes, performance review processes, and HR policy administration.
• Supervise day-to-day activities of HR support staff and provide guidance as needed.

Training & Organizational Development

• Coordinate employee training programs with internal teams and external vendors.
• Support organizational learning initiatives and ongoing employee development programs.
• Assist leadership with performance management and employee development efforts.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations.
• Support regulatory reporting, including OSHA, EEO reporting, unemployment claims, and affirmative action requirements.
• Maintain HR documentation, policies, and employment records in accordance with legal and organizational standards.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen HR processes and reduce organizational risk.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including HR management responsibilities.
• Strong experience administering employee benefits, including annual open enrollment.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with insurance brokers and benefits vendors.
• Hands-on expertise managing FMLA, ADA accommodations, workers' compensation, and leave administration.
• Experience overseeing payroll processes and supporting compensation administration.
• Strong employee relations experience, including workplace investigations and manager coaching.
• Knowledge of employment laws and HR compliance requirements.
• Experience working within a manufacturing or industrial environment preferred.
• Proficiency with HRIS platforms; experience with ADP Workforce Now is strongly preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently.

Addison Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Addison Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Addison Group complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request.