Human Resources Manager, Client Services

EmphasisHR is seeking a Human Resources Manager, Client Services who will serve as a trusted HR partner to assigned client groups. This hybrid role in Deerfield, IL blends hands-on employee relations support with practical HR strategy, helping ensure clients receive consistent, compliant HR guidance across their portfolio. You will partner closely with senior leaders and specialists while building a collaborative, service-oriented team culture.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary HR partner to assigned client groups, advising on best practices, policy interpretation, performance management, and employee discipline.
• Partner with senior leaders and stakeholders to resolve complex HR issues, coordinating with subject-matter experts in benefits, compensation, payroll, and related specialties as needed.
• Ensure HR guidance and practices comply with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Provide orientation and ongoing training covering processes, procedures, service standards, and HRIS platform expertise.
• Advise clients on employee relations matters, including conflict resolution, corrective action, and terminations.
• Conduct or oversee workplace investigations and recommend appropriate outcomes.
• Interpret policies and, when applicable, collective bargaining agreements, supporting grievance resolution in partnership with labor relations resources.
• Support team effectiveness by building a strong, collaborative, service-oriented culture and continually developing your own skills and those of the team.
• Evaluate current processes and identify opportunities to streamline, improve efficiency, and enhance the client experience.
• Design, implement, and revise HR programs, procedures, and systems aligned to client business needs.
• Coordinate with peer HR Managers, the Payroll Manager, and the Managing Director of HR to support consistent, compliant policy and practice application company-wide.
• Establish service standards and use reporting to measure program effectiveness and accountability.
• Analyze HR data, including case volume, turnover, and service-level metrics, and present findings and recommendations to leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive HR experience, including HR generalist or HR business partner work.
• Working knowledge of federal and state employment laws, including FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title VII, and ADEA.
• Experience with state of California employment laws related to wage and hour requirements.
• Comfort navigating HR information systems and the Microsoft Office suite, including advanced Excel and PowerPoint presentation development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with ability to influence and advise senior leaders.
• Strong critical thinking and data skills, including the ability to summarize findings and present recommendations clearly.
• Ability to apply strategic concepts to develop practical HR solutions that support business goals.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and respond promptly to time-sensitive issues.

Technologies

• HRIS
• Microsoft Office
• Excel
• PowerPoint
• Paylocity

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match (if applicable)
• Paid time off and company holidays
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a union environment, including interpreting collective bargaining agreements and supporting grievance processes.
• Professional certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR.
• Working knowledge of benefits plan provisions and contract language.
• Experience in a client-facing or shared-services HR model.
• Experience using Paylocity.

Compensation

Base salary range: $75,000 - $90,000 per year.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year.

Location / Work Model

• On-site role located in Deerfield, IL
• Hybrid remote in Deerfield, IL 60015
• Ability to commute: Deerfield, IL 60015 (Required)