Senior Human Resources Generalist

Senior HR Generalist at AKIRA in Chicago, IL provides strategic and operational HR support across employee relations, compliance, engagement, talent development, and HR operations, acting as a trusted advisor to employees and managers.

Responsibilities

• Offer knowledgeable guidance to staff and managers on HR policies, processes, practices, and applicable employment laws.
• Act as a trusted advisor to managers on employee relations, performance discussions, coaching, disciplinary steps, and resolving workplace conflicts.
• Conduct thorough, objective, and confidential investigations of employee complaints and grievances and drive resolution.
• Develop and apply conflict resolution approaches and mediate to address team challenges and boost collaboration.
• Clarify employees' rights and responsibilities and outline available company resources.
• Proactively identify trends affecting engagement, retention, productivity, and workplace culture, and take preemptive actions.
• Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Interpret laws, company policies, and HR best practices to minimize organizational risk.
• Work with the HR team to create, review, and refresh policies, procedures, handbooks, and guidelines to reflect legal requirements and organizational needs.
• Support policy rollout and ensure understanding and adherence across staff and management.
• Support audits, compliance programs, and recordkeeping obligations.
• Deliver training for staff and leaders on HR topics such as employee relations, workplace conduct, leadership development, conflict resolution, compliance, rights, and policies.
• Coach leaders to enhance managerial effectiveness and boost employee engagement.
• Support organizational development initiatives, succession planning, and talent development efforts.
• Foster a culture of ongoing learning and professional development.
• Partner with HR and business leaders to design and execute programs that elevate satisfaction, engagement, and retention.
• Drive participation in employee surveys and gather feedback to identify improvement opportunities.
• Analyze engagement metrics and workforce trends to generate actionable recommendations.
• Conduct exit interviews and analyze turnover data to identify root causes and recommend retention strategies.
• Handle end-to-end employee lifecycle transactions—new hires, promotions, transfers, changes, leaves, and terminations—within the HRIS.
• Assist with payroll, benefits, leave administration, and employee inquiries, escalating complex issues as needed.
• Maintain and update essential HR documentation such as employee records, trackers, calendars, master sheets, and payroll reports.
• Safeguard data integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality of HR information.
• Support onboarding and offboarding processes to foster a positive employee experience.
• Keep precise records of employee relations cases and generate trend and metrics reports.
• Leverage HR data and analytics to uncover process improvements and proactive employee relations strategies.
• Create reports and presentations to inform HR and business decisions.
• Lead or support process improvement projects that boost efficiency, compliance, and the employee experience.
• Recommend and implement HR best practices aligned with organizational goals.
• Perform regular store visits and engage retail teams to foster relationships and provide consistent HR support across sites.
• Offer on-site coaching and ER support to field leaders.
• Support workforce planning and change initiatives across multiple locations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
• Preferred certifications include PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP.
• At least five to seven years of progressive HR experience.
• Proven background as an HR Generalist, Senior HR Generalist, or HRBP with emphasis on employee relations.
• Experience conducting workplace investigations and managing complex ER matters.
• Retail or multi-site HR experience is preferred.
• Solid knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated experience supporting engagement, performance management, compliance, and organizational development initiatives.
• Ability to travel up to 15 percent locally and domestically.

Technologies

• HRIS systems
• HR reporting tools
• Microsoft Excel

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Pet Insurance
• Life
• LTD
• FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA
• Flex Transit (CTA)
• 401(k)
• Generous employee discount
• Career development opportunities

The ideal candidate

• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills
• Extensive experience in employee relations, workplace investigations, and conflict resolution
• Ability to influence and coach leaders at all levels
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities
• Strong organizational, analytical, and time management skills
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel
• Experience with HRIS systems and HR reporting tools
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information discreetly
• Strong business acumen and commitment to delivering exceptional employee support

Additional responsibilities

• Mentor and guide junior HR team members when appropriate
• Participate in special projects and strategic HR initiatives
• Assist with other duties and responsibilities as assigned