HR Manager

Big City Optical; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Big City Optical in Chicago seeks an experienced HR Manager to lead human resources operations, support a compliant and high-performing workplace, and partner with leadership to align people strategies with business goals.

You will manage recruitment, performance management, training, benefits administration, policy implementation, and HR compliance while maintaining accurate records and reporting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience including experience supporting managers and employees.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, HR best practices, employee relations, benefits administration, and performance management.

Responsibilities

• Lead HR operations to support a positive, compliant, high-performing workplace.
• Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and programs.
• Manage full-cycle recruitment, including postings, hiring, and onboarding.
• Serve as a trusted resource for employees and managers on HR policies and workplace concerns.
• Oversee performance management processes, including goal setting, reviews, coaching, and development plans.
• Administer compensation, benefits, leave, and HR records.
• Identify training needs and coordinate learning and development initiatives.
• Partner with leadership on workforce planning, retention, succession, and organizational development.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations and maintain HR documentation.
• Track HR metrics and prepare reports on staffing, turnover, engagement, compliance and trends.
• Promote a respectful, inclusive, and professional workplace culture aligned with company values.

Skills

Employee relations

Performance management

Training & development

Policy implementation

Communication

HR analytics

Discretion

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR or related field

Equivalent experience considered

Job description

Description

The HR Manager is responsible for leading human resources operations and supporting a positive, compliant, and high-performing workplace. This role oversees employee relations, performance management, training, benefits administration, policy implementation, and HR compliance while partnering with leadership to align people strategies with business goals.

Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and programs that support company objectives and workplace compliance.

• Manage full-cycle recruitment, including job postings, hiring processes, and onboarding.
• Serve as a trusted resource for employees and managers on HR policies, employee relations, conflict resolution, and workplace concerns.
• Oversee performance management processes, including goal setting, performance reviews, coaching, and employee development plans.
• Administer compensation, benefits, leave, and employee records in accordance with company policy and applicable employment laws.
• Identify training needs and coordinate learning and development initiatives that improve employee performance and engagement.
• Partner with leadership to support workforce planning, retention strategies, succession planning, and organizational development.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations and maintain accurate HR documentation.
• Track HR metrics and prepare reports related to staffing, turnover, engagement, compliance, and performance trends.
• Promote a respectful, inclusive, and professional workplace culture aligned with company values.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive HR experience, including experience supporting managers and employees.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, HR best practices, employee relations, benefits administration, and performance management.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems, payroll platforms, and standard workplace technology.