Human Resources Director

Frey Consulting Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 171,000; Full time

Job summary

Vale Group, a nationwide specialized recruitment firm, has partnered with a Chicago-based organization actively seeking an experienced HR Director to work onsite for an opportunity paying up to $155,000 per year, based on experience.

The HR Director will lead the full people function—from talent strategy and multi-state compliance to culture, performance management and total rewards—for a technical workforce of engineers and project professionals.

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading HR in engineering/technical services.
• Experience building compensation, benefits, and performance programs.
• Strong knowledge of multi-state employment law and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle HR operations including talent acquisition, onboarding and planning.
• Develop and administer compensation, benefits and performance programs.
• Ensure compliance with multi-state laws and develop HR policies.
• Partner with executives on structure, culture and retention strategies.
• Oversee HRIS systems and HR reporting/metrics.
• Manage employee relations and guide people managers.
• Support training and professional development initiatives.

Skills

HR leadership

Compensation and benefits

Multi-state compliance

Workforce planning

HRIS

Employee relations

Education

Bachelor's in HR/Business

Master's degree preferred

SHRM certification preferred

Tools

ADP

Paylocity

UKG

Job description

Vale Group, a nationwide specialized recruitment firm, has partnered with a company based in Chicago, IL, who is actively searching for an experienced HR Director to work onsite for an opportunity paying up to $155,000 per year, based on experience. Our client is a Chicago-headquartered engineering, program and construction management consulting organization, performing multi-state project footprint across aviation, transportation, water, and energy/technology infrastructure work. As the organization continues to scale, they're adding a hands-on HR Director to lead the full people function — from talent strategy and multi-state compliance to culture, performance management, and total rewards — for a technical workforce of engineers and project professionals.

Requirements of the HR Director:

• Proven track record leading the HR function at an engineering, construction, or similarly technical professional services organization
• Experience building and administering compensation, benefits, and performance management programs
• Strong working knowledge of multi-state employment law and compliance requirements
• Hands-on experience partnering with executive leadership on workforce planning and organizational design
• Comfortable operating in a lean HR structure, balancing strategic and day-to-day responsibilities
• 8+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, including at least 3+ years in a director-level or equivalent role
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's degree a plus)
• SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP or PHR/SPHR certification preferred
• Experience supporting HR needs for a technical, engineering-driven workforce
• Experience in the architecture/engineering/construction (AEC) or infrastructure consulting space is a plus
• Strong employee relations and conflict-resolution skills
• Working knowledge of HRIS platforms (e.g., ADP, Paylocity, or UKG) and Microsoft Office

Responsibilities of the HR Director:

• Lead full-cycle HR operations, including talent acquisition strategy, onboarding, and workforce planning
• Develop and administer compensation, benefits, and performance management programs
• Ensure compliance with multi-state employment law and manage HR policy development
• Partner with executive leadership on organizational structure, culture, and retention strategy
• Oversee HRIS systems and HR reporting/metrics
• Manage employee relations matters and provide guidance to people managers
• Support training and professional development initiatives across the organization
• Help guide HR practices and infrastructure as the organization continues to grow
• Support as needed