Human Resources Manager

Stepan Química e Tebras; Elwood (IL); On-site; USD 103,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary Bonus

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401K with Match

Profit Sharing

Paid Time Off (PTO)

STD / LTD

HSA

Job summary

Stepan Company is seeking an experienced Human Resources Manager for our Elwood, IL plant to serve as the labor and employee relations SME. You will partner with the SR HR Business Partner, Legal, and site leadership to promote positive employee relations, ensure compliance with laws, and minimize risk.

You will lead investigations, guide disciplinary actions, administer bargaining agreements, and coach leaders on conflict resolution and performance management.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years focused on labor and employee relations with progressive HR experience.
• Manufacturing experience required; chemical manufacturing preferred.
• Experience conducting complex workplace investigations.
• Strong knowledge of labor and employment laws including NLRA, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, Title VII, EEOC.
• Experience advising leaders on employee relations, disciplinary actions, performance management, and terminations.
• Experience partnering with Legal Counsel on employment matters.
• Excellent interviewing, investigative, documentation, and report-writing skills.
• Strong conflict resolution, mediation, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority employee relations cases simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Maintain confidentiality with sound judgment and professionalism.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary advisor to HR Business Partners and site leadership on labor and employee relations.
• Lead complex workplace investigations involving misconduct and sensitive issues.
• Conduct investigations, document findings, and provide recommendations to minimize risk.
• Provide guidance on disciplinary actions, performance management, and terminations in a compliant manner.
• Interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements and advise on contractual obligations.
• Support labor negotiations by preparing data and strategies with Legal and leadership.
• Manage grievance administration through investigation, resolution, and documentation.
• Coach leaders on conflict resolution and employment law.
• Monitor labor relations trends and implement proactive strategies to improve engagement.
• Develop and deliver training on labor relations, investigations, and compliance.
• Ensure compliance with NLRA, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Title VII, EEOC regulations.
• Partner with Legal Counsel on litigation support and audits.
• Maintain accurate documentation and case management records.
• Analyze trends to drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Labor relations

Investigations

Disciplinary guidance

Communication

Conflict resolution

Analytical thinking

HRIS

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master’s degree in HR or related field

SHRM-SCP or SPHR

Unionized manufacturing experience

Lean/continuous improvement

Tools

HRIS systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Human Resources Manager

Location: Elwood, IL, US, 60421

Job Description

The HR Manager serves as this plant's subject matter expert for labor and employee relations, partnering closely with the SR HR Business Partner, business leaders, Legal, and site leadership to promote positive employee relations, ensure compliance with labor and employment laws, and minimize organizational risk.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary advisor to HR Business Partners and site leadership on labor and employee relations matters.
• Lead complex workplace investigations involving employee misconduct, policy violations, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, ethics concerns, and other sensitive employment issues.
• Conduct thorough investigations, document findings, and provide recommendations that minimize organizational and legal risk.
• Provide guidance on disciplinary actions, corrective actions, performance improvement plans, suspensions, and terminations while ensuring consistency and legal compliance.
• Interpret and administer collective bargaining agreements and advise leadership on contractual obligations and labor practices.
• Support labor negotiations by preparing data, analyzing proposals, developing strategies, and partnering with Legal and leadership teams.
• Manage grievance administration through investigation, resolution, and documentation.
• Partner with HR Business Partners to resolve complex employee relations issues and build manager capability.
• Provide coaching to leaders on conflict resolution, difficult conversations, performance management, documentation, and employment law.
• Monitor labor relations trends and identify proactive strategies to improve employee engagement and reduce workplace conflict.
• Develop and deliver training on labor relations, workplace investigations, respectful workplace practices, progressive discipline, and employment law compliance.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including:
  • National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
  • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • Title VII
  • EEOC regulations
• Partner with Legal Counsel on litigation support, agency responses, audits, and employment claims.
• Maintain accurate documentation and case management records.
• Analyze employee relations trends and metrics to recommend continuous improvement opportunities.
• Support organizational initiatives while fostering a respectful, inclusive, and legally compliant workplace.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of focused on labor and employee relations, plus progressive HR experience .
• Manufacturing experience required; chemical manufacturing preferred.
• Demonstrated experience conducting complex workplace investigations.
• Strong working knowledge of labor and employment laws, including NLRA, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, Title VII, and EEOC regulations.
• Experience advising leaders on employee relations, disciplinary actions, performance management, and terminations.
• Experience partnering with Legal Counsel on employment matters.
• Excellent interviewing, investigative, documentation, and report-writing skills.
• Strong conflict resolution, mediation, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority employee relations cases simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality while exercising sound judgment and professionalism.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Labor Relations, Industrial Relations, Organizational Development, or related field preferred
• SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification.
• Experience supporting unionized manufacturing environments.
• Experience participating in collective bargaining negotiations and grievance arbitration.
• Lean or continuous improvement experience.

Pay Range: $103,000 - $139,000

The salary range for this position is determined by considering a variety of factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and the location of the position.

At Stepan Company Our Comprehensive Benefits Package Includes

• Discretionary Bonus
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K with Match
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD / LTD)
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)Paid Parental Leave
• Adoption Assistance
• Reactions – Recognition Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Stepan Company does not accept or retain unsolicited resumes or phone calls and/or respond to them or to any third party representing job seekers.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Stepan is a global specialty and intermediate chemical manufacturer that has been serving a broad range of industries for over 90 years. Today, Stepan is a $2.7 billion revenue company. Our continued success is driven by the passion and commitment of our 2,500+ employees around the world.

Why Work At Stepan?

• Stable & Growing
• Collaborative Environment
• Make a Difference & Be Recognized
• Committed to Safety & Sustainability
• Value Driven Culture

Nearest Major Market: Chicago