Senior HR Manager (Chicago O'Hare)

Komatsu; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Komatsu seeks a Senior HR Manager to act as a strategic HR business partner for a growing segment of its North America Parts organization. The role partners with leadership to strengthen talent, leadership capability, and scalable HR practices that support long-term success.

The ideal candidate moves between strategy and execution and is trusted by leaders, credible with employees, and energized by practical solutions in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive HR experience.
• 3+ years as HRBP/HR leader in multi-site/multi-state manufacturing or industrial ops.
• Experience leading employee relations investigations and performance management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute workforce strategies aligned with operational and business objectives.
• Provide guidance on organizational design, talent management, succession planning, and workforce planning.
• Analyze workforce metrics to identify opportunities for productivity, retention, engagement, and performance.
• Lead change management initiatives to support growth and transformation.
• Coach managers on performance management, development, and leadership effectiveness.
• Forecast staffing needs and develop workforce plans with operations leadership.
• Support onboarding programs and build talent pipelines for critical roles.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and policies.

Skills

Strategic HR Leadership

Employee Relations

Talent Acquisition

Workforce Planning

Change Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business

Master's degree preferred

SPHR/PHR Certification preferred

Tools

HRIS

Workforce Analytics

Job description

Job Overview

The Senior HR Manager serves as a strategic HR business partner for a segment of Komatsu’s Parts organization, supporting leaders through growth, operational transformation, and workforce evolution. This hands-on role partners closely with business leadership to strengthen talent, leadership capability, employee engagement, and scalable HR practices that support long-term operational success.

This role offers the opportunity to shape the people strategy for a critical and growing part of Komatsu’s North America business. The successful candidate will influence key workforce decisions, and help build the practices, leadership routines, and employee experience needed to support long-term growth across Parts operations.

The ideal candidate is a business-minded HR leader who can move comfortably between strategy and execution. They are trusted by leaders, credible with employees, strong in employee relations, and energized by building practical solutions in a rapidly changing environment.

Key Job Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership

• Partner with site leadership to develop and execute workforce strategies aligned with operational and business objectives.
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, providing guidance on organizational design, talent management, succession planning, and workforce planning.
• Analyze workforce metrics and trends to identify opportunities for improving productivity, retention, engagement, and operational performance.
• Lead change management initiatives supporting business growth and operational transformation.

Employee Relations & Performance Management

• Provide expert guidance on employee relations matters, investigations, corrective actions, and conflict resolution.
• Ensure consistent application of company policies, procedures, and employment practices while establishing, documenting, and continuously evaluating, refining, and enhancing site-specific processes, standards, and best practices to support long-term operational growth.
• Coach managers on performance management, employee development, and leadership effectiveness.
• Conduct and oversee workplace investigations and recommend appropriate resolutions.

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Develop and execute recruiting strategies to attract and retain high-quality talent for hourly and salaried positions.
• Partner with operations leadership to forecast staffing needs and develop workforce plans.
• Support onboarding programs to ensure successful employee integration and retention.
• Build talent pipelines for critical and hard-to-fill positions.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Maintain compliance with EEO, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, OSHA, Workers' Compensation, and other employment-related requirements.
• Partner with Legal, Safety, and Corporate HR teams to mitigate organizational risk.
• Maintain accurate HR records and documentation in accordance with company policies.

Employee Engagement & Culture

• Develop and lead employee engagement initiatives designed to foster a positive workplace culture.
• Develop programs that support employee recognition, retention, and career development.
• Facilitate employee communications and engagement activities.
• Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives throughout the facility.

Compensation & HR Operations

• Partner with Compensation and Corporate HR teams on market analysis, salary recommendations, and job evaluations.
• Support annual performance review and compensation planning processes.
• Ensure HR systems and employee data are maintained accurately.
• Monitor HR metrics and provide regular reporting to leadership.

Qualifications/Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• SPHR/PHR Certification preferred

Experience

• Minimum 8 years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience serving as a HR business partner or HR leader supporting multi-site/multi-state manufacturing, distribution, warehouse, logistics, or industrial operations.
• Experience leading employee relations investigations and performance management processes.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated expertise in employee relations, talent acquisition, organizational development, and workforce planning.
• Excellent coaching, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience using HRIS systems and workforce analytics.
• Ability to influence leaders at all organizational levels.
• Strong project management and change management skills.
• Must be willing and able to travel when required.

Additional Information

Diversity & Inclusion Commitment

At Komatsu we come from diverse backgrounds, with unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions.We are committed to creating a workforce that is reflective of the communities we work and live in. We believe that our people are part of our shared purpose.We are authentic, ambitious, and innovative in our pursuit of Diversity & Inclusion.United, we are on a journey towards a sustainable future that creates value together.

Company Information

Komatsu is a world leader in manufacturing construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment.Founded in 1921, Komatsu has a long history of quality, reliability, innovation, and excellence.Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu facilities, distributors and dealers are in more than 140 countries and employ more than 60,000 people.Komatsu offers a diverse and challenging work environment, where you can grow your skills and career, and contribute to a sustainable, clean-energy future.If you are looking for a company that values your talent and potential, be a part of something big and join a team that is shaping the world!

If you want to learn more about Komatsu, please visit our website at https://www.komatsu.com/.