Sr. HR Generalist

Illinois Tool Works Inc.; Mokena (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois Tool Works Inc. in Richton Park, IL, is seeking a Sr. HR Generalist to partner with plant leaders and strengthen the employee experience. You will lead day-to-day HR activities across recruiting, development, performance management, compensation, and employee relations.

We value someone who can build relationships, solve problems, and take ownership, working closely with operations to drive business results while ensuring safety and compliance. Local travel is required as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or Psychology.
• At least four years of HR Generalist experience.
• Working knowledge of HR regulations and practices.
• Ability to partner with operational leaders and communicate talent insights.
• Independent initiative with cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong problem-solving, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Partner with plant leaders on talent decisions and organizational effectiveness.
• Coach supervisors through employee relations matters and apply policies.
• Support performance management, goal setting, and compensation planning.
• Coordinate recruiting, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
• Maintain HRIS data, generate reports, and provide insights.
• Support leave management, safety initiatives, and regulatory reporting.

Skills

HR partner

Employee relations

Data analysis

Communication

Excel

Education

Bachelor's degree in HR/Business/Psychology

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Description:

Sr. HR Generalist

Company Overview

Smart Components North America (SCNA), a division of Illinois Tool Works (ITW) Automotive, manufactures innovative components for major automotive manufacturers. Our products include fuel housings, door and safety handles, Capless solutions, and EV charge ports. We operate manufacturing facilities in Mokena and Richton Park, Illinois, and Saltillo and Aguascalientes, Mexico.

The Opportunity

Help build strong teams and make a meaningful impact on the employee experience.

As our Senior HR Generalist, you’ll be a trusted partner to plant supervisors and managers, providing hands‑on HR support and coaching that strengthens our teams and business performance. You’ll lead day‑to‑day HR activities and support initiatives across recruiting, employee development, performance management, compensation, and employee relations.

We’re looking for a proactive HR professional who enjoys building relationships, solving problems, and taking ownership. This role offers broad responsibility and the opportunity to see your impact firsthand through close partnership with employees and operational leaders.

Work Environment and Location

This role is on‑site at our Richton Park, IL facility, where daily engagement with employees and leaders is essential to building relationships and understanding the business. Local travel is required as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Partner with leaders and strengthen teams

• Serve as a trusted HR partner to plant leadership on talent decisions, organizational effectiveness, and change initiatives.
• Coach supervisors and managers through employee relations matters, helping them address concerns, navigate challenging conversations, and apply policies consistently.
• Support the ITW performance management cycle, including goal setting, mid‑year feedback, annual reviews, and compensation planning.

Attract, welcome, and develop talent

• Partner with functional leaders to define hiring needs and strengthen team capabilities.
• Coordinate recruitment from role scoping through the offer stage, including guidance on market compensation requirements.
• Lead new hire orientation, creating a welcoming experience and introducing employees to ITW’s values.
• Support talent management, training, and development initiatives that build employee and leadership capability.

Deliver effective HR operations

• Support leave management processes, including disability and workers’ compensation.
• Maintain accurate employee information in the HRIS, including hires, promotions, transfers, performance reviews, and separations.
• Prepare regular and ad hoc reports, analyze HR data, and translate findings into useful insights, proposals, and presentations.
• Prepare clear, timely employee communications and documentation related to onboarding, benefits, disability, and separations.
• Coordinate with ITW Corporate Human Resources and third‑party providers to manage employee lifecycle processes and transactions.

Support compliance and continuous improvement

• Stay current on applicable HR legal requirements and government reporting regulations, supporting compliant policies, procedures, and reporting.
• Partner with the Safety team to support safety initiatives and OSHA compliance.
• Identify opportunities to simplify processes and improve the quality and effectiveness of HR support.
• Contribute to additional HR and business priorities as needed.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Human Resources, Business, or Psychology.
• At least four years of HR Generalist experience.
• Working knowledge of HR regulations and practices.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with operational leaders and communicate talent insights to stakeholders outside HR.
• Initiative and the ability to work independently while collaborating across functions.
• Strong problem‑solving, interpersonal, time management, and continuous improvement skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including facilitation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential employee and business information.
• Ability to build trusted relationships, influence decisions, and motivate action.

Preferred

• SHRM, PHR, or SPHR certification.

Compensation Information:

$80,000 - $100,000

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.