Strategic HR Partner for Organizational Growth

Metra Commuter Rail; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra Commuter Rail in Chicago is seeking a Senior HR Business Partner to align HR strategies with organizational goals, advise leadership, and drive workforce planning, employee engagement, and performance management.

You will conduct field visits, coach leaders, collaborate with Talent Acquisition, and ensure policy compliance while promoting safe work practices across Metra's six-county region. This role reports to the Senior Manager, People Operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources or related field or in lieu of degree, four years in HR.
• Minimum of five years HR experience across multiple disciplines: employee relations, compensation, HR analytics.
• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws (FMLA, ADA, FLSA, EEO).
• Strong data analytics skills to interpret HR metrics for decisions.
• Ability to coach and mentor leaders and employees at all levels.
• Willingness to travel within Metra's 6‑county region.

Responsibilities

• Act as a strategic advisor to Metra's HR Department and business units.
• Lead Monthly Business Review to track HR metrics and priorities.
• Provide coaching to leaders in employee relations, performance management, and leadership development.
• Collaborate on workforce planning, succession, and organizational development initiatives.
• Conduct field visits to assigned departments to stay connected with operations and employee experience.

Skills

Strategic HR

Workforce planning

Employee relations

HR analytics

Leadership coaching

Performance management

Employee engagement

Change management

Recruitment collaboration

Policy interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Human Resources or related field

PHR/SHRM/HRCI certification (preferred)

Job description

Metra Commuter Rail in Chicago is seeking a Senior HR Business Partner to align HR strategies with organizational goals, advise leadership, and drive workforce planning, employee engagement, and performance management.

You will conduct field visits, coach leaders, collaborate with Talent Acquisition, and ensure policy compliance while promoting safe work practices across Metra's six-county region. This role reports to the Senior Manager, People Operations.