Employee Relations Manager (HR Business Partner)

Axiom • Chicago, IL

9d • $78,000 - $83,500

About The Position

Axiom is seeking a senior individual contributor to join its People Team and manage employee relations matters for its legal talent population, including lawyers and allied legal professionals. The role also contributes to the development and implementation of People policies, practices, compensation initiatives, and other programs that support employees and the business.

The Manager partners closely with Legal Talent, Talent Success Partners, Sales, the People Team, Legal and Compliance, and other stakeholders to resolve complex workplace matters and help ensure people practices are fair, transparent, practical, and consistently applied. The role primarily supports U.S.-based employees, with opportunities to extend support across Canada, the UK, Asia, and Australia. It is based in Chicago.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of progressive HR, employee relations, employment law, or HR business partner experience, including direct ownership of complex employee relations matters.
• Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations involving performance, conduct, harassment, discrimination, or other sensitive concerns.
• Ability to assess complex employee relations matters, develop balanced recommendations, and influence leaders who hold final decision-making authority.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. employment practices and judgment to recognize when Legal or senior People leadership involvement is required.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to manage difficult conversations calmly, clearly, and empathetically.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to handle highly confidential information with care.
• Excellent listening skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to build trust with employees, managers, and senior stakeholders.
• Ability to remain tactful, calm, and persuasive in controversial or confrontational situations.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, move matters forward efficiently, and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a genuine interest in learning and growing across the broader People function.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting a distributed, multi-state workforce.
• International employee relations exposure.
• Professional certification in HR or employee relations, such as SHRM-CP or PHR; preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage complex employee relations matters involving Legal Talent, including performance concerns, conduct issues, workplace conflict, harassment and discrimination complaints, and concerns arising at client sites or during engagements.
• Lead prompt, fair, and thorough workplace investigations by gathering and assessing facts, documenting findings, identifying risks, and making clear, well-supported recommendations for resolution, corrective action, or other next steps.
• Partner with People leadership and Legal counsel on final decisions for material employee relations matters and implement approved recommendations, including preparing documentation, coordinating stakeholder communications, and leading outcome discussions with employees and managers.
• Coach managers and internal business teams on performance management, effective feedback, difficult conversations, and sound employee relations practices.
• Handle sensitive wellness and mental health-related workplace concerns with empathy, appropriate confidentiality, and sound judgment, and connect employees and managers to appropriate internal resources.
• Maintain thorough, timely, and confidential case documentation, including investigation materials, performance records, recommendations, approved actions, and outcome communications.
• Identify recurring employee relations themes and recommend improvements to policies, manager guidance, training, and operational practices.
• Contribute to global People initiatives, including annual compensation review processes, policy updates, and other projects that strengthen the employee experience and support business growth.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Participation in a cash bonus plan with a target of 20% of base salary for a Manager-level role in the People team.
• Healthcare coverage.
• Life and disability coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid sick and personal time off.
• Paid parental leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior