HR Manager

Forward Air•Oak Brook, IL

15d•Onsite

About The Position

The HR Business Partner (Manager) serves as a strategic consultant to business leaders, aligning HR strategies with operational and organizational goals. Working closely with HR specialists across Talent Acquisition, Learning and Development, Talent Management, Total Rewards, HR Operations, and HRIS, this role is the primary connection between the business and HR. The manager advises on workforce planning, organizational design, performance management, employee development, engagement, and workplace culture; leads complex employee relations matters; coaches leaders and employees; and ensures HR initiatives are implemented effectively. In some regions, the role may lead a dispersed team of HR Generalists or Specialists. The position is based in Union City, California, requires full-time onsite presence, and includes approximately 30% overnight travel by plane and car to support other locations and operational needs. The role may provide support to additional locations or business areas as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
At least 5 years of experience as an HRBP, HR Generalist, or HR Consultant supporting leaders in multi-site or operational environments.
Experience conducting formal employee relations investigations, with strong documentation and judgment skills.
Experience partnering with HR centers of expertise in areas such as Recruiting, Compensation, Benefits, Talent Management, and HR Shared Services.
Strong skills in performance management, coaching, workforce planning, and supporting organizational change.
Ability to analyze workforce trends, interpret data, and communicate insights that guide decision-making.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build trust at all levels, influence behavior and outcomes without direct authority, and work with senior leaders.
Technical experience with HRIS technologies such as Oracle, Workday, or SAP; the company uses Oracle HCM Cloud.
Demonstrated discretion and confidentiality in handling and protecting sensitive information.
Proficiency with Windows PCs, Microsoft O365 applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and web conferencing platforms such as Teams, Zoom, and Webex.
Ability to work full-time onsite in Union City, California, and travel up to 30% to support other locations and operational needs.

Nice To Haves

Professional HR certification such as SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR.
Manufacturing or warehouse experience.
Proven team leadership experience.

Responsibilities

Partner with business leaders to understand operational goals and develop people strategies that support performance, engagement, and organizational health.
Serve as the primary HR contact for the business, coordinating support across HR specialists to ensure streamlined and consistent HR delivery.
Advise leaders on organizational design, workforce planning, role clarity, and team effectiveness.
Lead and document employee relations investigations and recommend appropriate, legally compliant actions.
Support performance management, including goal setting, coaching, feedback discussions, and development planning.
Partner with recruiting to define talent needs, support selection decisions, and ensure a smooth hiring and onboarding experience.
Work with learning and talent development teams to assess capability gaps and support leadership development and employee growth.
Support compensation and benefits teams in communicating and administering pay programs, recognition programs, and benefit offerings.
Coach managers and employees on conflict resolution, career pathing, communication, and workplace dynamics.
Use HR systems and workforce data to identify trends, recommend improvements, and support informed decision-making.
Ensure consistent application of HR policies and compliance with state and federal employment laws, including workers’ compensation.
Deliver training sessions for managers and employees in virtual and in-person settings.
Maintain accurate, confidential HR information and support data integrity across HR systems.
Where applicable, lead and coach a team of field-based HR Generalists or Specialists delivering HRBP services across their assigned region.
Maintain full-time onsite presence.
Provide support to additional locations or business areas as needed.
Travel approximately 30% overnight by plane and car.
Perform other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.