Manager Human Resources

Chicago Botanic Garden•Glencoe, IL

7h•Onsite

About The Position

The manager, Human Resources, serves as the on-site HR leader for the Glencoe campus, providing comprehensive support across the employee life cycle. The person in this role is the main point of contact for day-to-day HR matters, offering guidance on policies and procedures, supporting managers and employees, and contributing to a positive, compliant, and inclusive workplace. Key areas include HRIS data management (ADP), onboarding, performance processes, training (including Spanish-language delivery), compliance, workers’ compensation, recruitment, employee relations, recordkeeping, and employee engagement initiatives. The position collaborates closely with the HR team (including the senior benefits manager and HR coordinator), contributes to communications and events, and leads or supports special projects and process improvements under the direction of the AVP, Talent Acquisition and Human Resources.

Requirements

Minimum five years of progressive HR generalist experience, with an emphasis on onboarding, HRIS administration, compliance, performance processes, employee relations, and training.
Hands-on experience with HRIS systems; ADP Workforce Now proficiency strongly preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field; in lieu of a degree, more than seven years of progressive HR experience demonstrating increasing responsibility.
At least five years of full-cycle recruiting experience and experience with benefit plans with the knowledge to answer benefit-related questions for employees and applicants.
Working knowledge of federal, multistate, and local employment laws; affirmative action plan experience a plus.
Compassionate and patient, with genuine care for people and an understanding that all concerns, however small, are significant to those affected.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and virtual meeting platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
Strong customer service orientation, with excellent written, verbal, and listening skills; ability to communicate process status, keep teams informed, and respond clearly to inquiries.
Independent work style with strong attention to detail, organizational skills, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple projects, adapt to change, and meet deadlines.
Ability to make independent decisions and identify opportunities for strategic process improvements that enhance HR programs and services.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) required, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Effectively manage time and prioritize workload; assume and manage multiple projects or tasks, adapt to change, and consistently meet deadlines.
High degree of integrity and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Responsibilities

Collaborate on HRIS management (ADP), ensuring data integrity for new hires, pay rates, employment status changes, rehires, terminations, annual reviews, and goal setting; run reports as needed and audit data for accuracy.
Lead annual required training through the Garden’s learning management system (NAVEX), including partnership with NAVEX to ensure the most current modules are deployed and aligned with Garden policies; deliver specific trainings in Spanish as needed.
Manage the onboarding process in partnership with the HR coordinator, ensuring a smooth and welcoming new-hire experience, including paperwork, benefit enrollment, and goal setting.
Provide guidance and consultation to employees and managers on policies, procedures, and conflict resolution; escalate complex issues to the AVP of Talent Acquisition and Human Resources or the Vice President of Human Resources.
Support employee relations by providing guidance on conflict resolution and performance concerns and assist with investigations under the direction of HR leadership when needed.
Conduct investigations into employee relations matters under the direction of the VP of HR or the AVP of Talent Acquisition and Human Resources.
Manage the onboarding process with the HR coordinator, ensuring welcome letters, new-hire paperwork, benefit enrollment, and goal setting are completed, and support employees through their first year and ongoing.
Provide backup support for facilitating new hire orientations, lead sessions in Spanish, and deliver Garden-specific training as needed.
Collaborate with the senior benefits manager to provide employee support during onboarding and open enrollment, including serving as a translator when needed.
Lead assigned recruitment activities and support hiring efforts.
Maintain accurate and compliant employee files (active and terminated) and other confidential HR records (e.g., FMLA, I-9s) in accordance with federal, state, and HIPAA requirements.
Manage I-9 compliance, verify employment eligibility using E-Verify and initiate background checks through the preferred vendor; serve as backup to the HR coordinator.
Act as the primary contact for workers’ compensation at the Glencoe campus and off-site locations (serve as workers’ compensation backup for Windy City Harvest) and OSHA annual compliance.
Ensure compliance postings are current across Glencoe locations in collaboration with the HR coordinator and, as needed, the HR manager—Windy City Harvest.
Support in employee events, annual employee recognition, and engagement events.
Provide backup coverage for the HR main telephone line and email inbox, triage inquiries as needed.
Lead special projects as assigned, with a focus on process improvements and strategic HR initiatives.