Manager of Human Resources

United Ground Express • Chicago, IL

8d

About The Position

The Manager of Human Resources oversees and develops a team of employee and labor relations professionals responsible for investigations, employee relations matters, and labor relations. The role provides guidance to leaders, HR colleagues, and employees on HR practices; supports employee orientation and training; promotes employee engagement, diversity, and inclusion; and ensures consistent, fair, and legally sound application of workplace policies.

The position oversees employee and labor relations investigations, including leading higher-risk cases, and serves as an escalation contact for union representatives. It participates in labor-management meetings and supports grievance procedures, arbitration cases, and disciplinary actions under collective bargaining agreements. The manager also advises on accommodations, termination requests, corrective actions, and complex workplace issues.

The role partners with Legal and HR Policy & Compliance to support compliance with applicable laws and regulations, interpret policies, and analyze risk and responses to litigation. It monitors HR and employee-relations metrics, establishes team goals, identifies patterns, and recommends solutions to improve workplace satisfaction and minimize legal risk. The position requires travel of 25% to support site locations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, labor relations, business administration, or a related field.
• 4–7 years of Human Resources or relevant experience.
• At least 5 years of experience applying California employment law, including working knowledge of wage and hour compliance, meal and rest periods, leaves of absence, employee accommodations, discrimination and harassment prevention, and employee termination requirements.
• Strong coaching, influencing, interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Knowledge of labor laws, including RLA, FMLA, ADA, FLSA, and Title VII.
• Strong investigative, conflict-resolution, and mediation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse teams and handle sensitive employee concerns confidentially.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to motivate and coach others.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications.
• Hands-on experience with HRIS software.
• Demonstrated ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Ability to travel 25% to support site locations.

Nice To Haves

• HR certifications are preferred.
• 5–8 years of HR experience, with at least 2 years specializing in employee relations, labor relations, and workplace investigations.
• Experience in a union environment is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of employee- and labor-relations HR professionals handling investigations and employee relations matters.
• Coach and advise leadership, HR professionals, and union and non-union employees on employee and labor relations practices.
• Guide HR and Operations teams in modifying and delivering new employee orientation and training programs as needed.
• Drive initiatives promoting employee engagement, diversity, and inclusion.
• Advise the team and leadership on labor-law compliance, union contract interpretation, and best practices in unionized environments.
• Lead team training to support quality investigations and consistent, fair policy application and interpretation.
• Guide the team in maintaining intake and investigation notes, supporting documentation, final reports, and evidence of actions taken.
• Ensure investigations are timely, thorough, and legally sound.
• Use HR metrics to establish team goals.
• Oversee and guide investigations into workplace concerns, conflicts, and policy violations, and lead investigations into higher-risk complaints or concerns.
• Serve as an escalation contact for union representatives and attend labor-management meetings.
• Support grievance procedures, arbitration cases, and disciplinary actions in accordance with collective bargaining agreements.
• Consult on reasonable accommodation and termination requests.
• Guide the development and delivery of appropriate feedback and corrective or disciplinary actions.
• Resolve complex issues using applicable policies, past practices, or best practices, escalating when needed.
• Monitor and analyze employee- and labor-relations metrics and recommend proactive solutions to address patterns, improve workplace satisfaction, and minimize legal risk.
• Assist with interpreting company policies and responding to inquiries, concerns, and ad hoc complaints.
• Partner with Legal and the HR Policy & Compliance Specialist to support compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and to analyze risk and manage responses to litigation.
• Monitor and implement applicable HR requirements and stay current on employment laws and regulations.
• Travel 25% to support site locations.

Benefits

• Flight privileges for employees and their families on standby across United Airlines’ global network.
• 20% discount on United Airlines flight tickets.
• Vacation, sick time, and floating holidays.
• Medical plan options, including PPO, dental, vision, personal accident, and life insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k).
• Paid training.
• Paid parking or transportation assistance.
• Participation in the UGE annual incentive plan.

What This Job Offers

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