Sr HR Business Partner

Metra • Chicago, IL

1d

About The Position

The Senior HR Business Partner reports to the Senior Manager, People Operations and serves as a strategic advisor to Metra’s HR Department and assigned business units. The role builds collaborative relationships, resolves challenges, and implements HR solutions that support business success by aligning human resources strategies with organizational objectives. It provides guidance on workforce planning, employee engagement, performance management, and related HR matters. The position requires travel within Metra’s six-county region and availability for flexible hours, including early mornings, late afternoons, evenings, or weekends.

Metra is a commuter rail agency serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties in Northeastern Illinois. Its Human Resources Department supports recruitment and retention, employee fairness, professional development, compensation and benefits administration, medical leave services, wellness, records administration, legal compliance, and positive relationships with employees and partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business, Human Resources, or a related field; alternatively, a combination of education and experience equivalent to four years in human resources.
• At least five years of human resources experience with demonstrated proficiency across multiple disciplines, including talent management, compensation, employee relations, and HR analytics.
• Considerable knowledge of HR disciplines, including employee relations, talent management, compensation, and organizational development.
• Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, and EEO.
• Knowledge of workforce data analytics and trend analysis, with the ability to interpret metrics to support business decisions.
• Knowledge of organizational goals and operational strategies, and how HR initiatives align with business objectives.
• Ability to analyze HR metrics, identify trends, and provide data-driven recommendations to leaders.
• Ability to mediate and resolve workplace conflicts effectively and maintain a positive work environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing business needs.
• Ability to coach and mentor leaders and employees at all levels.
• Skill in resolving complex employee relations issues, applying sound judgment, and making informed decisions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to explain complex HR concepts to diverse audiences.
• Collaborative and persuasive skills to build consensus in support of decisions.
• Ability to develop trusted, collaborative partnerships with leaders, employees, and cross-functional teams.
• Willingness to travel within Metra’s six-county region.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, late afternoons, evenings, or weekends.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Human Resources (PHR), SHRM, or HRCI credential.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a strategic partner to assigned departments by understanding business goals, delivering HR strategies and solutions, and building trusted relationships at all levels.
• Facilitate monthly business reviews with assigned departments to track HR metrics, progress toward goals, and emerging priorities.
• Coach and guide leaders on lower-level employee relations matters, performance management, and leadership development.
• Collaborate with business leaders on workforce planning, succession planning, and organizational development initiatives.
• Conduct at least two field visits per month to assigned departments to maintain visibility into operations and employee experience.
• Review and prioritize employee relations concerns, conduct thorough and objective investigations, and consult counsel on complex or high-risk matters.
• Collaborate with Talent Acquisition on competitive positioning and recruitment strategies, including support for priority roles.
• Partner with specialized HR teams, such as Learning and Development, to design and deliver tools, programs, and processes that meet business needs and improve operational effectiveness.
• Support organizational change initiatives through communication and change management.
• Ensure consistent compliance with and interpretation of Metra HR policies and procedures.
• Promote safe work practices and help maintain a safe work environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the organization’s ongoing needs.

What This Job Offers

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