Job Overview
The HR Manager leads all HR functions for Westell's Aurora, Illinois manufacturing facility (~120 employees). Reporting to the CFO, this strategic and hands-on role covers the full employment lifecycle — talent acquisition, employee relations, compliance, compensation, benefits, and team development. The HR Manager serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and employees alike, driving a positive, safe, and productive workplace culture. On-site daily; not a remote position.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Lead full-cycle recruitment for hourly, skilled trades, and salaried roles; develop job descriptions, coordinate screenings and background checks, and oversee a structured onboarding program
· Serve as primary point of contact for employee concerns, grievances, and conflict resolution
· Conduct fair and thorough investigations into workplace complaints and policy violations
· Advise manager on corrective action, performance improvement plans, and terminations
· Promote a respectful, inclusive, and harassment-free work environment
· Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, OSHA, EEO); maintain the employee handbook, HR policies, and standard operating procedures
· Manage I-9/e-Verify documentation and prepare required government reports (EEO-1, OSHA 300 logs)
· Review and approve bi-weekly ADP payroll, ensuring accuracy of hours, deductions, and pay rates; maintaining proficiency in ADP to service as payroll backup when needed
· Lead annual benefits strategy and renewal; partner with the insurance broker to evaluate plans, negotiate carrier contracts, determine employee cost-sharing, and manage open enrollment
· Perform wage analysis and recommend compensation adjustments to maintain market competitiveness
· Manage all 401(k) plan responsibilities: compliance testing (ACP/ADP, top-heavy), Form 5500 filing, annual audit, provider relationship, and periodic plan/provider evaluation in partnership with the CFO
· Identify training needs and coordinate safety, skills, and leadership development programs
· Track required certifications and ensure compliance with OSHA and other mandatory training
· Own the annual performance review and merit increase processes; set goals, calibrate ratings with managers, and build succession plans for key roles identifying high-potential talent
· Manage workers’ compensation claims, return-to-work programs, light duty assignments, and annual WC audits; participate in safety and incident investigations
· Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management for supporting HR personnel, ensuring effective workload distribution, ongoing development, and timely performance reviews.
· Track and analyze key HR metrics; turnover, absenteeism, time-to-fil, and engagement
· Prepare HR reports for senior leadership
· Maintain the HR platforms to ensure data accuracy and process efficiency
· Serve as a strategic advisor to the CFO and senior leadership on organizational design, workforce planning, vendor contract negotiations, and change management
QUALIFICATIONS:
· Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
· SHRM-SCP or SPHR strongly preferred; SHRM-CP or PHR considered
· Minimum of 5-8 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 2 years in a Senior HR Generalist or HR manager role; manufacturing or industrial environment strongly preferred
· Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR best practices
· Experience with ADP Payroll processing or a similar payroll system
· Demonstrated experience with benefits broker management, carrier negotiations, and 401(k) plan administration and compliance
· Proven ability to lead compensation review cycles, succession planning, and vendor contract negotiations
· Integrity – handles sensitive and confidential information with discretion
· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust across all levels of the organization
· Excellent project management and problem-solving skills
· Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
· Required to sit, stand, bend and walk regularly; lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
· Visual and auditory ability sufficient for written and verbal communication.
· The position is primarily office-based within a manufacturing facility. Occasional exposure to production floor environments (noise, machinery, temperature variation) should be expected.
Pay: $95,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Manufacturing Environment: 5 years (Required)
- Managing a Team: 5 years (Required)
- Compliance management: 5 years (Required)
Language:
License/Certification:
- SHRM Senior Certified Professional (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
