Head of Human Resources and Office Management

Our client, an established investment firm providing accounting, tax planning and investment support to clients in the Chicago area, is seeking an HR Manager to own the daily operation and delivery of their human resources function, serving employees across the firm. The scope of this role covers employee relations, recruitment, onboarding and offboarding, performance reviews, learning and development, compensation and benefits, payroll, HR technology, policies and employment law compliance. This position will manage an HR Generalist and work with leadership to continue providing a fantastic culture. Act as a go-to HR contact for employees and senior leadership, building solid relationships and staying visible and approachable. Offer proactive HR insight, advice and recommendations on people matters, workplace practices, performance management, feedback and related topics. Work alongside the senior operations leader and in-house legal counsel, handle employee relations issues and assist with corrective actions and terminations when warranted. Hold exit interviews and relay meaningful themes to the senior operations leader. Lead hiring efforts across the firm, covering search firm partnerships, job posting oversight, candidate screening, interviewing, and offer negotiation and delivery. Partner with leaders, including the senior operations leader, to clarify staffing needs and role requirements, then draft or refresh job descriptions. Administer employee benefits, including yearly renewals, open enrollment, retirement plans, vacation and time off, leave management and the related communications. Review and sign off on payroll, ensuring adherence to wage, hour and payroll tax rules. Directly lead and supervise HR team members, including assigning work, coaching and evaluating performance. Identify, design and propose new or improved HR processes, programs and tools that strengthen the employee experience and the effectiveness of the function. Run the daily administration of HR policies, programs and practices across the firm. Keep employee handbooks and HR policies current, working with the senior operations leader and legal counsel. Stay informed on federal, state and local employment laws and make sure HR practices and paperwork stay compliant. Safeguard accurate, confidential personnel records and manage the HRIS and its reporting. Create HR dashboards and metrics, and share insights and trends with the senior operations leader to inform workforce and business decisions. Lead HR projects and special initiatives as needed. Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related discipline preferred. ~7–10 years of progressive HR experience spanning employee relations, recruiting, performance management, benefits and HR operations. ~ Background in investment management, financial services, professional services or a comparable high-service setting strongly preferred. ~ Solid command of federal, state and local employment law and HR best practices. ~ Hands-on experience with an HRIS/payroll system. ~ Advanced skills in Microsoft Office, especially Excel. ~ A service mindset and dedication to supporting employees and leaders at a high level. ~ Ability to work autonomously while knowing when to escalate to the senior operations leader, legal counsel or other appropriate resources. Salary : Competitive base salary, discretionary bonus