Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) – Employee Relations Specialist

Description Position Type: Temporary-to-Permanent (Temp-to-Perm) Pay Rate: $40.00 / hour Work Schedule: Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote) Reports To: Vice President of Human Resources Location: Lombard, IL (Hybrid) Hiring Timeline: Immediate / Quick Placement We are seeking an experienced, action-oriented HR Business Partner specializing in Employee Relations for a temp-to-perm opportunity.

In this role, you will manage the day-to-day operations of the HR office regarding employee and manager concerns. You will serve as a trusted advisor, handling complex workplace investigations, performance management coaching, comprehensive documentation, and compliance. The ideal candidate can hit the ground running in a fast-paced environment.

Experience in the food service or hospitality industry is highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

Manage daily HR office inquiries, acting as the primary point of contact for employee and management concerns, conflict resolution, and workplace culture. Investigations & Compliance: Conduct thorough, objective, and timely investigations into workplace complaints, ethical concerns, or policy violations. Ensure strict adherence to local, state, and federal labor laws.

Coaching & Consultation: Provide strategic guidance and coaching to managers and supervisors on performance management, corrective action, and effective leadership practices. Documentation & Risk Management: Draft precise, legally sound HR documentation, including investigation summaries, performance improvement plans (PIPs), and separation agreements to minimize organizational risk.

Executive-Level Collaboration: Report directly to the VP of HR and participate in executive-level conversations, translating HR metrics and employee relations trends into actionable business insights.

Qualifications

& Experience Experience: 4+ years of progressive HR experience, with a heavy emphasis on Employee Relations and Workplace Investigations. Industry Plus: Prior experience in the food service, hospitality, or manufacturing industries is strongly preferred. Compliance Knowledge: Deep understanding of state and federal employment laws (FMLA, ADA, EEO, FLSA, etc.)

Communication Skills: Exceptional communication skills with a proven ability to conduct high-stakes executive-level conversations and handle sensitive situations with empathy and discretion. Problem Solving: Strong analytical and conflict-resolution skills, with a track record of documenting investigations comprehensively.

Availability: Must be available for immediate or quick placement and able to commit to a hybrid schedule (3 days in office / 2 days remote).