Sr. HR Manager - Employee Relations

Sr. HR Manager - Employee Advocacy for Growing Life Sciences Company

• Digital marketing | Gene Editing | Cell Therapy
• Greater Chicago area
• 170,000 - $200,000 + bonus + complete benefits package

Position Overview
The Senior Human Resources Manager - Employee Relations plays a key role in supporting a growing pharmaceutical company by serving as a strategic advisor and advocate for employees. This role is responsible for cultivating a positive workplace culture, addressing employee concerns, and ensuring adherence to company policies and employment regulations, while balancing organizational goals with employee well-being.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on a broad range of employee relations issues, including performance management, interpersonal challenges, team dynamics, and policy compliance.
• Foster an inclusive and engaging work environment by proactively addressing employee concerns and promoting open communication.
• Conduct thorough and impartial investigations into employee complaints, workplace disputes, and policy violations, ensuring fair and consistent outcomes.
• Develop and maintain employee relations policies and procedures that align with legal standards and internal practices.
• Collaborate with legal counsel on complex employee matters, including investigations and resolution strategies, while maintaining comprehensive documentation.
• Support organizational planning and performance management efforts to ensure consistency and timely execution across departments.
• Oversee the offboarding process, including conducting exit interviews and managing internal communications.
• Advise managers on performance-related matters such as evaluations, goal setting, and development planning.
• Work closely with HR colleagues to ensure alignment with broader HR strategies and timely communication of key issues.
• Stay current on employment laws and best practices to minimize legal risk and ensure compliance.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives and contribute to broader HR projects as needed.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred
• HR certification is a plus
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in HR, with a focus on employee relations
• Experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry is advantageous
• Strong understanding of employment law and its practical application
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Proven ability to navigate complex employee relations scenarios with sound judgment and fairness
• Commitment to upholding company policies, procedures, and ethical standards
  

Core Competencies
Professional integrity, discretion, positive attitude, independent judgment, collaboration, communication skills, project management, business insight, interpersonal effectiveness, attention to detail, and adaptability.