Human Resource Manager in Aurora, Illinois at AFTERMATH

Position Summary

The HR Manager leads day-to-day HR execution for Aftermath's ~300-person, multi-state workforce, reporting to the Chief Legal Counsel. As the primary HR contact for field and corporate teams, this role owns payroll and benefits and recruiting oversight, drives employee relations, and helps build Aftermath's HR infrastructure and best practices.

Compensation Benchmarking

Recommended Range: $95,000 – $125,000 based on experience, multi-state compliance depth, ER expertise, payroll/benefits proficiency, and organizational fit.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Investigations

? Serve as the primary HR contact for employee relations matters company-wide.

? Conduct thorough, impartial workplace investigations (harassment, misconduct, policy violations, conflicts).

? Coach managers on performance conversations, corrective action, and documentation.

? Maintain ER records and escalate high-risk matters to the Chief Legal Counsel; ensure consistent policy application across all locations.

Multi-State Compliance & Employment Law

? Ensure compliance with employment law across 40+ states; track legislative changes and communicate updates to leadership.

? Oversee multi-state leave administration (FMLA, state leave laws, ADA, USERRA) with the Payroll and Benefits Specialist.

? Support OSHA recordkeeping and incident reporting with field operations.

? Conduct HR compliance audits and maintain audit-ready records.

Payroll & Benefits Program Oversight

? Oversee all payroll and benefits functions run by the Payroll and Benefits Specialist; review/approve bi-weekly payroll and serve as backup for direct execution.

? Oversee benefits administration (medical, dental, vision, life, supplemental) with Mercer/HUB International and Bswift.

? Lead open enrollment strategy and communications; serve as backup for administration.

? Manage broker, carrier, and Bswift relationships; lead annual renewal negotiations and present recommendations to the Senior Director of HR.

? Oversee dependent eligibility audits, HSA/W-2 reconciliation, and FSA year-end reconciliation and Form 5500 filings with the TPA and Bswift.

? Monitor benefits cost trends and carrier performance; deliver analytics and recommendations.

? Oversee ACA compliance tracking and ensure timely COBRA administration.

HR Operations, HRIS & Reporting

? Oversee day-to-day HR operations: onboarding, offboarding, status changes, and records management.

? Serve as lead Paylocity administrator across payroll, benefits, ATS, and onboarding modules.

? Develop HR metrics, dashboards, and reporting for HR and organizational leadership.

? Own the annual HR calendar, including open enrollment, review cycles, and compliance deadlines.

? Oversee exit interviews and turnover analysis; manage HR vendor relationships (First Advantage, 3M/respexam.com, etc.) and drive continuous process improvement.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

? Support full-cycle recruiting and manage the Paylocity ATS with the Payroll and Benefits Specialist.

? Own new hire onboarding, including role-specific plans and 30/60/90-day success frameworks.

? Coordinate pre-employment medical evaluations (3M/respexam.com) for applicable field roles.

Performance Management & Team Development

? Support performance management design and execution, including goal-setting and reviews.

? Coach managers on feedback, accountability, and difficult conversations.

? Directly supervise and develop the Payroll and Benefits Specialist and Recruiter.

? Partner with the Chief Legal Counsel on succession planning and organizational effectiveness.

Policy, Training, Communications & Culture

? Maintain HR policies, the employee handbook, and compliance documentation.

? Design and deliver manager training on compliance topics (harassment, wage and hour, leave, documentation).

? Draft workforce communications (policy updates, open enrollment, compliance notices).

? Drive culture and engagement initiatives; serve as a communication bridge between staff and leadership; partner with the Chief Legal Counsel on special projects.

Basic Qualifications

? 5+ years of progressive HR experience with depth in employee relations, multi-state compliance, and HR operations.

? Proven workplace investigation and ER advisory experience.

? Hands-on payroll and benefits administration experience; able to serve as a qualified backup for direct execution.

? Strong knowledge of FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Title VII, and OSHA.

? Experience managing multi-state employment compliance for a geographically distributed workforce.

? Proficiency with HRIS systems; Paylocity experience strongly preferred.

? Strong communication skills and ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment; experience supporting both exempt and hourly populations.

Preferred Qualifications

? Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).

? PHR or SHRM-CP preferred; SPHR or SHRM-SCP a plus.

? Experience directly supervising or mentoring HR staff.

? Prior experience in field services, operations, distribution, or a regulated industry.

? Experience with benefits audits, Form 5500 filings, ACA reporting, or 401(k) plan administration.

? Familiarity with OSHA recordkeeping and workers' compensation administration.

? Experience supporting a workforce of 200–500 employees across multiple states.

Skills & Competencies

? Strong employee relations and conflict-resolution skills, with sound, consistent judgment.

? Hands-on payroll and benefits depth, with the confidence to step in and execute directly.

? High attention to detail across documentation, reporting, and compliance activities.

? Service-first, collaborative approach; comfortable building structure in a growing, evolving environment.

? Discreet and professional in sensitive situations, with a strong coaching and mentoring orientation.

Benefits

We offer health, dental, vision, and life insurance, a company-sponsored EAP with mental health benefits, and a company-matched 401(k). Team members accrue PTO annually per company policy, and the corporate office observes company-recognized holidays.

Aftermath Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. Aftermath is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.