HR Manager/Director

Founded in 1984, BEAR Construction Company is a family-owned General Contracting and Construction Management firm located in Chicagoland, completing work throughout Illinois and Wisconsin. In addition to our 100 full-time professionals, we also employ a large team of union carpenters, laborers and decorators.

Position Overview

The HR Manager will oversee all HR activities and functions for the company employee relations, performance management, and compliance with employment laws and regulations. This role will serve as a strategic business partner to the leadership team, helping to align HR strategies with business goals, ensuring a high-performing, engaged, and compliant workforce. The ideal candidate will have experience in the construction or general contracting industry and a solid understanding of the unique challenges and requirements in managing a construction workforce.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Employee Relations & Performance Management :

• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations issues, mediating conflicts, and resolving grievances in a fair and consistent manner.
• Develop and implement performance management systems, including employee evaluations, goal setting, and development plans.
• Coach and support managers on performance-related issues, ensuring compliance with company policies and fostering a positive work environment.

HR Policies & Compliance :

• Develop, update, and enforce HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including OSHA, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, and others relevant to the construction industry.
• Manage employee records and ensure proper documentation for audits, inspections, and internal reporting.
• Oversee health, safety, and wellness programs, ensuring compliance with industry standards and promoting a safe, supportive work environment for all employees.

Compensation & Benefits :

• Administer and manage the company's benefits programs, ensuring they are competitive and aligned with industry standards.
• Oversee benefits enrollment and administration, including health insurance, 401(k), and other employee benefits.
• Conduct salary surveys and benchmarking to ensure competitive compensation practices.

HRIS Management :

• Manage and maintain the company’s ERP ensuring data accuracy and system efficiency.
• Oversee system upgrades, troubleshooting, and implementation of new features to improve user experience and reporting capabilities.
• Train employees and managers on how to use the HRIS for various functions, including time tracking, performance reviews, and benefits administration.
• Ensure all employee information is up-to-date in the system and compliant with legal and regulatory requirements.

HR Strategy & Leadership :

• Partner with senior leadership to develop and execute HR strategies that align with the company’s business objectives.
• Lead initiatives to improve employee engagement, retention, and company culture, ensuring a positive and productive work environment.
• Drive diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to foster a diverse and inclusive workforce.
• Prepare reports related to turnover, employee engagement, compensation, and other HR metrics to identify trends and areas for improvement.

Training & Development :

• Identify training needs across the company and develop programs to enhance employee skills, knowledge, and safety practices.
• Work with Team Leaders and employees to develop individual career and growth plans.
• Ensure compliance with industry certifications and required training, including safety programs and leadership development.

Recruiting & Onboarding

• Lead the HR Generalist efforts in Recruitment & Staffing efforts

Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field. A Master’s degree is a plus.
• 5 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with at least 3 years in a managerial role.
• Experience in the construction or general contracting industry is highly preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of labor laws, OSHA compliance, and other relevant regulations.
• Proficiency with HRIS, including system administration, data management, and reporting.

Skills:

• Strong decision-making capabilities to address complex employee issues and implement HR strategies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills to foster positive relationships, manage conflicts, and address employee concerns effectively.
• In-depth knowledge of local, state, and federal labor laws (e.g., OSHA, FMLA, ADA) and ability to ensure compliance.
• Strong proficiency in using and managing HRIS systems for employee data, reporting, and payroll.
• Ability to manage multiple HR projects, tasks, and deadlines efficiently while maintaining attention to detail.

Opportunities for Growth

Additional responsibilities, cross-training and internal advancement opportunities are a few examples of how BEAR Construction Company’s management team continually strives to motivate and challenge employees.

BEAR Construction provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.