HR Manager – Senior Living

Location: Chicago Area, IL

Position Summary

The HR Manager is a critical partner in advancing the people strategy across assisted living, memory care, and independent living communities. This role works closely with regional and community leadership to foster a positive workplace culture, strengthen employee engagement, and ensure compliance with all employment regulations. The HR Manager leads employee relations and workplace investigations, while also overseeing recruitment, payroll, benefits, compliance programs, and core HR operations.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations & Workplace Investigations

• Serve as a trusted advisor to employees and leaders on HR policies, procedures, and workplace concerns.
• Lead fair and timely, and through investigations into complaints, policy violations, and sensitive workplace matters.
• Manage complex employee relations cases, providing clear guidance and risk-mitigating solutions.
• Coach managers on performance management, corrective action, and conflict resolution.
• Promote engagement, recognition, and culture-building initiatives to strengthen retention.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Partner with hiring managers to recruit across all levels, from frontline caregivers to leadership.
• Manage the full recruitment cycle to ensure timely and effective staffing.
• Oversee onboarding and orientation programs that create a positive new-hire experience.
• Support workforce planning and succession strategies by identifying and developing talent pipelines.

Compliance & HR Operations

• Ensure compliance with Illinois and federal employment laws, as well as company policies.
• Administer FMLA, leaves of absence, workers’ compensation, and unemployment claims.
• Maintain employee files and documentation in compliance with licensing and regulatory standards.
• Conduct background checks and employment verifications.

Payroll, Benefits & Administration

• Oversee payroll processing and related reporting.
• Support employees with pay, benefits, and HRIS inquiries.
• Manage benefits enrollment and administration through HRIS.

Training & Development

• Coordinate compliance and skills training, including New Hire Orientation.
• Guide managers in performance reviews and employee coaching.
• Conduct check-ins with new hires at 30/60/90 days to support engagement and retention.
• Partner with leadership to identify high-potential employees and support succession planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business, or related field
• 3-5 years of progressive HR experience in Senior living, healthcare, or related field
• Strong knowledge of Illinois employment laws, FMLA, and workers’ compensation.
• HRIS/payroll systems experience (Dayforce preferred).
• SHRM-CP/SCP certification or ability to obtain within 6 months