Human Resources Manager (Internal)

Westchester, IL 60154

Employment Type: Permanent Job Category: Human Resources Job Number: 53642713 Compensation: $100000-120000 / year

Job Description

Location: Onsite at Westchester, IL – Sterling HQ / Hybrid

Reports to: President

Status: Full-Time | Leadership Role

About Sterling:
Sterling is a unique combination of two companies: Sterling Engineering (a WBENC-certified firm providing project engineering and design services) and Sterling Staffing, a 100% employee-owned (ESOP) workforce solutions firm founded in 1969. We support clients nationwide across Manufacturing, Automation, Food & Beverage, Life Sciences, Energy & Infrastructure, and Renewables.
Our culture is built on accountability, quality, trust, and long-term relationships—with both our clients and our people.
As we continue to grow, we are seeking a Manager of Human Resources to lead HR, risk, compliance, and employee relations for internal employees and assigned external consultants.

What Makes Our Team Different?
We are employee-owned, and that mindset shows up every day. Our team is highly driven, accountable, and committed to growing an already exceptional organization. Performance is recognized and rewarded, and every individual’s contribution directly impacts our shared success.

We value both teamwork and individual achievement, providing the tools, support, and trust needed for people to take ownership of their work, grow as leaders, and build meaningful careers within Sterling.

Position Summary
The Manager of Human Resources is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic and day-to-day execution of all HR, compliance, risk management, and employee relations functions at Sterling. This role blends hands-on HR generalist expertise with business acumen, risk mitigation, and compliance leadership.
This position serves as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, managers, and employees—ensuring Sterling remains compliant, well-governed, and aligned with best practices while fostering a high-performance, employee-owned culture.

Key Responsibilities

Compensation, Benefits & Leave:
  • Lead compensation programs and performance-aligned pay structures
  • Partner with leadership on performance management and compensation strategy
  • Administer benefits programs including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and ESOP
  • Lead annual open enrollment and benefits communication
  • Ensure compliance with FMLA, ADA, and medical confidentiality requirements
Talent Acquisition & Retention:
  • Partner with leaders to understand hiring needs and workforce planning
  • Oversee the full recruiting lifecycle for internal roles
  • Support onboarding, development, and retention initiatives
  • Advise leadership on succession planning and talent development
Employee Development & Assessments:
  • Administer and interpret employee assessments
  • Coach managers on effective use of assessments for development
  • Support career pathing, training, and continuous development programs
Employee Relations:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations matters
  • Investigate and resolve workplace concerns and complaints
  • Ensure a respectful, inclusive, and legally compliant work environment
  • Conduct and oversee workplace investigations with consistency and discretion
ESOP Communication:
  • Support ESOP administration, education, and communications
  • Reinforce the employee-owner value proposition across the organization
Risk Management:
  • Serve as primary liaison with legal counsel on employment matters
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate HR, operational, and compliance risks
  • Lead policy reviews, audits, and risk training
  • Manage insurance programs, workplace safety, and business continuity planning
Compliance Leadership:
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws
  • Draft, revise, and implement HR and compliance policies
  • Monitor regulatory changes and best practices
  • Provide compliance guidance and training to leadership and staff
Qualifications & Experience:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Risk Management, or related field (Master’s or MBA preferred)
  • 8–10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience
  • Strong knowledge of employee relations, compensation, benefits, recruiting, and compliance
  • Working knowledge of federal and state employment law
  • Experience supporting internal and external/contract workforces
  • Ability to partner effectively with senior leadership
  • High level of judgment, discretion, and communication skills
Certifications (Preferred):
  • SHRM-CP / SHRM-SCP or equivalent
  • Risk Management certification
  • Staffing industry certification (TSC, CSP – ASA), a plus
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development
Why Sterling?
  • Employee-owned ESOP organization
  • Direct impact on culture, strategy, and growth
  • Opportunity to shape HR, compliance, and risk practices
  • Collaborative, values-driven leadership team
Benefits:
Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, paid holidays, medical (Blue Cross Blue Shield), dental, vision, 401(k), and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

Sterling is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or genetic information

Meet Your Recruiter

Heather Jakubowski

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. 

 As one of the most respected names in engineering staffing, Sterling has hundreds of opportunities with top employers. If you’ve got a friend or colleague seeking their next move in engineering, we could have their next opportunity. We offer a referral bonus for every referral that we place. Submit referral now. 

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About Westchester, IL

Discover your next career opportunity in beautiful Westchester, Illinois! Nestled in the charming and vibrant western suburbs of Chicago, Westchester offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and small-town charm. With excellent schools, diverse housing options, and a strong sense of community, this area is an ideal place to live and work. Explore job listings in this area to take advantage of the area's proximity to attractions like Brookfield Zoo, the beautiful Bemis Woods Forest Preserve, and the renowned Oakbrook Center shopping mall. Picture yourself enjoying the lively theater scene at the Drury Lane Theatre or savoring delicious deep-dish pizza at local pizzerias. Start your career journey in Westchester, where opportunities for personal and professional growth abound!