Human Resources Specialist

HR Operations Specialist / HR Generalist

Location: Cary, IL

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

We are seeking a detail-oriented and people-focused HR Operations Specialist / HR Generalist to support the full employee lifecycle and ensure smooth day-to-day HR operations. This role will serve as a key partner to employees and leadership, balancing hands-on administrative work with generalist responsibilities across benefits, onboarding, compliance, and employee relations.

This is an excellent opportunity for an HR professional who enjoys both operational excellence and employee engagement.

• Manage employee onboarding and off boarding processes, including paperwork, system updates, and orientation support
• Maintain accurate employee records in HRIS and ensure data integrity
• Support payroll processing and partner with Finance or external vendors as needed
• Administer benefits programs (medical, dental, vision, retirement, leaves of absence) and act as a point of contact for employee questions
• Assist with annual open enrollment and benefits communications

• Serve as a trusted resource for employee questions related to policies, benefits, and HR processes
• Support employee relations matters, escalating issues appropriately when needed
• Assist with performance management processes, including reviews and documentation
• Support recruiting coordination efforts such as interview scheduling, offer preparation, and background checks
• Partner with leadership to ensure consistent application of HR policies and procedures

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws (including Illinois labor requirements)
• Assist with audits, reporting, and required filings
• Support updates to employee handbooks, policies, and procedures
• Identify opportunities to improve HR processes and employee experience
• Support HR projects and initiatives as needed

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field (preferred)
• 2–5 years of experience in an HR Operations, HR Generalist, or similar role
• Working knowledge of employment laws and HR best practices
• Experience with HRIS platforms and payroll/benefits administration
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)