Sr HR Business Partner

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

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Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Metra's Human Resources Department's mission is to recruit and retain qualified employees in a diverse workforce; treat all employees fairly; facilitate training and professional development for career growth; effectively manage and administer compensation; negotiate and administer flexible benefit programs that provide quality and value; administer medical leaves and related services; promote wellness; provide confidential and efficient records administration; ensure that Metra's policies and procedures comply with all laws governing employment, benefits and other ancillary services; and foster an environment of trust and mutual respect with employees as well as internal and external partners.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, People Operations. The Senior HR Business Partner will act as a strategic advisor and partner to Metra's HR Department and assigned business units fostering collaborative relationships, resolving challenges, and implementing HR solutions that drive business success. This role is focused on aligning human resources strategies with organizational objectives and delivering expert guidance on workforce planning, employee engagement, and performance management.

The primary duties include: Serves as a strategic partner to assigned departments understanding business goals, proactively delivering HR strategies and solutions, and building strong relationships as a trusted advisor at all levels. Facilitates a Monthly Business Review (MBR) with assigned departments to track HR metrics, progress against goals, and emerging priorities. Provides coaching and guidance to leaders in handling low-level employee relations, lead performance management, and leadership development to foster a high-performing culture. Collaborates with business leaders to design and implement workforce planning, succession planning, and organizational development initiatives. Conducts a minimum of two field visits per month to assigned departments to maintain direct visibility into operations and employee experience. Reviews and prioritizes employee relations concerns, conduct thorough and objective investigations and consult with counsel on complex or high risk matters to determine appropriate next steps. Collaborates with Talent Acquisition (TA) on competitive positioning and recruitment strategy with identified support for priority roles. Partners with specialized HR teams, such as Learning and Development to design and deliver HR tools, programs and processes that meet business needs and drives operational excellence. Supports organizational change initiatives through communication and change management: expertise/while ensuring consistent compliance with Metra's HR policies and procedures. Ensures compliance with Metra's HR policies and procedures while delivering consistent policy interpretation and application. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business, Human Resources or a related field or in lieu of degree, a combination of education and experience may be substituted that equals four years in human resources.
2. In addition to either a Bachelor's degree or a combination of education and experience, must have a minimum of five years of human resources experience with demonstrated proficiency across multiple disciplines, including latent management, compensation, employee relations, and HR analytics.
3. Considerable knowledge of HR disciplines, including employee relations, talent management, compensation, and organizational development.
4. Considerable knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, including FMLA, ADA, FLSA, and EEO.
5. Good knowledge of workforce data analytics, trend analysis with the ability to interpret metrics to support business decisions.
6. Good knowledge of organizational goals, operational strategies, and how HR initiatives align with overall business objectives.
7. Ability to analyze HR metrics, identify trends, and provide data-driven recommendations that support leaders' decisions across respective client groups.
8. Ability to mediate and resolve workplace conflicts effectively and maintain a positive work environment.
9. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and adapting to changing business needs.
10. Ability to coach and mentor leaders and employees at all levels to foster growth and development.
11. Skill in resolving complex employee relations issues, applying sound judgment, and making informed decisions.
12. Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey complex HR concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
13. Good collaborative and persuasive skills to build consensus in support of decisions.
14. Skill in developing trust and collaborative partnerships with leaders, employees, and cross-functional teams.
15. Must be willing to travel within Metra's 6-county region.
16. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred:

1. Professional Human Resources (PHR), SHRM or HRCI

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Some positions require an Enhanced Background Check due to the nature of the role. This may include additional criminal history, employment and education verification, credential validation, and other legally permissible checks. All screenings are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and require candidate authorization.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.