Senior HR Generalist

Job Description:

Business Description:

ITW Shakeproof Fasteners is a division of Illinois Tool Works (ITW) which supplies cold headed & metal stamped fasteners totaling approximately $200M in revenue annually. Manufacturing/Warehouse locations include Watertown, WI, Milwaukee, WI, Broadview, IL, Elgin, IL, Machesney Park, IL, and Iron Ridge, WI, with a Sales, and Innovation / Strategic Marketing team primarily in Troy, Michigan. We serve major OEMs and their tier suppliers direct and through distribution channels in the automotive and industrial markets.  ITW Shakeproof Fasteners drives profitability by leveraging its innovative solutions and application engineering, allowing us to enhance our customers’ competitive advantage. Known for innovation, diversification, and excellent financial performance.   We are never, whether we know it or not, more than a few steps from an innovative ITW solution.

Position Summary:

The Sr. HR Generalist will provide leadership in the execution of HR Operations and support strategic HR initiatives. The Sr. HR Generalist will be a critical on-site HR partner to our frontline Supervisors and Managers, acting as a coach and confidant on topics including organizational effectiveness and change, talent acquisition, talent management and training / development, performance management, compensation, and employee relations.

The ideal candidate must be self-driven, capable of working independently, and comfortable engaging with cross-functional leaders in a fast-paced, matrix environment. Strong communication, business acumen, and problem-solving skills are essential to support the HR team’s objectives and to provide meaningful partnership at the plant level.

Work Environment and Location Expectations:

This is a fully on-site role based at the Elgin distribution facility. A consistent on-site presence is essential to:

• Build credibility and trust with employees and leaders

• Understand daily operational challenges and workforce dynamics

• Effectively coach frontline leaders and influence culture

Local travel may be required periodically.

Key Responsibilities:

Site HR Leadership & Culture

• Serve as the on-site HR lead for the Elgin facility, providing consistent, visible, and trusted HR support to employees and leaders.

• Actively drive and reinforce a positive, inclusive, and accountable workforce culture aligned with ITW values and leadership expectations.

• Partner with site leadership to identify cultural strengths and opportunities and lead targeted engagement, communication, and change initiatives.

• Serve as a role model for strong leadership behaviors, employee advocacy, and respectful workplace practices.

Leadership & Talent Partnership

• Be an active member of the Elgin site leadership team, contributing HR perspective to business decisions.

• Coach and support frontline supervisors and managers on:

• People leadership fundamentals

• Performance management and feedback

• Employee relations and conflict resolution

• Talent development and succession readiness

• Partner with leaders to identify and develop key talent, support internal movement, and strengthen frontline leadership capability.

• Day-to-Day HR Operations

• Provide day-to-day HR support across the employee lifecycle, including hiring, onboarding, development, performance management, and separations.

• Lead and support employee relations matters with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment.

• Support leave management processes, including workers’ compensation and disability coordination.

• Ensure consistent application of HR policies, practices, and employment law requirements.

Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Partner with leaders to scope roles, support recruitment efforts, and advise on talent considerations.

• Coordinate recruiting efforts from requisition through offer acceptance.

• Lead on-site onboarding to ensure new hires experience a strong, welcoming, and engaging introduction to the organization.

HR Systems, Compliance & Reporting

• Maintain accurate employee data in HRIS systems (hires, promotions, transfers, reviews, terminations).

• Prepare HR reports and workforce data to support decision-making.

• Ensure compliance with employment laws, HR policies, and government reporting requirements.

• Partner with Safety and EHS leaders to support OSHA and safety-related initiatives.

Required Skill, Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Human Resources, Business, or Psychology preferred

• Minimum of 4+ years of progressive HR Generalist experience

• Experience supporting hourly or distribution/manufacturing environments strongly preferred

• SHRM, PHR, or SPHR certification preferred

• Demonstrated ability to partner directly with frontline leaders and influence culture and behavior

• Strong employee relations, coaching, and conflict resolution skills

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship-building capability

• High level of discretion and sound judgment with confidential matters

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and continuous improvement mindset

What Success Looks Like in This Role:

• Employees experience consistent, fair, and respectful HR practices

• The Elgin site culture is engaged, accountable, and aligned with ITW values

• Leaders view HR as a trusted partner, not just a support function

• Frontline supervisors grow in confidence and effectiveness as people leaders

Compensation Information:

$88,000 - $100,000 / annually

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.