HR Generalist

Job Summary

The Human Resources Generalist administers the human resources policies and procedures for Hyde Park Hospitality’s Food and Beverage accounts at Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport and within O’Hare International Airport. The HR Generalist is responsible for wage and salary administration, recruitment, training, employee relations, EEO, affirmative action, union, benefits administration, and risk management.

The HR Generalist reports to the Director of Human Resources. The HR Generalist is a fully on-site position providing in-person support.

Essential Responsibilities

• Maintains friendly, efficient, positive customer service attitude toward customers, clients and co-workers and is responsive to customer needs.
• Assists department management in determining staffing needs. Recommends and implements recruiting, hiring and retention strategies.
• Reviews resumes and screens appropriate applicants. Conducts screening interviews with job applicants to determine if they are suited for the position. When necessary, oversees employment tests. Conducts reference checks on potential employees. Ensures new hire paperwork is processed.
• Counsels employees relative to transfers, promotions, terminations and various work items.
• Ensures unit complies with all federal, state and local laws concerning human resources (i.e., Federal and State Minimum Wage Laws, Affirmative Action, Immigration Reform Control Act, Equal Employment Opportunity Act etc.).
• May respond to charges of discrimination. Meets with the appropriate individuals in an effort to resolve the case under investigation. Attends all necessary hearings as a representative for the company.
• In conjunction with risk management staff, administers policies and procedures for a safe work place. Ensures all accidents and injuries are reported to the appropriate parties.
• Supervises payroll.
• Assists in the development, implementation, and delivery of new and existing training programs.
• Provides guidance and counsel to General Manager as needed.
• Conducts exit interviews with employees.
• Ensures payroll is submitted to Payroll Department. Monitors employee’s time away from work (i.e. vacation days & paid time off). Monitors employee’s hours worked. Ensures overtime is paid according to state and federal laws.
• May work with benefits staff in administration of benefit plans and policies. Ensures Schedule Of Coverage (SOCs) is correct. May assist unit staff in resolving complex benefit problems. Completes open enrollment at account level in a timely manner.
• Adheres to all established systems and training programs to provide a safe working environment. Complies with all OSHA regulations and other local, state and federal regulations.
• Maintains compliance with Hyde Park Hospitality’s standards of operation, client and within Hyde Park Hospitality’s Business Conduct Policy. Maintains all records and reports necessary to regulations and codes.
• Maintains compliance with all requirements of Federal, State and local regulations and guidelines including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended.
• All other duties assigned.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources or a related field or equivalent.
• At least three to five years’ experience in a Human Resource Generalist role in a union environment preferred.
• PHR or SHRM-CP certification preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of employment law and compliance (FLSA, FMLA, ADA, EEO, Title VII, state and local wage and hour rules).
• Recruiting and onboarding, including sourcing, interviewing, offer processes, and new-hire orientation.
• Employee relations, including investigations, conflict resolution, and documentation.
• Compensation and benefits administration, including open enrollment, leave management, and payroll coordination.
• Performance management processes such as reviews, goal setting, and corrective action.
• HR policy development and handbook maintenance.
• Training and development coordination.
• Proficiency with HRIS and ATS platforms (ADP, iSolved).
• Strong Microsoft Office skills.
• HR metrics and reporting (turnover, time-to-fill, headcount, engagement data).
• Data accuracy and attention to detail.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Active listening and the ability to build trust with employees at all levels.
• Conflict resolution and mediation.
• Coaching managers on people issues.
• Cultural awareness and inclusive practices.
• Discretion and integrity with confidential information.
• Sound judgment and the ability to balance employee advocacy with business and legal needs.
• Strong organization, prioritization, and ability to juggle multiple tasks.
• Adaptability and comfort with ambiguity, since generalists handle a wide range of issues.
• Problem-solving and a proactive, service-oriented mindset.
• Business acumen and understanding of how HR supports organizational goals.
• Bilingual (English & Spanish) preferred.

Salary Range: $68,000.00-$78,000.00 annually

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: On-site

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

On-site role. The selections below describe the typical equipment, travel and physical demands of the job.

USE OF EQUIPMENT

Place an “X” next to each type of equipment typically used to perform the job.

x

Computer / laptop

x

iSolved payroll / HRIS

Multi-line telephone

x

Microsoft Excel

x

Microsoft Word

x

Microsoft Outlook

x

Adobe Acrobat

x

Printer / scanner / copier

x

Timekeeping system

x

Secure file storage

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:Place an “X” next to the statement that best describes the usual travel requirements for company business only (meetings, training, seminars, other Hyde Park Hospitality locations).

x

Little or no traveling required (less than 10%)

10% to 20%

20% to 30%

More than 30%

LIFTING REQUIREMENTS: Place an “X” next to the statement that best describes the usual lifting activity to perform the job.

x

Sedentary

Lifting up to 10 pounds maximum and occasionally lifting and/or carrying small items (files, manuals, binders).

Light

Lifting 20 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

Medium

Lifting 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Heavy

Lifting 100 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Very Heavy

Lifting objects in excess of 100 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying objects weighing 50 pounds or more.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:Place an “X” in the column that best describes the physical activities which are required to perform the job.

Not Required

Occasional

Frequent

Constant

SITTING

X

KEYING

X

SEEING

X

HEARING

X

SPEAKING

X

STANDING

X

WALKING

X

BENDING

X

REACHING

X

LIFTING

X

CARRYING

X

PUSHING

X

PULLING

X

OVERHEAD REACHING

X

KNEELING

X

CLIMBING

X

TASTING

X

SMELLING

X

TEMPERATURE EXTREMES

X

Benefits

• Medical Insurance (Health, Dental, Vision)
• Disability Insurance
• Vacation and PTO
• 401K Plan with generous Company Matching
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Corporate Discounts for nationally recognized products and services (childcare, electronics, entertainment, hotels, home, groceries, restaurants, auto, travel, and pets)

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Hyde Park Hospitality (HPH) is a young—but dynamic and fast-growing—company built on deep roots in the food business. HPH earned Crain’s Fast 50 Award in 2026 for being one (ranked 30th) of the fifty fastest growing businesses in the Chicago-area! We provide services ranging from airport concessions, management staffing, brand licensing, to contracted food and facilities management.

With a 75% diverse senior management team, HPH values diversity and welcomes everyone with necessary qualifications and experience, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, and any other protected status, to apply. Learn more about us at hph-us.com.