Employee Relations Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Employee Relations Specialist jobs in Illinois are active across a broad range of sectors, with the strongest demand in manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and retail, and openings from entry-level HR coordinators through senior employee relations managers. Chicago drives the majority of hiring, with additional concentration in Rockford and Peoria, where companies like Abbott Laboratories, Walgreens, and United Airlines maintain large workforces and established HR functions. The most in-demand specialties include labor relations and union management, workplace investigations, and leave and accommodation compliance. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 17+ Employee Relations Specialist jobs
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Effectively manages day-to-day operations of the employee relations support function for a division, business unit and/or function in a fast paced environment. Master of employee relations complexities. Provides highly innovative, practical, and strategic solutions. May lead cross functional teams and/or manage unique business unit projects.
Provides general direction and training to ER staff.
Adjudicates complex ER issues.
Manages and monitors metrics and reporting for the business unit and/or country.
Interprets, administers and communicates policies and procedures including a review and update of local laws and regulations.
Consults, coordinates and managers reductions in force.
Assists/participates in ER vendor selection and management.
Maintains compliance with local and country laws.
Liaison with Senior HR Management, Business Leaders, Business HR, Legal, OEC, Security, etc. relating to all ER matters in supported area.
Acts as a trusted advisor on important ER decisions.
Anticipates, identifies and meets internal and external customer needs/expectations.
Effectively communicates and negotiates with customers to define service levels.
Influences business partners toward optimal solutions.
Grasps complexities and perceives relationships among problems or issues.
Sells ideas or changes solution in order to find best practice.
Encourages creative thinking in others, to bring forward as many ideas as possible.
Assesses the degree to which changes to the scope, issues and risks will affect a project’s success with division or senior management to gain agreement for resolution.
Leads project managers and teams in developing and executing a program plan ensuring that authorized resources are obtained to make certain that all activities are formed.
Sponsor of identified projects.
Proficient in application of common tools for managing project scope, cost schedule and resources.\ Assesses and manages strategic risk to best achieve business objectives.
Ability to execute while balancing risk with business objectives.
Ability to identify and manage risk, have contingency plans.
Embraces change and continuous improvement, staying informed of labor and employee relations issues internally and externally and proactively identifying solutions to address evolving issues.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE YOU’LL BRING
Required
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Employee Relations or related field.
8+ years in HR with a minimum of 5 years of employee relations experience.
Considered an expert in HR regulations, policies, and procedures.
Prior experience directly managing people.
Preferred
MBA, master's degree or advanced degree in related field desired
Multi-functional experience desired.
8+ years of HR experience in multifaceted global Fortune 200 environment preferred.
Experience working in a shared services environment preferred.
WHAT WE OFFER
At Abbott, you can have a good job that can grow into a great career. We offer:
Training and career development, with onboarding programs for new employees and tuition assistance
Financial security through competitive compensation, incentives and retirement plans
Health care and well-being programs including medical, dental, vision, wellness and occupational health programs
Paid time off
401(k) retirement savings with a generous company match
The stability of a company with a record of strong financial performance and history of being actively involved in local communities
Learn more about our benefits that add real value to your life to help you live fully: www.abbottbenefits.com
Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that provides the growth and strength to build your future. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal
The base pay for this position is $129,300.00 – $258,700.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Effectively manages day-to-day operations of the employee relations support function for a division, business unit and/or function in a fast paced environment. Master of employee relations complexities. Provides highly innovative, practical, and strategic solutions. May lead cross functional teams and/or manage unique business unit projects.
Provides general direction and training to ER staff.
Adjudicates complex ER issues.
Manages and monitors metrics and reporting for the business unit and/or country.
Interprets, administers and communicates policies and procedures including a review and update of local laws and regulations.
Consults, coordinates and managers reductions in force.
Assists/participates in ER vendor selection and management.
Maintains compliance with local and country laws.
Liaison with Senior HR Management, Business Leaders, Business HR, Legal, OEC, Security, etc. relating to all ER matters in supported area.
Acts as a trusted advisor on important ER decisions.
Anticipates, identifies and meets internal and external customer needs/expectations.
Effectively communicates and negotiates with customers to define service levels.
Influences business partners toward optimal solutions.
Grasps complexities and perceives relationships among problems or issues.
Sells ideas or changes solution in order to find best practice.
Encourages creative thinking in others, to bring forward as many ideas as possible.
Assesses the degree to which changes to the scope, issues and risks will affect a project’s success with division or senior management to gain agreement for resolution.
Leads project managers and teams in developing and executing a program plan ensuring that authorized resources are obtained to make certain that all activities are formed.
Sponsor of identified projects.
Proficient in application of common tools for managing project scope, cost schedule and resources.\ Assesses and manages strategic risk to best achieve business objectives.
Ability to execute while balancing risk with business objectives.
Ability to identify and manage risk, have contingency plans.
Embraces change and continuous improvement, staying informed of labor and employee relations issues internally and externally and proactively identifying solutions to address evolving issues.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE YOU’LL BRING
Required
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Employee Relations or related field.
8+ years in HR with a minimum of 5 years of employee relations experience.
Considered an expert in HR regulations, policies, and procedures.
Prior experience directly managing people.
Preferred
MBA, master's degree or advanced degree in related field desired
Multi-functional experience desired.
8+ years of HR experience in multifaceted global Fortune 200 environment preferred.
Experience working in a shared services environment preferred.
WHAT WE OFFER
At Abbott, you can have a good job that can grow into a great career. We offer:
Training and career development, with onboarding programs for new employees and tuition assistance
Financial security through competitive compensation, incentives and retirement plans
Health care and well-being programs including medical, dental, vision, wellness and occupational health programs
Paid time off
401(k) retirement savings with a generous company match
The stability of a company with a record of strong financial performance and history of being actively involved in local communities
Learn more about our benefits that add real value to your life to help you live fully: www.abbottbenefits.com
Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that provides the growth and strength to build your future. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal
The base pay for this position is $129,300.00 – $258,700.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.
See All 17 Employee Relations Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsEmployee Relations Specialist Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Employee Relations Specialist Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in employee relations specialist jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, labor relations, business, or a related field
- Professional HR certification such as PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP preferred
- Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations and resolving employee complaints
- Working knowledge of Illinois employment law, including the Illinois Human Rights Act
- Experience supporting union environments or administering collective bargaining agreements
- Strong written communication skills for documenting investigations and drafting HR policies
Employee Relations Specialist Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a employee relations specialist in Illinois?
Most Illinois employers require a bachelor's degree in human resources, labor relations, business, or a closely related field as the foundation for this role. Illinois does not issue a state license for employee relations specialists, but earning a nationally recognized credential such as the SHRM-CP or PHR is a strong differentiator in a competitive Chicago-area market. Gaining experience in HR generalist or coordinator roles at mid-size Illinois employers before specializing is a common and effective path.
How much do employee relations specialists make in Illinois?
Employee relations specialists in Illinois earn a median of about $76,820 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $48,980 for the lowest 10% to over $123,940 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire employee relations specialists in Illinois?
Employers hiring employee relations specialists in Illinois right now include ALDI, Levy, and Abbott, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters, large healthcare systems, and major manufacturers means steady, ongoing demand for this role across the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most employee relations specialist jobs?
The cities with the most employee relations specialist openings in Illinois are Chicago, Elgin, and Aurora. Chicago dominates the distribution because of its dense cluster of corporate headquarters, major hospital systems, and large retail and logistics employers, while other markets reflect the presence of anchor manufacturers and regional medical centers that maintain in-house HR and employee relations teams.
Are there remote employee relations specialist jobs in Illinois?
Yes, though they are less common than in purely analytical HR roles because employee relations work frequently involves in-person investigations, mediations, and meetings with managers and employees. About 75% of employee relations specialist openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with fully remote positions most often available for senior specialists handling policy development or multi-site compliance work rather than day-to-day site-level casework.
How can I get hired as a employee relations specialist in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is starting as an HR coordinator or HR generalist at an Illinois employer and handling employee relations casework as part of a broader role before moving into a dedicated position. Large Illinois hospital systems and manufacturers often post HR associate or HR specialist roles designed for recent graduates. Earning the SHRM-CP credential early signals commitment to the field and is actively sought by Chicago-area employers hiring at the junior level. Internships through Illinois university HR programs at companies like Aon, Hyatt, or Kraft Heinz can also open the door directly.
Where can I find and apply to employee relations specialist jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to employee relations specialist jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across industries and experience levels. Find a role that fits and apply directly through the listing.
See All 17 Employee Relations Specialist Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs