Are you ready to make a lasting impact on an organization’s culture, talent, and future? We are seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking Senior HR Director to join our team.  Based in Chicago, this is a unique opportunity to drive strategic HR initiatives, foster organizational growth, and champion employee experience at every level for two of our growing business units, Trax, and Component Services.

As the Senior HR Director, you will serve as a critical business partner to the executive leadership of Component Services and Trax, shaping the company’s people strategy and building a thriving workplace. You’ll bring both robust expertise and creative vision to all HR functions, leading with energy, integrity, and a results-focused mindset. If you’re passionate about empowering teams and delivering best-in-class HR solutions, this is your moment to shine.

What you will be responsible for: 

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute comprehensive HR strategies that align with business goals and drive organizational success. Provide vision and direction for all HR functions, including talent acquisition, performance management, compensation, benefits, learning & development, and employee engagement.
• People Management: Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing HR team of six (6). Foster a collaborative, growth-oriented environment where innovation and continuous improvement are encouraged. 
• Talent Acquisition & Retention: Oversee sourcing, selection, and onboarding of top-tier talent. Implement strategies to enhance employee retention and reduce turnover. Build strong pipelines for future leadership and critical roles.
• Performance & Development: Design and manage robust performance evaluation systems. Create impactful learning and development programs that nurture professional growth and support succession planning. Champion a culture of feedback, recognition, and accountability.
• Culture & Engagement: Cultivate an engaging workplace culture that embodies company values and inspires employees to excel. Lead initiatives to enhance employee morale, well-being, and satisfaction.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure HR policies, procedures, and practices are compliant with all federal, state, and local regulations. Provide guidance on complex employee relations matters, investigations, and dispute resolution.
• Organizational Change: Drive change management initiatives in partnership with senior leadership. Support business transformations, mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring efforts to facilitate smooth transitions and positive outcomes.
• Data-Driven Insights:  Analyze HR metrics and trends to inform decision-making. Prepare reports and presentations for the executive team, highlighting opportunities for improvement and celebrating successes.
   

What you need to be successful in this role: 

•    Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree or advanced credentials preferred.
•    10 years of progressive HR leadership experience, including at least 5 years in a senior management role.
•    Demonstrated success in designing and implementing strategic HR programs for large, complex organizations.
•    Strong understanding global employment law, and industry HR trends.
•    Experience leading organizational change, mergers, acquisitions, or transformation projects.
•    Exceptional communication, coaching, and negotiation skills.
•    Proficiency in HRIS and analytics tools; strong data-driven decision-making abilities.
•    Ability to travel for collaboration and business needs.  

The rewards of your career at AAR go far beyond just your salary: 
•    Competitive salary and bonus package
•    Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
•    401(k) retirement plan with company match
•    Generous paid time off program
•    Professional development and career advancement opportunities

Physical Demands/Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
•    Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
•    While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about the facility.
•    The environmental characteristic for this position is an office setting.
•    Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment.
AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources.

Compensation:
The anticipated salary range for this position is $185,000 to $215,000 annually. This range reflects the base salary for candidates who meet the requirements of the role, including experience, education, and location. [In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for a bonus.] AAR offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan with employer match, paid time off and holiday pay, as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

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