AKIRA Senior Human Resources Manager

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 30+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com.) AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand.

AKIRA's culture has one very large, distinct difference from other fast-fashion competitors: Other-Worldly Customer Service and Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer's needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.

The Position

Senior Human Resources Manager

Location

Full-time Onsite

Hybrid between Chicago, IL (Headquarters) & Bolingbrook

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Senior Human Resources Manager to lead and elevate our Human Resources function across multiple locations. This senior-level role is responsible for aligning people's strategies with business objectives, driving operational excellence, and serving as a key advisor to leadership. The ideal candidate will bring deep HR expertise, strong business acumen, and the ability to manage both strategic initiatives and daily operations in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior HR advisor to leadership, offering guidance on organizational planning, talent strategy, and workforce development.
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws, as well as internal policies and procedures.
• Partner closely with an external HCM provider (iSolved, G&A Partners) to deliver best-in-class HR practices and scalable infrastructure.
• Lead and develop the internal HR team, overseeing full-cycle talent management including recruitment, onboarding, performance, and offboarding.
• Manage complex employee relations and advise leaders across retail, warehouse, and corporate teams supporting 1,000+ employees.
• Oversee risk management efforts, including workers' compensation, safety compliance, and liability insurance programs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance and executive stakeholders on benefits strategy, budgeting, and vendor management.
• Design and implement training programs and professional development initiatives that support career growth and performance improvement.
• Maintain HR systems and ensure data integrity across employee records, HRIS, and support platforms (e.g., Zendesk).
• Drive employee engagement, communication, and change management efforts across the organization.
• Identify opportunities to optimize office and HR operational processes, improving efficiency and cross-departmental collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (HR certification preferred).
• Minimum 7 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 3 years in a management or senior-level role.
• Proficiency in HR systems and platforms such as HRIS, ATS, and ticketing tools like Zendesk.
• Proven success in leading HR teams and partnering with external HR or HCM providers (iSolved experience is preferred).
• In-depth knowledge of employment law, HR compliance, and organizational development practices.
• Proven experience in automating and digitizing HR processes, including onboarding, offboarding, and incident reporting.
• Strong leadership and employee relations capabilities, with a track record of handling complex workplace issues.
• Demonstrated ability to align HR strategy with business goals and drive organizational change.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and collaboration skills.
• Strong preference for candidates with experience supporting retail operations across multiple locations or states.

Diversity & Inclusion:

At AKIRA we believe that treating everyone in a first-class manner is essential to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects our values and our community. This is deeply rooted in our company's principles, culture, and fashion. We continuously strive to cultivate a company where employees feel a sense of belonging and contribute to a culture that values differences, ideas, and experiences. Our unique workforce is directly linked to our success and makes us stronger collectively.

Benefits and Perks:

AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and employee discount. We are committed to encouraging internal development and providing significant career enrichment opportunities. Most importantly, what has propelled AKIRA's growth and success over the years has been the dynamic culture within the company - if you're filled with passion, have a strong desire to get things done, and if you want to go to a place where you know your work matters and where you can implement your ideas and decisions, then AKIRA just might be the place for you.

Job Type: Full-time