Human Resources Leadership Development Program Jobs in Illinois

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards. We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities, creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future. Woodward supports our members’ wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position.

Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. Estimated annual base pay: $171,000(minimum) - $205,000(midpoint) - $239,000(maximum)

• All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity.
• 401(k) match (4.5%)
• Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)
• Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members
• 12 paid holidays
• Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire
• Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave.
• Paid parental leave.
• Adoption Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits.
• Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life
• Member referral bonus
• Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
• Voluntary benefits, including: Home / Auto Insurance discounts Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave

Built strong relationships with union representatives, resolving grievances and negotiating collective bargaining agreements. Led labor relations strategy, including contract negotiations and compliance with labor laws. Guided leadership on union matters, grievance resolution, and arbitration to reduce risks.

Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute HR strategies that align with the company’s business objectives and growth targets. Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on workforce planning, organizational design, and change management. Identify and address key HR challenges in a global, multi-site environment. Support the continued evolution and integration of business groups.

Lead efforts to attract, retain, and develop talent in competitive markets across multiple geographies. Establish succession planning and leadership development programs to ensure a robust pipeline of future leaders. Oversee performance management, employee engagement, and career development initiatives.

Drive initiatives to foster a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and high performance across global sites. Implement strategies to improve employee satisfaction, retention, and morale while addressing workforce-related challenges. Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts across the organization. Promote consistency in employee experience across locations.

Provide oversight of HR operations, including payroll, benefits, and compliance with global labor laws and regulations. Manage employee relations and ensure fair and consistent application of policies across all sites. Optimize HR processes and systems to enhance efficiency and data-driven decision-making. Partner with legal and leadership on labor-related topics, including proactive employee relations strategies.

Drive organizational effectiveness through change management, leadership coaching, and workforce development initiatives. Lead integration efforts for mergers, acquisitions, or business transformations as needed. Monitor and analyze HR metrics to support strategic decision-making and continuous improvement. Support continuous improvement initiatives across the business.

College’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field; advanced degree (MBA or HR certification) preferred. 8+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, with a proven track record in a global, multi-site organization. Significant, hands‑on experience in labor and employee relations within unionized environments, including leading or playing a key role in collective bargaining negotiations, managing union relationships, and resolving complex labor issues. Demonstrated ability to develop and execute labor relations strategies that support business transformation, including workforce planning, change management, and proactive union engagement in evolving operating environments. Experience leading through complex labor environments, including contract renegotiations, workforce restructuring, or dispute resolution in high‑pressure or highly regulated settings. Strong HR business partner background with experience across multiple HR disciplines, including talent acquisition, talent management, employee engagement, organizational development and effectiveness, leadership development, and HR compliance across international markets. Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and inspire teams at all levels. Demonstrated ability to drive HR strategies that contribute to business growth and operational success. Experience managing HR functions for large organizations, including M&A and organizational transformation. Deep knowledge of global labor laws, HR technology systems, and data-driven decision-making approaches.

Strategic thinker with a results‑oriented mindset. Strong, creative business acumen and ability to balance employee advocacy with organizational priorities. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills. Passionate about fostering a positive, inclusive, and high‑performing workplace culture. Strong cultivator of talent, including leadership skills.

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee).

Woodward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local laws.

It means contributing to what matters most in your career, in your community and around the world. It means being a part of rewarding experiences, where innovation, collaboration and problem‑solving are at the heart of what we do.

Woodward is the global leader in the design, manufacturing, and service of energy conversion and control solutions for the aerospace and industrial equipment markets. Together with our customers, we are enabling the path to a cleaner, decarbonized world. Our innovative fluid, combustion, electrical, propulsion and motion control systems perform in some of the world’s harshest environments. At Woodward we have created a culture that appreciates and values the contributions of every member. We are a global team of curious, innovative problem‑solvers who commit our knowledge, resources and technical expertise to the challenges associated with reducing emissions, enabling alternative energy sources and increasing efficiency, always innovating for a better future. Woodward is working with our customers to solve some of the world’s biggest energy challenges. This important work needs more than just the brightest technical minds. It requires talented and committed manufacturing professionals, accountants, supply chain managers, human resources experts, information technology specialists and many more. We are looking for dedicated people who want to learn and grow in a supportive environment that fosters collaboration, innovation and inclusion.