HR Operations Analyst
Northbrook, IL, US, 60062
Job Description
HR Analyst - HR Operations supports the design, development, configuration, and implementation of AI-driven solutions that enhance HR service delivery, workforce insights, and operational efficiency. Reporting to the Head of HR Operations, this role supports and researches opportunities where streamlined and intentional processes and AI can improve decision-making, automate processes, strengthen HR operations, and elevate the HR team, manager, and employee experience across the global organization and helps to bring those opportunities to life.
Key Responsibilities
- Initially this role will support process improvement and research solutions, testing, and the build out of productivity, self-service and automation of HR processes, employee and manager questions.
- Curate, maintain, and improve HR datasets, information sources, and inputs used to support AI-enabled tools and HR operations solutions.
- Validate AI outputs for accuracy, reliability, relevance, and potential bias; recommend changes to improve quality and responsible use.
- Optimize prompts, workflows, automations, and process designs to improve HR service delivery, productivity, and user experience.
- Track and manage HR process and AI product roadmaps, project plans, testing plans, process documentation, and implementation activities.
- Gather, document, and incorporate requirements from HR users, business stakeholders, managers, employees, IT, and external vendors.
- Use AI-enabled and analytics solutions to solve business problems, predict outcomes, identify process inefficiencies, and recommend practical improvements.
- Continuously monitor and improve system and AI performance through testing, feedback review, iteration, and refinement of tools and workflows.
- Monitor usage patterns, adoption trends, and employee experience feedback; identify and address barriers to adoption.
- Maintain documentation of models, logic, workflows, assumptions, dependencies, and process changes to support transparency and sustainability.
- May partner cross-functionally with HR, IT, HRIS, and vendor teams to support responsible system or process implementation and operational readiness.
- Perform other related duties as needed to support HR Operations, digital transformation, and continuous improvement priorities.
Qualifications
- 3-5 years of experience using or creating digital AI solutions, analytics tools, process improvements, or automation-enabled solutions.
- Experience in analytics, digital transformation, process automation, HR technology, or related operational improvement work.
- Deep, hands-on experience with Microsoft Copilot, Anthropic Claude, ChatGPT, or other delivered HR AI tools and platforms.
- Experience with SAP SuccessFactors or Workday and ServiceNow HR Service Delivery or similar HR case management/service platforms.
- Experience working cross-functionally with HR, IT, business stakeholders, and external vendors.
- Comfort working through ambiguity, testing new ideas, and translating emerging technology into practical HR solutions.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience developing AI agents, copilots, chatbots, workflow automations, or other AI-enabled HR solutions.
- Prior experience prototyping quickly, testing solutions, iterating based on feedback, and moving concepts into sustainable processes.
- Understanding of HR datasets, employee lifecycle processes, HRIS architecture, service delivery models, and data privacy considerations.
- Experience supporting change management, adoption enablement, stakeholder training, or communications for new digital tools.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- HRIS platform knowledge and ability to understand how HR data, processes, and system dependencies connect-preferred Success Factors or Workday.
- AI and digital literacy, including practical understanding of prompt design, model outputs, responsible AI considerations, and workflow automation.
- Analytical thinking and ability to use data, feedback, and patterns to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Strong research skills and ability to identify, seek, and validate needed information.
- Change management and adoption enablement skills, including ability to help users understand and apply new tools.
- User experience mindset with the ability to simplify processes and improve the manager, employee, and HR team experience.
- Curiosity, learning agility, and willingness to experiment responsibly with emerging technologies.
- Clear communication, documentation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Cycle time reduction for targeted HR processes or service interactions.
- Employee, manager, and HR team experience feedback.
- Quality, accuracy, reliability, and usability of AI outputs and related documentation
Education
• Bachelor's degree in data analytics, human resources, finance, business, information systems, or a related field.
Pay Range: $86,000 - $116,000
The salary range for this position is determined by considering a variety of factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and the location of the position.
At Stepan Company our comprehensive benefits package includes:
- Discretionary Bonus
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401K with Match
- Profit Sharing
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD / LTD)
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Adoption Assistance
- Reactions – Recognition Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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Stepan Company does not accept or retain unsolicited resumes or phone calls and/or respond to them or to any third party representing job seekers.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago