Vice President Human Resources

Our client, a leader in the manufacturing space is hiring for a VP of HR to join their Executive Team. This is a 100% onsite role in Vernon Hills, Illinois.

This newly created role will guide the company through a significant period of transformation and must quickly assess the current situation, build a strategic roadmap to facilitate required change, establish credibility and trust, navigate complexity, actively facilitate communication, and drive intended outcomes. As the senior most HR leader, this role will oversee organizational design, all employee relations and Human Capital initiatives, and internal communications, while building a team of HR professionals, systems, and processes that deliver the required support for the business. The ideal candidate MUST have experience working in a PE-backed company and able to operate at the highest levels of management along with a Board of Directors, applying experience and insights to address complex issues

Responsibilities:

• Build a high-quality team of HR professionals and provide coaching and feedback to optimize their performance and partnership with business leaders
• Prepare appropriate budgets and resourcing plans in support of organizational objectives
• Lead change management initiatives
• Promote and foster behaviors that reinforce the company’s mission, vision, and values
• Play a key role in M&A activities, including due diligence, talent assessment, integration planning, and execution to ensure a seamless transition

HR Strategy / Organization Design

• Identify, develop, and lead HR strategies that support company goals and enhance the ability to attract, develop, and retain high-quality talent at all levels
• Understand business strategy and help design the organization required to deliver against the value-add plan. Identify risks along with critical talent and competencies needed
• Actively drive succession planning for critical roles
• Use internal and external data to benchmark company policies and practices
• Own the HRIS system and ensure technology is used to streamline HR processes and improve the employee experience

Organization Development / Talent Management / Learning & Development

• Implement performance management systems tied to desired behaviors and outcomes, aligned with business objectives
• Champion the annual review process to ensure managers provide timely, balanced, and actionable feedback
• Ensure role clarity at all levels of the organization
• Create an ongoing talent assessment process for management to address gaps, underperforming individuals, and development plans for top talent

Culture and Engagement

• Foster an inclusive environment where employees feel supported, engaged, and developed
• Drive accountability for strong employee engagement; design surveys and feedback mechanisms to ensure leadership understands workforce needs and is appropriately focused
• Implement strong internal communications within the organization, ensuring that employees are engaged and informed of company goals, objectives, and progress

Experience / Skills / Characteristics Required

The ideal candidate will have 10-15 years of HR experience combining both Strategy and Operations and will have led significant change management initiatives. They will be an exceptional communicator with high integrity, approachable to all levels of the organization, and able to build trust quickly. They will also:

• Be a current HR leader with a track record of building organizations, along with HR systems and processes, in support of business goals
• Have experience in all aspects of HR including organization design, talent acquisition, development and retention, employee relations, compensation/benefits, employment practices, and policies
• Be a results-oriented, service-minded executive who understands the role HR plays in helping the company achieve its objectives
• Have experience working in a PE-backed company and able to operate at the highest levels of management along with a Board of Directors, applying experience and insights to address complex issues
• Embody a thoughtful, values-based approach with a deep appreciation for fostering an engaged culture that is accountability driven
• Be a strategic thinker who is also operationally focused and can build the infrastructure and HR team necessary for success
• Have experience with M&A and integrations
• Be a trusted business partner and collaborator that seeks win-win solutions
• Display high energy, motivation, a positive outlook, and leadership courage
• Leverage HR systems, tools, and data to effectively deliver intended results
• Have proficiency with MS Office products including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required
• Master’s degree or advanced education/training in the HR field a plus
• Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) or Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) or SHRM

Due to the large number of applications we receive, we regret that we cannot personally respond to each one. However, if you are selected to move forward in the process, you will typically be contacted within one week of submitting your application.