Chief Human Resources Officer

Role overview

A global engineering services company headquartered in Chicago is looking for its first Chief Human Resources Officer as it goes through a major transformation. This executive role is designed to reshape and strengthen the people strategy for a complex organization with multiple sites and international reach. The CHRO will report to executive leadership and act as a trusted advisor, helping guide the business through change with a focus on talent, culture, leadership development, and operational discipline.

This opportunity is well suited to an experienced HR leader who enjoys building from the ground up, bringing order to evolving environments, and making a long-term impact on a business entering a new stage of growth.

Key responsibilities

• Create and roll out a company-wide people strategy that supports long-term business goals.
• Develop, strengthen, and modernize the HR function, including its processes, systems, governance, and structure.
• Upgrade recruiting capabilities and put proactive workforce planning practices in place.
• Lead improvements in HR technology, including the implementation and refinement of HRIS and talent management platforms.
• Design scalable programs for leadership development, succession planning, and talent management.
• Put performance management structures in place that reinforce accountability, coaching, and stronger business outcomes.
• Review and redesign compensation and total rewards programs to improve competitiveness and internal fairness.
• Bring consistency to compliance, training, and employee programs across domestic and international locations.
• Work closely with executive leadership and ownership on organizational design, change management, and succession planning.

Candidate profile

• Substantial experience in industrial, manufacturing, engineering, OEM, or similar operational settings.
• Proven ability to build, rebuild, or transform HR teams, functions, and infrastructure.
• Experience leading HR strategy across multi-site and global organizations.
• Strong change management skills with the ability to influence long-tenured leaders and employee groups.
• Broad expertise in talent acquisition, organizational development, compensation, employee relations, HR technology, compliance, and leadership development.
• Experience in Lean manufacturing or operational excellence environments is preferred.
• Executive-level presence paired with a practical, hands-on leadership style.

Compensation and benefits

• Executive base compensation targeted at $230,000 to $270,000, plus an incentive opportunity.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off.

Additional information

This is an at-will assignment, and its length may change. The employer is an equal opportunity employer.

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