Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to lead our HR function and serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team. This individual will bring a proven track record of building, transforming, and elevating HR departments within the food manufacturing industry. The ideal candidate has grown up through HR generalist and HR manager roles, understands the unique challenges of manufacturing environments, and possesses the executive presence to influence strategy across the organization.

This is a rare opportunity to lead HR for a growing, 1,200-employee food manufacturing organization. You will have the autonomy and support to transform HR into a best-in-class, strategic function that drives culture, engagement, and results across multiple locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership:

o Lead the design and execution of the company’s HR strategy, aligning with organizational goals and growth initiatives.
o Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive team on all people-related matters.
o Champion a strong company culture and employee engagement initiatives across all locations.

• Multi-Site Engagement:

o Develop and execute a plan to engage teams at all facilities (including 2 additional locations).
o Travel regularly to other sites to ensure alignment, communication, and consistency of HR policies and culture.

• Talent Management & Development:

o Drive recruitment, development, and retention strategies for a diverse workforce.
o Build leadership pipelines and succession plans for critical roles.
o Oversee performance management programs and training initiatives to upskill the workforce.

• HR Operations & Compliance:

o Oversee all HR functions, including employee relations, compensation, benefits, and compliance.
o Ensure compliance with all state and federal labor laws and food manufacturing-specific regulations.
o Lead HR systems strategy, with a focus on optimizing Paylocity and leveraging data analytics for better decision-making.

• Culture & Change Management:

o Lead initiatives that foster an inclusive, safe, and collaborative work environment.
o Serve as a visible and approachable leader, ensuring HR is a value-adding, strategic partner to operations.
o Guide organizational change efforts to support growth and transformation.


Qualifications

• Education & Certification:

o Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required; Master’s preferred.
o PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification required (senior-level preferred).

• Experience:

o 12+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, including at least 5 years in a VP of HR or CHRO role.
o Experience working within a food manufacturing environment is mandatory.
o Demonstrated success building, transforming, and scaling HR functions in a 500+ employee organization.
o Hands-on experience with HR generalist responsibilities early in career (not specialized too early).

• Skills & Attributes:

o Strong executive presence with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
o Skilled in Paylocity and advanced Excel usage.
o Excellent communication, relationship-building, and change management skills.
o Willingness to travel between facilities as needed (approximately 25–35%).