Chief Human Resources Officer

Ascension Search Partners has been engaged by a private equity–backed professional services organization to identify a dynamic Chief Human Resources Officer to lead its people operations and cultural initiatives. This role carries significant visibility and influence, responsible for designing and implementing the company’s talent and organizational strategy while managing the full scope of HR execution. The ideal leader will blend strategic insight with hands-on execution, translating long-term objectives into action within a lean, fast-moving business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, structure, and develop a high-performing HR team to support a growing, multi-location organization.
• Partner with senior leadership to align HR strategy with business goals, driving organizational design, talent management, and culture initiatives.
• Build scalable processes across recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and leadership development.
• Oversee total rewards, compliance, and employee relations, ensuring consistency, fairness, and adherence to all regulations.
• Champion a strong, values-driven culture, promoting engagement and accountability across all offices.
• Maintain data accuracy and reporting integrity within HR systems; develop and monitor KPIs and deliver insights to the executive team.
• Support integration and change initiatives related to acquisitions or growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or SHRM-SCP/SPHR certification preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, ideally within a professional services and/or PE-backed environment.
• Proven success building and scaling HR infrastructure in a multi-site organization.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, compliance, and HR operations.
• Skilled in talent strategy, organizational development, and culture leadership.
• Proficiency with HRIS systems (Paylocity preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Exceptional interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills; a trusted advisor to executive leadership.
• Proven ability to integrate teams and align HR processes during periods of growth or acquisition.