Chief People Officer 1B Contractor

Chief People Officer - $1B Contractor - Missouri

We are working with an exceptional company who offer an employee-first culture. They are a driven organization who are set on a pathway to succeed.

We are seeking a Chief People Officer (CPO) to lead and advance the organization’s people strategy. This is a hands‑on executive role responsible for building a scalable, enterprise‑wide human capital strategy that supports growth, strengthens culture, and develops leaders at all levels.

The CPO will unify HR, talent acquisition, and leadership development into a cohesive people function while respecting the independence of individual operating companies. This role will elevate HR into a strategic business partner and ensure talent, leadership, and culture remain competitive advantages as the organization grows.

The Chief People Officer reports directly to the CEO and is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team. The role works closely with senior leaders, operating company leadership, and HR teams across the organization.

Success requires strong influence, the ability to work in a matrixed environment, and regular time in the field to ensure alignment between strategy and execution.

• Develop and execute a multi-year people strategy aligned with business goals and values.
• Ensure people initiatives directly support operational excellence and long-term growth.

• Design scalable organizational structures and career paths.
• Lead organizational change, integrations, and growth-related transformations.
• Support people-related due diligence and integration for acquisitions, as needed.

• Partner with Finance and Legal to strengthen understanding of employee ownership.
• Embed an ownership mindset into leadership development, onboarding, and performance management.

• Lead enterprise workforce planning across field, technical, and leadership roles.
• Build partnerships with unions, trade schools, and apprenticeship programs.
• Anticipate labor needs and develop proactive staffing strategies.
• Strengthen frontline, apprenticeship, and internship development.
• Build succession plans for critical leadership roles and future talent pipelines.

• Create a consistent, values-driven employee experience from hiring through alumni.
• Serve as a steward of culture while balancing legacy practices with modernization.

• Oversee enterprise recruiting strategies for leadership, technical, and field talent.
• Improve retention through engagement, development, and performance management.

• Use HR data and analytics to inform decisions on engagement, turnover, and capability gaps.
• Build data-driven business cases for people initiatives.

• 15+ years of progressive HR leadership experience; 5+ years at the executive level.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience in growth-oriented, multi-site environments.
• Strong background in leadership development, succession planning, and organizational design.
• Proven ability to partner with operations and finance leaders.
• Excellent communication, influence, and change management skills.
• Willingness to travel regularly.

If this role is of interest and matches your background and experience, please reach out to Edward Yardley (edwa) for a confidential call to discuss.