Vice President, Human Resources

• Compensation: USD 240,000 - USD 260,000 - yearly

Bertelsmann is a media, services and education company with about 75,000 employees that operates in some 50 countries around the world. It includes the entertainment group RTL Group, the trade book publisher Penguin Random House, the music company BMG, the service provider Arvato Group, Bertelsmann Marketing Services, the Bertelsmann Education Group and Bertelsmann Investments, an international network of funds. The company generated revenues of €19 billion in the 2024 financial year.

Bertelsmann stands for creativity and entrepreneurship. This combination promotes first-class media content and innovative service solutions that inspire customers around the world.

The Vice President, Human Resources (VPHR) is a strategic, hands‑on executive responsible for leading the organization's Human Resources function within a decentralized, multi-entity environment, aligning people strategy with group-wide business objectives across the parent company and its operating companies.

The VPHR leads a team of 13 professionals across Corporate Benefits, Employee Benefits, and HR-Payroll-IT, driving initiatives across talent acquisition, employee engagement, leadership development, compensation and benefits, organizational design, workforce planning, DEI, performance management, and HR compliance. As a member of the executive leadership team, the VPHR serves as a trusted advisor to the CEO on workforce strategy, organizational effectiveness, and culture.

This is a working leadership role that requires both strategic thinking and deep operational execution. We are looking for a technically credible leader who moves fluidly between executive strategy and hands‑on execution, coordinates closely with management at each operating company, brings real technical depth to HR, benefits and payroll, and personally driving results on priority initiatives, including active M&A activity, not just managing a team.

This role is based in New York City and currently requires in‑office work at least two days per week. The work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs.

• Develop and execute the organization's benefits strategy in support of business goals.
• Lead Benefits’ role in M&A activity, including due diligence, integration, and post‑close and ongoing support, partnering directly with executive leadership and subsidiaries.
• Advise the CEO on workforce trends, talent risks, and organizational health.
• Lead organizational design and change management initiatives across a decentralized, multi‑entity structure.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with subsidiary executives and parent company stakeholders, serving as a strategic advisor and hands‑on partner.

• Develop and drive strategies for recruiting, retaining, and developing top talent. Partner with executives on critical searches and succession decisions.
• Oversee employee development, succession planning, and learning programs.
• Foster a high‑performance culture through effective performance management.

• Champion the organization's mission, values, and culture.
• Drive employee engagement and well‑being initiatives.
• Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across the organization.
• Lead employee relations efforts and resolve complex workplace issues.

• Develop, negotiate, and customize the health, welfare, and retirement programs for each of Bertelsmann's U.S. operating Companies within the United States, including Penguin Random House, BMG, Fremantle, Arvato, and other holdings/groups, including new acquisitions.
• Monitor market trends and recommend adjustments to…