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# Chief Human Resources Officer with a Private Equity Group – Chicago, IL


Role Overview for Chief Human Resources Officer with a Private Equity Group – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm, is proud to partner with a top-tier, growth-oriented Private Equity group based in the vibrant city of Chicago. Our client has a distinguished track record of investing in and scaling middle-market companies across various sectors. They are seeking a visionary and operationally-savvy Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to join their executive team. This is not a traditional corporate HR role; it is a pivotal, strategic leadership position that will directly impact the value creation lifecycle across the firm’s diverse portfolio of companies.
The CHRO will serve as a strategic partner to the firm’s leadership and the management teams of its portfolio companies. You will be the architect of human capital strategies that drive growth, profitability, and successful exits. This role demands a unique blend of strategic foresight, financial acumen, and hands-on execution. You will be instrumental during the entire investment process, from leading HR due diligence on potential acquisitions to orchestrating seamless post-merger integrations and cultivating high-performance cultures that scale.
The ideal candidate is a battle-tested HR executive with significant experience in a private equity-backed or similarly fast-paced, M&A-intensive environment. You must be comfortable navigating ambiguity, influencing C-suite executives, and building robust, scalable HR frameworks from the ground up. This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the human capital landscape of multiple growing businesses and share in the value you help create.
As the CHRO, you will be responsible for all aspects of human resources, but your primary focus will be on strategic initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness and talent density. This includes executive talent assessment, leadership development, succession planning, and the design of sophisticated executive compensation programs that align incentives with investor objectives. You will be a coach and mentor to portfolio company HR leaders, providing them with the tools, resources, and guidance to build world-class organizations. Your success will be measured by your ability to attract, develop, and retain top-tier executive talent, optimize organizational design for rapid growth, and foster cultures of accountability and innovation across the portfolio.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Human Resources Officer with a Private Equity Group – Chicago, IL
Strategic HR Leadership & Executive Partnership

Act as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the Private Equity firm’s Managing Partners and the C-suite executives of portfolio companies on all human capital matters.
Develop and implement a comprehensive, portfolio-wide human capital strategy that aligns with the firm’s investment thesis and value creation plans.
Translate business strategies into actionable HR initiatives that drive performance, growth, and profitability.
Provide insightful reporting and analytics on key HR metrics to the firm’s leadership and investment committee, demonstrating the ROI of human capital initiatives.
Champion a data-driven approach to decision-making within the HR function, leveraging analytics to identify trends, predict future talent needs, and mitigate risks.

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Lifecycle Management

Lead all aspects of human resources due diligence for potential acquisitions, including assessing leadership talent, organizational culture, compensation and benefits liabilities, and potential integration challenges.
Develop and execute comprehensive HR integration plans for newly acquired companies, ensuring a seamless transition for employees and the alignment of culture, policies, and systems.
Partner with the deal team to structure and negotiate employment-related terms in acquisition agreements.
Create a standardized M&A HR playbook to ensure consistency, efficiency, and effectiveness across all transactions.

Talent Management & Leadership Development

Oversee executive search and selection processes for key leadership roles within the portfolio, ensuring the attraction and hiring of A-level talent.
Design and implement robust talent management frameworks, including performance management, succession planning, and high-potential employee identification and development programs.
Develop and facilitate leadership development programs for portfolio company executives to enhance their capabilities and prepare them for future growth.
Establish a network of top-tier executive talent and executive search partners to build a proactive talent pipeline for critical roles.
Implement assessment tools and methodologies to ensure objective evaluation of leadership capabilities and potential.

Organizational Design & Effectiveness

Partner with portfolio company leadership to design and implement scalable organizational structures that support strategic objectives and rapid growth.
Lead change management initiatives to ensure successful adoption of new processes, systems, and organizational structures.
Drive performance management philosophies and systems that foster a culture of accountability, continuous feedback, and high performance.
Analyze organizational health and effectiveness, using employee surveys and other data points to identify and address systemic issues.

Executive Compensation & Total Rewards

Design and manage sophisticated executive compensation programs, including short-term and long-term incentive plans (e.g., bonus structures, equity, carried interest) that align with the PE firm’s value creation goals.
Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to ensure compensation and benefits programs are competitive and effective in attracting and retaining top talent.
Provide expertise and guidance on all aspects of total rewards, including health and welfare benefits, retirement plans, and executive perquisites.
Oversee the strategic management of benefits programs across the portfolio, leveraging scale to optimize costs and enhance offerings.

Requirements for the Chief Human Resources Officer with a Private Equity Group – Chicago, IL
Required Qualifications:

A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., CHRO, VP of HR) responsible for overall HR strategy and execution.
Demonstrable and significant experience working within a Private Equity-backed company or directly for a Private Equity firm. A deep understanding of the PE lifecycle, terminology, and the urgency of value creation is essential.
Proven, hands-on experience leading the HR aspects of the M&A lifecycle, including pre-acquisition due diligence and post-acquisition integration.
Extensive experience in designing and administering complex executive compensation plans, including equity and incentive-based programs.
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree (MBA or Master’s in Human Resources/Organizational Development) is highly preferred.
Professional certifications such as SHRM-SCP or SPHR are a strong plus.
Experience across multiple industries, demonstrating the ability to adapt HR strategies to different business models and environments.
Experience working in a multi-site or multi-entity environment, providing strategic HR support across a portfolio of distinct businesses.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess:
Exceptional Business and Financial Acumen
The ability to understand financial statements, business drivers, and the economic impact of HR decisions. You must be able to speak the language of the business and contribute to strategic financial discussions.
Strategic and Operational Balance
A proven ability to think strategically and develop a long-term vision, while also being willing and able to roll up your sleeves and execute on tactical initiatives.
Superior Influence and Communication Skills
The ability to build credibility and strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, from Managing Partners to portfolio company CEOs. You must be a persuasive and articulate communicator.
High Emotional Intelligence
Strong self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion.
Resilience and Adaptability
Thrives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment characterized by change and ambiguity. Able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
A Commitment to strategic human capital management
A deep belief that talent is the ultimate driver of business success and a passion for building organizations where people can do their best work.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and compelling compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain a leader of this caliber. This includes:
Competitive Base Salary
A strong base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Annual Performance Bonus
A significant annual bonus opportunity tied to both individual and firm performance.
Equity Participation/Carried Interest
A meaningful opportunity for wealth creation through participation in the firm’s success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
A flexible and generous PTO policy to support work-life balance.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continued learning, executive coaching, and industry conferences to keep you at the forefront of your field.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate if required.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative HR leader with a passion for driving business growth through talent and you meet the qualifications outlined above, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience in the private equity space. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive placement for high-growth industries. To learn more about our expertise in this area, please visit the JRG Partners’ Private Equity executive search practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can make a significant impact with our client.