Chief People Officer

Morgan Hunter; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing mission-driven organization in Kansas City seeks a Chief People Officer to guide HR strategy during an exciting growth phase. This role emphasizes talent management, employee engagement, and compliance across a multi-location workforce. The ideal candidate has over 10 years in HR leadership, is adept at navigating employment laws, and excels in team development. As the organization evolves, this position focuses on preserving a strong, people-first culture and leading a highly capable HR team.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience.
• Experience supporting complex, multi-location organizations.
• Strong background in employment law and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Partner with executive leadership to develop and implement long‑term people strategies.
• Serve as a trusted advisor on organizational development and workforce planning.
• Guide HR strategy to support organizational growth and operational excellence.

Skills

HR leadership experience

Compliance knowledge

Strong communication skills

Relationship-building

Executive partnership skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree or HR certification

Job description

Morgan Hunter is partnering with a growing, mission-driven organization in the Kansas City area to hire a Chief People Officer. This executive leadership role will partner closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to guide the organization’s people strategy during an exciting period of growth and expansion.

The Chief People Officer will oversee all aspects of human resources including talent strategy, employee engagement, compliance, leadership development, and HR operations. This role will lead an established HR team and play a critical part in supporting a large, multi-location workforce in a highly regulated environment. The ideal candidate is a strategic HR leader who can balance big-picture thinking with hands‑on leadership. This person will help scale the organization, strengthen leadership capabilities, and ensure the culture remains strong as the organization continues to evolve.

Responsibilities

• Partner with executive leadership to develop and implement long‑term people strategies
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on organizational development, workforce planning, and culture
• Guide HR strategy to support organizational growth, expansion, and operational excellence
• Lead initiatives that strengthen employee engagement and retention
• Oversee HR functions including employee relations, benefits, recruiting, compliance, and workforce development
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations across a multi‑location workforce
• Evaluate and improve HR systems, policies, and operational processes
• Support risk management and best practices in a complex operational environment
• Lead and mentor a multi‑disciplinary human resources team
• Develop leadership development programs and succession planning strategies
• Partner with operational leaders to strengthen management capability across the organization
• Preserve and strengthen a mission‑driven, people‑first culture

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience
• Experience supporting complex, multi‑location organizations
• Strong background in employment law, compliance, and risk mitigation
• Proven ability to lead and develop HR teams
• Experience guiding organizations through growth, change, or expansion
• Strong communication, relationship‑building, and executive partnership skills
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or HR certification preferred

***NO RELOCATION PROVIDED and residency in Kansas City area is required***