Head of People (Hybrid HR Exec) — Growth & M&A

Crucial Hire; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 250,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

Crucial Hire is retained by an independent, award-winning marketing agency in Chicago seeking a strategic Head of People. This executive will lead the people function through growth, acquisitions and cultural evolution, partnering with the CEO to shape the org design and operating plan.

The role demands 12+ years in HR leadership, with strong agency economics experience and a track record of staying, building and being promoted.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive HR leadership, with at least 5 in a head-of-function or senior HR leader seat.
• Agency, professional services, media, sports, entertainment or live-event experience strongly preferred
• Fluency in agency economics: billable hours, utilization, client P&L and staffing models
• Hands-on experience with M&A integration and multi-country employment
• A track record of staying, building and being promoted

Responsibilities

• Define people strategy for a multi-country organization, including the US and the UK
• Integration of acquired teams and continued growth through M&A
• Benefits strategy, including alternative funding models such as self-funded or captive arrangements
• Compensation, incentive and promotion design tied to utilization, client profitability and growth
• Employee engagement through a period of change, as a founder-built culture becomes a structured company
• Talent acquisition, leadership development and succession for a creative and client-service workforce
• Partnership with the CEO and executive team on org design, culture and the operating plan

Skills

HR leadership

Agency experience

M&A integration

Multi-country employment

Promotion track

Job description

Crucial Hire is retained by an independent, award-winning marketing agency in Chicago seeking a strategic Head of People. This executive will lead the people function through growth, acquisitions and cultural evolution, partnering with the CEO to shape the org design and operating plan.

The role demands 12+ years in HR leadership, with strong agency economics experience and a track record of staying, building and being promoted.