Human Resources Manager- Sales

James Hardie; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

401(k) with 6% match

Employee Stock Purchase plan

Job summary

James Hardie seeks an HR Manager in Chicago to partner with Sales organizations across the U.S. and Canada. This role requires shaping people strategies to support sales growth and productivity. Candidates should possess at least 7 years of HR experience, a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, and expertise in employee relations and talent management. A competitive salary of $125,000 to $135,000 is offered along with comprehensive benefits including health insurance and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive HR experience, including direct support of commercial or sales organizations.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and operate as a trusted advisor.
• Experience using data and analytics to inform decisions and drive action.

Responsibilities

• Align people strategy with revenue goals and business priorities.
• Lead change initiatives tied to organizational design.
• Ensure fair handling of employee matters across North America.

Skills

Business acumen

Change management

Talent management

Employee relations

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field

Job description

James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and StruXure®.

With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.

For more information, visit www.jameshardie.com.

An employee shuttle to and from Ogilvy Transportation, Millennium Park and Union Station is provided for Chicago area employees.

Summary

The HR Manager serves as a strategic business partner to the Sales organizations across the U.S. and Canada. This role is responsible for shaping and executing people strategies that directly support revenue growth, sales productivity, and go-to-market execution. This position acts as a trusted advisor to Sales leadership to diagnose business needs, drive talent and organizational effectiveness, and lead through significant change. The role balances strategic leadership with hands‑on execution in a fast‑paced, performance-driven sales environment.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Business Partnership (40%)

• Partner directly with Sales leaders (VPs, Regional Leaders, and frontline managers) to align people strategy with revenue goals, business priorities, and go‑to‑market execution.
• Translate business objectives into organizational, talent, and culture strategies; proactively identify risks and opportunities.
• Leverage data (engagement, turnover, performance, sales metrics) to diagnose trends and drive targeted, business‑focused actions.
• Provide strategic coaching to leaders on org design, team effectiveness, and leadership capability.
• Drive engagement and retention strategies tailored to Field Sales environments (distributed workforce, travel‑heavy roles, performance‑based culture).
• Participate in leadership team meetings to stay closely aligned to business direction and evolving talent needs.

Talent, Succession & Development (20%)

• Assess current state of talent across Sales and build forward‑looking succession and development plans.
• Define clear career paths and destination role profiles aligned to business needs.
• Partner with leaders to strengthen bench depth and readiness for critical roles.
• Support proactive external sourcing strategies for key roles, with a focus on diverse, market‑representative talent.
• Ensure development approaches prepare employees for progression in a performance‑driven sales environment.

Change Management & Organizational Effectiveness (15%)

• Lead and support change initiatives tied to integration, org design, and go‑to‑market evolution.
• Guide leaders through role clarity, structural changes, and communication strategies.
• Ensure consistency and clarity in messaging during periods of change (e.g., role leveling, compensation alignment, territory shifts).
• Build leadership capability to effectively lead through ongoing transformation.

Cross‑Organizational Leadership Impact (15%)

• Lead or contribute to cross‑functional initiatives across Sales, Operations, and HR to drive consistency, scalability, and performance.
• Partner across HR (Talent Acquisition, Compensation, Learning & Development) to deliver integrated, business‑aligned solutions.
• Play a key role in initiatives that extend beyond the immediate client group and influence broader commercial outcomes.

Core HR Operations & Employee Relations (10%)

• Provide guidance on employee relations, performance management, and policy interpretation.
• Ensure fair, consistent, and compliant handling of employee matters across the U.S. and Canada.
• Support execution of key HR processes including performance reviews, compensation cycles, and engagement surveys.
• Maintain strong partnerships with HR COEs to ensure seamless execution and support.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive HR experience, including direct support of commercial or sales organizations.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to connect people strategy to revenue and performance outcomes.
• Experience in talent management, organizational design, employee relations, and change management.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and operate as a trusted advisor.
• Comfort working in fast‑paced, evolving environments with high visibility.
• Experience using data and analytics to inform decisions and drive action.
• Knowledge of U.S. and Canadian employment laws preferred.
• Strong communication, judgment, and execution skills.

What Success Looks Like

• Sales leaders view HR as a trusted, proactive business partner.
• Strong bench strength with clear succession plans for critical roles.
• Improved engagement and reduced regrettable attrition across Field Sales.
• Organizational changes are implemented effectively with clear communication and minimal disruption.
• Talent strategies directly contribute to sales performance, productivity, and growth.

What You’ll Receive

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $125,000 to $135,000. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan.

At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We’ve worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.

• Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
• Insurance: day‑one health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
• Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
• Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match
• Investments: Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)
• Work‑Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
• Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie

James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.

James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.

The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.