People Director

CAVU; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CAVU is seeking an Interim People Director to lead HR strategies for a 7-8 month contract. This pivotal role involves supporting a large team to enhance performance and compliance across diverse locations, ensuring a people-first culture while driving organizational change. Join us in shaping the future of our Global Experiences division.

Benefits

Collaborative senior leadership team

Impactful leadership role in a growing business

Flexible hybrid working conditions

Qualifications

• Experience as a senior HR leader in a global, customer-centric business.
• Strong track record in leading change and driving people strategies.
• Experience working in unionised environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of People professionals, supporting 550-600 colleagues globally.
• Drive performance, engagement, and retention in line with business objectives.
• Shape and deliver the people agenda in a growing, customer-focused organization.

Skills

Change Management

Coaching

Strategic Workforce Planning

Stakeholder Engagement

Job description

Description

People Director
Chicago / Hybrid
Contract (7-8 months)

What’s the role?
We’re looking for a strategic and forward-thinking Interim People Director to join CAVU on a fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave. As a key member of the People Leadership Team (PLT), you’ll act as a strategic business partner to the Chief Experiences Officer and the Experiences Leadership Team, shaping the future of our Global Experiences division across the US and UK.

You’ll lead a team of People professionals and support 550–600 colleagues globally, driving performance, engagement, and retention in alignment with our business objectives. This role is pivotal in delivering change, enhancing leadership capability, and ensuring people compliance across diverse locations and employment models.

You’ll work across exciting projects—from enabling new lounge openings to evolving our reward and engagement strategies—while playing a vital role in the development of our broader CAVU People Strategy. This is a unique opportunity to lead transformation in a people-first, guest-centric organization, and make a real impact on our future.

What’s in it for you?

· High-impact leadership role influencing the strategic direction of a global division

· Opportunity to shape and deliver the people agenda in a growing, customer-driven business

· Work alongside a passionate and collaborative senior leadership team

· Join a business where People and Culture are at the heart of commercial success

· Be part of CAVU’s growth journey, supporting innovative customer experiences at airports around the world

About CAVU:

For airports, for partners, for people. We are CAVU.

Formed from the union of MAGO, MAG USA and our network of direct-to-consumer brands - who together drive market leading passenger spend for airports across the world - we have combined our resources to address evolving passenger needs today and exceed them as we move forward into tomorrow.

From our revenue accelerating single platform technology, Propel, through to our world class hospitality venues including Hangar, 1903 and Escape Lounges - our solutions make travel more seamless and enjoyable for passengers and more profitable for our clients and partners.

Our name is taken from the aviation, meteorology term, ‘Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited’, which designates the perfect flying condition.

More than just a name, CAVU is our mindset. It represents all that we stand for. Our proud aviation heritage, our drive to push boundaries, and the very essence of what we do: creating seamless, enjoyable travel experiences for airport passengers.

Together, we can reach new heights. Together, we are CAVU

About You:

· Experience as a senior HR leader in a global, customer-centric business

· A strong track record in leading change and driving people strategies

· Experience working in unionised environments

· Strategic workforce planning and talent development experience

· Excellent coaching, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills

· A proactive mindset with resilience and tenacity

· A genuine passion for colleague experience and service excellence

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, actual or perceived sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical handicap, or disability as set forth in the American with Disabilities Act 1990, or Veterans Status.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.