Vice President Human Resources

CooperDouglas; California (MO); On-site; USD 175,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance-based bonus

Employer-sponsored retirement program

Generous paid time off program

Job summary

CooperDouglas is seeking a Vice President of Human Resources in California to lead their HR strategy. This role requires 12+ years of HR experience and an in-depth understanding of California employment law.

As a key member of the leadership team, you will develop people strategies that support organizational goals and enhance employee engagement. The position offers a base salary of $175,000 to $200,000, along with a performance-based bonus and executive-level benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 years of HR experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Extensive knowledge of California employment law and compliance.
• Proven ability to influence and build credibility with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an advisor to executive leadership on HR matters.
• Develop and execute comprehensive HR strategies.
• Ensure compliance with federal and state employment laws.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic HR planning

Employee relations

Compensation and benefits

HR technology

Education

Bachelor’s degree

SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification

Tools

HRIS

Job description

A highly respected and growing organization is seeking an accomplished Vice President of Human Resources to lead and advance its human capital strategy during an important period of continued growth and evolution.

Reporting to a senior executive leader, the Vice President of Human Resources will serve as a key member of the leadership team, providing both strategic direction and operational oversight across all areas of Human Resources. This executive will be responsible for developing and executing people strategies that support organizational objectives while fostering a culture of engagement, accountability, and excellence.

The successful candidate will bring deep expertise across all core HR disciplines, including employee relations, talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, payroll, compliance, organizational development, leadership coaching, workforce planning, and HR technology. Equally important, this individual must possess the judgment, emotional intelligence, and leadership presence necessary to build strong relationships across all levels of the organization while introducing best practices that support long‑term success.

This role is ideal for a seasoned HR executive who appreciates the importance of balancing innovation with culture, strategic leadership with operational execution, and business objectives with a people‑centered approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on all human capital matters, including organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, succession planning, leadership development, and employee engagement.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive human resources strategy aligned with organizational goals and long‑term business objectives.
• Partner with senior leadership to assess organizational needs and implement solutions that support growth, operational excellence, and workforce effectiveness.
• Provide thought leadership regarding emerging HR trends, market practices, regulatory developments, and workforce challenges.
• Influence and support key business decisions through data‑driven workforce insights and strategic recommendations.
• Direct all aspects of the Human Resources function, including talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation, benefits, payroll, compliance, performance management, training and development, and HR operations.
• Ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including extensive California employment law requirements.
• Evaluate and strengthen HR policies, procedures, systems, and programs to ensure consistency, efficiency, scalability, and compliance.
• Lead the continued development and optimization of HR processes and technology platforms that enhance organizational effectiveness and employee experience.
• Establish meaningful metrics and reporting tools to evaluate organizational performance, workforce trends, and HR effectiveness.
• Develop and implement talent acquisition and retention strategies designed to attract, engage, and retain high‑performing employees and leaders.
• Lead succession planning and leadership development initiatives to ensure organizational continuity and future leadership readiness.
• Partner with leadership to strengthen organizational capability, employee engagement, and performance management practices.
• Create and execute programs that support employee growth, career development, and leadership effectiveness.
• Guide organizational change initiatives while maintaining alignment with the organization’s culture and values.
• Champion a positive, collaborative, and high‑performing workplace culture.
• Foster an environment of trust, transparency, accountability, and inclusion across the organization.
• Provide executive‑level guidance and oversight regarding employee relations matters, investigations, conflict resolution, and workplace concerns.
• Partner with leaders to promote employee engagement, strengthen communication, and enhance overall organizational health.
• Ensure that organizational values are reflected throughout all people‑related practices and initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing Human Resources team.
• Create a culture of accountability, service excellence, continuous improvement, and professional development within the HR function.
• Establish clear priorities, expectations, and performance standards for the department.
• Build organizational capability through effective coaching, leadership development, and succession planning within the HR team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field preferred.
• SHRM‑SCP, SPHR, or equivalent senior‑level Human Resources certification strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including significant leadership responsibility across multiple HR disciplines.
• Demonstrated success leading comprehensive Human Resources functions within complex, multi‑site organizations.
• Extensive knowledge of California employment law, employee relations, compensation, benefits, payroll administration, and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to influence executive leadership and build credibility with stakeholders across all levels of an organization.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to align people strategies with organizational priorities.
• Experience leading organizational growth, workforce planning initiatives, and HR operational improvements.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, relationship‑building, and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on execution.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary: $175,000 to $200,000
• Annual performance‑based bonus opportunity
• Employer‑sponsored retirement program with company match
• Generous paid time off program
• Additional executive‑level benefits

Location

This position is based on‑site in Ontario, California and requires regular interaction with executive leadership, managers, and employees throughout the organization. The successful candidate will be an engaged and visible leader who values in‑person collaboration and relationship building.

This confidential search is being conducted on behalf of a well‑established organization seeking an experienced Human Resources executive who can provide strategic leadership, operational excellence, and a strong commitment to fostering a people‑focused culture.