Vice President Human Resources

Continental Western Group (a Berkley Company); Urbandale (IA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional property casualty insurance company is seeking a Vice President of Human Resources to act as a strategic partner to senior leadership. This role involves leading innovative HR initiatives, managing talent strategies, and enhancing employee engagement. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in HR leadership, with a strong acumen for business strategy and a background in utilizing technology for performance management. This full-time position is based in Urbandale, IA, with a salary range of $180,000 to $220,000.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior HR leadership roles with a track record of driving strategic initiatives.
• 10 years of experience in a leadership role and a minimum of seven years progressive HR experience.
• One of the following preferred: PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP.

Responsibilities

• Drive business outcomes through innovative people strategies.
• Develop and execute talent strategies and retention initiatives.
• Integrate AI and digital solutions into HR processes.
• Lead change management strategies for business transformation.
• Champion a culture of inclusion and engagement.
• Align HR initiatives with business goals.

Skills

Strategic HR leadership

Talent management

Organizational development

Change leadership

AI and data analytics

Business acumen

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Vice President Human Resources

Continental Western Group (a Berkley Company)

Company Details

Rated Best Places to Work 2020, 2022 and 2024 by Business Insurance, Continental Western Group is a regional property casualty insurance company offering commercial products and services through independent agents in the Midwest. CWG provides unique value through the service provided by our experienced group of employees and independent agents. Since 1886 - Strong, Local and Trusted.

As a Berkley company, we enjoy operational flexibility that allows us to deliver quality coverage solutions. W. R. Berkley Corporation, and all member insurance companies, are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, and carry Standard & Poor’s Financial Rating of A+ (Strong).

The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Responsibilities

The Vice President of Human Resources (VP HR) serves as a strategic partner to senior leadership, driving business outcomes through innovative people strategies. This role leads the design and execution of enterprise-wide HR initiatives that align talent management, workforce planning, and organizational development with evolving business priorities. The VP HR champions a culture of engagement, inclusivity, and adaptability while leveraging technology and data‑driven insights to optimize workforce performance.

Strategic Talent Leadership

• Develop and execute forward‑looking talent strategies, including workforce planning, succession management, and leadership development, to meet current and future business needs.
• Drive retention initiatives that address evolving employee expectations, hybrid work models, and competitive labor markets.

AI & Digital Transformation

• Integrate AI and advanced analytics into HR processes for recruiting, performance management, and predictive workforce planning.
• Promote digital HR solutions that enhance employee experience and operational efficiency.

Change Management & Organizational Agility

• Lead change management strategies to support business transformation, ensuring leaders and employees are equipped to adapt to new technologies and processes.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives on organizational design and cultural evolution.

Employee Experience & Engagement

• Champion a culture of inclusion, engagement, and continuous learning.
• Oversee programs for onboarding, performance management, recognition, and career development.

Business Partnership

• Collaborate with senior leaders to align HR initiatives with business goals, providing insights on talent risks and opportunities.
• Contribute to annual business planning and budgeting processes with a focus on human capital priorities.
• Manage HR‑related budgets in collaboration with President and CFO, including compensation and benefit analysis.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to employment laws and ethical standards.
• Manage employee relations, investigations, and disciplinary actions with fairness and transparency.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior HR leadership roles with a track record of driving strategic initiatives.
• Expertise in talent management, organizational development, and change leadership.
• Familiarity with HR technology platforms, AI applications, and data analytics.
• Strong business acumen and ability to influence at the executive level.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Education Requirement

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 10 years of experience in a leadership role and a minimum of seven years progressive HR experience.
• One of the following preferred: PHR, SPHR, SHRM‑CP, or SHRM‑SCP.

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Human Resources

Industries

• Financial Services and Insurance

Location: Urbandale, IA

Salary: $180,000.00 – $220,000.00