VPHR

Crucial Hire; Des Plaines (IL); On-site; USD 157,500 - 192,500; Full time

Job summary

A global provider of mission-critical services is looking for a VP of Human Resources in Wheeling, IL. This on-site leadership role is aimed at advancing the national HR function within a large organization. Candidates should have over 10 years of proven HR leadership skills, particularly in regulated sectors, and a strategic mindset for driving operational excellence. The position offers a competitive salary of $175K+ and a key role within the executive team.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience.
• Experience scaling HR in regulated or union-heavy sectors.
• Comfort working with C-suite executives.

Responsibilities

• Lead an HR team and streamline systems and processes.
• Elevate HR strategy across compliance, benefits, and labor relations.
• Drive talent development and engagement.

Skills

Proactive HR leadership

Experience in union and non-union environments

Strategic operational HR development

Performance improvement

Labor relations knowledge

HRIS platform experience

Job description

VP of Human Resources – Wheeling, IL

We’ve been engaged by a global provider of mission-critical operational services supporting national infrastructure and 24/7 regulated industries. They are seeking a Head of Human Resources to join their senior leadership team and advance the company’s national HR function. This is a $175K+ on-site leadership role, reporting directly to the President and based at their Wheeling, IL operations hub.

With a workforce of 900+ employees across 20+ U.S. locations, this company supports a highly regulated and diverse client base spanning transportation, logistics, and safety-critical services. The company is stable, high-performing, and growing—and this role offers a seat at the table with a tight-knit, execution-driven executive team.

What They Need:

They’re seeking a proactive and strategic HR executive with experience in:

• National, multi-state operations
• Union and non-union environments
• Building HR into a strategic operational lever, not just a compliance function

You’ll lead a small HR team, revamp systems and processes, and elevate people strategy across all HR functions including compliance, benefits, labor relations, training, and talent development.

Ideal Profile:

• HR executive with 10+ years of progressive leadership
• Experience scaling HR in highly regulated, complex, or union-heavy sectors
• Known for improving performance, engagement, and risk management
• Comfort working alongside CEOs, COOs, and frontline operators
• Deep knowledge of employment law, multi-state compliance, and labor relations (especially under the Railway Labor Act or similar)
• Bonus points: experience with major HRIS platforms and systems

Industry Edge:

Ideal if you’ve worked in transportation, manufacturing, logistics, or security-related industries—but they’re open to strong operators with grit and systems savvy.

Click here to apply online