Role Overview for Chief Human Resources Officer with a Major Defense Contractor – Washington, DC

JRG Partners is proud to conduct an exclusive executive search for a transformative Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) on behalf of our client, a premier, multi-billion-dollar defense contractor at the forefront of national security. Based in the strategic hub of Washington, DC, this executive will serve as a vital member of the C-suite, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. This is not merely an HR leadership role; it is a business-critical position responsible for architecting and executing a human capital strategy that directly enables the organization’s mission to protect and advance the nation’s interests.

The ideal candidate is a strategic visionary with a proven track record of leading HR functions in complex, highly regulated environments, preferably within the aerospace and defense industry. As the CHRO, you will be the chief steward of the company’s most valuable asset: its people. You will be tasked with fostering a culture of innovation, integrity, and operational excellence, ensuring the organization can attract, develop, and retain the top-tier, cleared talent necessary to solve the most complex challenges facing our country. You will act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and the Board of Directors on all matters related to human capital, from executive compensation and succession planning to organizational design and cultural transformation. Your leadership will be instrumental in navigating the unique landscape of government contracting, ensuring compliance, and building a resilient, agile workforce prepared for the future of defense.

Key Responsibilities of Chief Human Resources Officer with a Major Defense Contractor – Washington, DC

Strategic Human Capital Leadership

Develop and implement a comprehensive, forward-thinking HR strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term business objectives and strategic plan. Serve as a key strategic partner to the executive leadership team, providing insightful guidance on all people-related issues. Utilize data analytics and workforce planning to anticipate talent needs and address skill gaps proactively.

Executive Partnership & Board Engagement

Function as a coach and confidant to the senior leadership team. Prepare and present comprehensive human capital reports, analyses, and recommendations to the Board of Directors and its relevant committees, particularly concerning executive compensation, talent pipeline, and succession planning.

Talent Acquisition & Management

Oversee the entire talent acquisition lifecycle to attract and hire the best-in-class talent, with a specific focus on cleared professionals in engineering, cybersecurity, and program management. Implement sophisticated sourcing strategies and build a robust talent pipeline to meet the demanding and fluctuating needs of government contracts. Champion a culture of internal mobility and career development.

Organizational Development & Culture

Champion and cultivate a high-performance, mission-driven corporate culture rooted in ethics, integrity, and collaboration. Lead initiatives related to organizational design, change management, and employee engagement to enhance productivity and morale. Implement and oversee performance management systems that drive accountability and reward excellence.

Total Rewards Strategy

Design and administer a competitive and equitable total rewards program, including executive compensation, broad-based compensation, incentive plans, and comprehensive benefits. Ensure all programs are compliant with federal regulations, including the Service Contract Act (SCA) and Davis-Bacon, and are structured to attract and retain top talent in a competitive market.

Employee & Labor Relations

Provide expert guidance on all employee relations matters, ensuring fair and consistent application of company policies. Foster a positive and open work environment, and oversee investigations and resolutions of complex employee issues. Ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Develop and execute a robust DEI strategy that is woven into the fabric of the organization. Drive initiatives that foster an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued and have the opportunity to succeed. Track and report on DEI metrics to ensure continuous progress.

HR Operations & Technology

Lead the HR operations team to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of HR services. Oversee the optimization of HRIS and other HR technologies to improve processes, enhance data analytics capabilities, and provide a seamless employee experience.

Succession Planning & Leadership Development

Architect and implement a rigorous succession planning process for critical leadership and technical roles across the enterprise. Champion leadership development programs, coaching, and mentoring to build a strong pipeline of future leaders from within the organization.

Requirements for the Chief Human Resources Officer with a Major Defense Contractor – Washington, DC

Educational Background

A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree (MBA, MS in HR, etc.) is strongly preferred.

Executive Experience

A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive human resources experience, with at least 7-10 years in a senior HR leadership role (VP or higher) for a large, complex organization.

Industry Expertise

Demonstrable experience within the defense, aerospace, intelligence, or government services industry is mandatory. A deep understanding of the business dynamics, talent challenges, and regulatory complexities of government contracting is essential.

Security Clearance

The ability to obtain and maintain a high-level U.S. government security clearance is a prerequisite for this position. An active clearance is highly desirable.

Strategic Acumen

Proven ability to function as a strategic business partner with C-suite executives and the Board of Directors. Must possess exceptional business acumen and the ability to translate business goals into actionable human capital strategies.

Leadership & Influence

Exceptional leadership skills with a track record of building, developing, and motivating high-performing HR teams. The ability to influence and build credibility at all levels of the organization is critical.

Regulatory Knowledge

Expert knowledge of federal employment laws and regulations, particularly those relevant to government contractors such as FAR, DFARS, SCA, and OFCCP compliance. Deep understanding of all aspects of human resources management, as outlined by organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Communication Skills

Superior interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including the Board of Directors.

Certifications

Professional certifications such as SHRM-SCP or SPHR are highly regarded.

Benefits & Perks Offered

Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain the industry’s best talent. This includes:

Executive Compensation

A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.

Long-Term Incentives

A meaningful equity or long-term incentive plan (LTI) that aligns executive rewards with long-term company performance and shareholder value.

Comprehensive Health & Wellness

Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, along with wellness programs and robust mental health support.

Retirement Savings

A generous 401(k) plan with a substantial company match and potential profit-sharing contributions.

Paid Time Off

A generous executive paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.

Professional Development

A significant budget for executive coaching, continuing education, and participation in industry conferences and professional organizations.

Relocation

A comprehensive relocation package is available for the selected candidate.

How to Apply

JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical search. We are seeking a world-class leader to join a mission-focused organization making a tangible impact on national security. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence. If you are a visionary HR executive with the requisite experience in the defense sector and a passion for building exceptional organizations, we encourage you to apply.

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter. Interested candidates should direct their applications through our dedicated Human Resources Executive Search practice for immediate and confidential consideration.

Role Overview for Chief Human Resources Officer with a Major Defense Contractor – Washington, DC

JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a visionary and strategic Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) for a premier, multi-billion dollar defense contractor headquartered in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. This is a rare opportunity to join the executive leadership team of an organization at the forefront of developing critical technologies and solutions that safeguard national security. As a key strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors, the CHRO will be the chief architect and steward of the company’s most valuable asset: its people. You will be responsible for envisioning, developing, and executing a comprehensive human capital strategy that aligns with and accelerates the company’s ambitious growth objectives and mission-critical commitments.

In this pivotal role, you will lead a multifaceted HR organization responsible for attracting, developing, and retaining a world-class workforce of highly skilled, often security-cleared, professionals, engineers, and scientists. The ideal candidate is a battle-tested HR executive with substantial experience within the complex, highly regulated landscape of the U.S. defense, aerospace, or intelligence community. You will be tasked with fostering a culture of innovation, integrity, and high performance, ensuring the organization is agile, resilient, and prepared to meet the evolving challenges of the global security environment. This position demands a leader with exceptional business acumen, unimpeachable ethics, and the ability to translate complex business strategies into actionable and impactful people-centric initiatives. Operating from the nation’s capital, you will navigate the intersection of business, technology, and government policy, making a tangible impact on the success of the company and its contribution to national defense.

Key Responsibilities of Chief Human Resources Officer with a Major Defense Contractor – Washington, DC

The Chief Human Resources Officer will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, serving as a thought leader and functional expert across all facets of human resources. Key duties include:

Executive Leadership & Strategic Partnership

Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive team on all human capital matters. Develop and implement a forward-thinking HR strategy that supports long-term business goals, including workforce planning, organizational design, and succession planning for critical leadership roles.

Talent Acquisition & Management

Oversee the entire talent acquisition lifecycle, with a strong focus on sourcing and recruiting top-tier talent with specialized skills and security clearances. Implement innovative strategies to build a robust talent pipeline and enhance the company’s employer brand within the competitive defense industry.

Organizational Development & Culture

Champion and cultivate a corporate culture that promotes ethical behavior, collaboration, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Lead change management initiatives, ensuring smooth transitions during periods of growth, M&A integration, or strategic realignment. Develop and deploy programs that enhance employee engagement, morale, and retention.

Leadership Development & Succession Planning

Design and implement comprehensive leadership development programs to cultivate talent from within the organization. Establish a rigorous succession planning process for key executive and management positions to ensure leadership continuity and readiness.

Total Rewards Strategy

Architect and administer a competitive and equitable total rewards program, including executive compensation, broad-based salary structures, incentive plans, and comprehensive benefits. Ensure all compensation practices are compliant with DCAA and other government contracting regulations.

Compliance, Ethics, & Employee Relations

Ensure the organization maintains the highest level of compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as specific regulations pertinent to government contractors. This includes deep expertise in areas such as EEO, Affirmative Action, and OFCCP requirements. Oversee the employee relations function, providing guidance on complex and sensitive issues while fostering a fair and respectful work environment.

HR Operations & Technology

Drive the modernization of the HR function through the strategic implementation and optimization of HRIS and other technologies. Leverage data analytics and HR metrics to provide actionable insights, inform strategic decisions, and measure the effectiveness of HR initiatives. Manage the overall HR budget and ensure the efficient delivery of all HR services.

Board & Government Relations

Prepare and present materials to the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Serve as the primary interface with government agencies on audits and other HR-related compliance matters.

Requirements for the Chief Human Resources Officer with a Major Defense Contractor – Washington, DC

The successful candidate will be a proven HR executive with a distinguished career in environments of similar complexity and scale. The requirements for this role are stringent and reflect the high level of responsibility and impact.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree (MBA or MS in Human Resources) and/or relevant professional certifications (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR) are strongly preferred.

Executive Experience

A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive human resources experience, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., VP of HR, CHRO) overseeing the entire HR function for a large division or an entire enterprise.

Industry Expertise

Demonstrable and substantial experience within the U.S. defense, aerospace, or government contracting sectors is mandatory. The candidate must possess a deep understanding of the unique challenges and operational tempo of this industry.

Security Clearance

Must be a U.S. Citizen. The ability to obtain and maintain a high-level U.S. government security clearance is a condition of employment. An active clearance (e.g., Top Secret) is highly desirable.

Regulatory Knowledge

Expert-level knowledge of government contracting compliance, including DCAA audit requirements, Service Contract Act (SCA), and a deep understanding of regulations set by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP).

Leadership & Communication Skills

Exceptional executive presence, with the ability to influence and build credibility at all levels, including with the Board of Directors. Superior verbal and written communication skills, with experience serving as a company spokesperson on HR-related matters.

Business Acumen

Strong financial and business acumen with a proven ability to link HR strategy to business outcomes. Experience with mergers and acquisitions, including due diligence and post-merger integration, is a significant plus.

Integrity

Unimpeachable integrity, ethics, and a strong moral compass are absolutely essential for this leadership position.

Benefits & Perks Offered

Our client is committed to investing in its employees and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. The package includes:

Executive Compensation

A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a long-term incentive plan (e.g., equity, phantom stock).

Health & Wellness

Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. Comprehensive wellness programs, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Retirement Savings

A generous 401(k) plan with a substantial company match and potential for additional profit-sharing contributions.

Paid Time Off

A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and all federal holidays.

Professional Growth

A commitment to continuous learning with support for executive education, professional certifications, and tuition reimbursement.

Insurance & Security

Company-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, and business travel accident insurance.

Relocation

A comprehensive executive relocation assistance package is available for the selected candidate.

How to Apply

This is a confidential search process managed by JRG Partners. Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their resume and a detailed cover letter outlining their suitability for this specific role and their experience in the defense contracting industry. Your application will be handled with the utmost discretion.

To apply, please submit your application materials through our secure portal. To learn more about our expertise in placing top-tier executives within the Human Resources and Defense sectors, we invite you to visit our Executive Search Practice Area page.

JRG Partners and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.