Role Overview for Chief People Officer, Automotive
JRG Partners is proud to have been retained by a leading Automotive company in its search for a strategic and people-first Chief People Officer. Based in Chicago, IL, this C-suite role owns the people strategy, talent, and culture agenda.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief People Officer will lead talent, total rewards, organizational development, and culture across the enterprise as a trusted advisor to leadership.
The automotive industry is competitive, fast-moving, and margin-sensitive. The ideal candidate combines strategic HR vision with practical, scalable execution across the organization.
This is a career-defining opportunity to lead at the highest level, shaping strategy, culture, and performance and creating durable value for the organization and its stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities of Chief People Officer, Automotive
The role will own the people agenda, with responsibilities including but not limited to:
People Strategy
Define and execute an HR strategy aligned with business goals and growth.
Talent Management
Lead talent acquisition, management, and succession to build a strong pipeline.
Total Rewards
Own compensation, benefits, and rewards strategy that attracts and retains talent.
Organizational Development
Lead organizational design, leadership development, and change.
Culture & Engagement
Champion culture, engagement, and employee experience across the workforce.
Employee Relations
Provide expert guidance on employee relations and workplace matters.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Advance DEI strategy and programs to build an inclusive workplace.
Learning & Development
Build learning and development programs that grow capability and leaders.
HR Operations & Analytics
Modernize HR operations, systems, and people analytics for insight and efficiency.
Compliance
Ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations across locations.
Business Partnership
Partner with leaders to translate strategy into practical people programs.
Team Leadership
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing HR team.
Requirements for the Chief People Officer, Automotive
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field is required; an advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Experience
Progressive HR experience, including HR leadership within a comparable industry.
HR Expertise
Deep expertise across talent, total rewards, organizational development, and culture.
Culture & Change
A proven track record building culture and leading change at scale.
Leadership
Demonstrated ability to lead teams and influence senior leaders.
Analytical Skills
Command of HR systems and people analytics for data-driven decisions.
Communication
Outstanding communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
Business Partnering
The ability to partner strategically while executing hands-on.
Integrity
Unquestionable ethics, judgment, and a genuine commitment to people.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain exceptional leadership talent, including:
Competitive Executive Compensation
A comprehensive executive compensation package, including a highly competitive base salary, a significant annual incentive, and substantial long-term equity or incentive participation.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A full suite of medical, dental, and vision plans with multiple options, plus Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) choices to fit your family’s needs.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you build long-term financial security.
Paid Time Off
A generous paid time off program, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays, supporting a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
Strong support for your continued growth, including funding for certifications, executive education, and attendance at leading industry conferences.
Executive Leadership Platform
A senior leadership seat with the mandate to shape strategy, culture, and performance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family, where applicable.
Collaborative Culture
A positive, inclusive, and high-integrity culture where your leadership is valued and your impact is recognized.
How to Apply
This is a retained search conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. Qualified candidates are invited to apply in the strictest confidence.
To express your interest, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your leadership philosophy and most significant achievements.
This is a retained search conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. For more on our expertise in this area, please visit our Human Resources executive search practice page. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. JRG Partners is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at every level of the organizations we serve.
