Role Overview for Chief Human Resources Officer with a Public Software Company – Seattle, WA
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a transformative Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) on behalf of our client, a rapidly scaling, publicly traded software company headquartered in Seattle, WA. This is a pivotal executive leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serving as a key member of the executive team. We are seeking a strategic, business-oriented HR leader who can architect and execute a world-class people strategy that aligns with and accelerates the company’s ambitious growth objectives.
The successful candidate will be a visionary leader responsible for the entire global human resources function. This includes talent acquisition, talent management, organizational development, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), total rewards, HR operations, and employee relations. As the CHRO, you will be the primary steward of the company’s culture, ensuring it remains a competitive advantage as the organization scales globally. You will act as a trusted advisor and coach to the CEO and the executive leadership team, providing insightful counsel on all people-related matters. This role requires a unique blend of strategic thinking, operational excellence, and a deep understanding of the complexities of a public technology company, including M&A integration, executive compensation, and stockholder engagement.
This is a career-defining opportunity for an experienced HR executive to make a significant impact on a dynamic and innovative organization. You will be empowered to build and lead a high-performing HR team, implement cutting-edge people programs, and shape the future of work for a talented and passionate employee base. If you are a proven leader with a track record of scaling HR functions in a fast-paced, public company environment, we encourage you to apply.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Human Resources Officer with a Public Software Company – Seattle, WA
The CHRO will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, driving the human capital agenda across the global enterprise. Key duties include:
Executive Leadership & Strategic Partnership
Serve as a core member of the executive leadership team, acting as the primary thought partner to the CEO and board on all human capital strategies. Translate business objectives into a comprehensive, forward-looking people agenda that drives organizational performance and long-term value creation. Provide data-driven insights to guide decision-making on organizational design, workforce planning, and succession management.
Culture & Engagement
Champion and evolve the company’s unique culture, ensuring it is intentionally cultivated and reinforced as the company grows. Develop and implement strategies to measure and enhance employee engagement, morale, and retention. Foster an inclusive and high-performance environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to do their best work.
Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding
Oversee the global talent acquisition function to attract, assess, and hire top-tier talent at all levels. Develop a compelling employer brand proposition that positions the company as an employer of choice in the competitive tech landscape. Implement innovative sourcing strategies and ensure a best-in-class candidate experience.
Organizational & Leadership Development
Design and lead comprehensive strategies for talent management, including performance management, leadership development, succession planning, and career pathing. Create robust learning and development programs that build critical skills and cultivate the next generation of leaders. Provide executive coaching and development for the senior leadership team.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I)
Architect and execute a holistic DE&I strategy that is deeply integrated into all people processes and the fabric of the company culture. Partner with leaders across the organization to build a diverse workforce and foster an equitable and inclusive environment. The CHRO must be a passionate advocate for DE&I, a commitment central to modern HR practice as outlined by leading organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Total Rewards & Compensation
Lead the strategy, design, and administration of all global compensation and benefits programs. This includes executive compensation, equity plan design and administration, sales commission structures, and broad-based pay. Ensure programs are competitive, equitable, and aligned with the company’s financial goals and talent philosophy. Partner with the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on all executive compensation matters.
HR Operations & Technology
Modernize and scale the HR operations function, including HRIS, payroll, and people analytics. Leverage technology and data to drive efficiency, improve the employee experience, and provide actionable insights to the business. Ensure the integrity and security of all employee data.
Compliance & Employee Relations
Ensure the company is in compliance with all federal, state, and international labor laws and regulations, with particular emphasis on the requirements for a publicly traded U.S. company (e.g., SOX, SEC reporting). Oversee the employee relations function, providing guidance on complex and sensitive issues while mitigating risk.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Play a key leadership role in the HR aspects of M&A activities, from due diligence through successful integration. Develop and execute a repeatable playbook for assessing cultural fit, integrating teams, and harmonizing compensation and benefits programs.
Requirements for the Chief Human Resources Officer with a Public Software Company – Seattle, WA
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned and strategic HR leader with a proven track record of success in a similar environment. Specific qualifications include:
Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive human resources experience, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., VP of HR, CHRO) managing a global HR function.
Public Company Expertise
Demonstrable experience as an HR leader within a publicly traded technology or software company is essential. This includes direct experience working with a Board of Directors and a Compensation Committee on executive compensation, equity strategy, and governance.
High-Growth Environment
Proven success in a fast-paced, high-growth, and dynamic environment. Experience scaling an organization from several hundred to several thousand employees is highly desirable.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree (e.g., Master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology) is strongly preferred.
Functional Depth
Deep expertise across all HR disciplines, including talent acquisition, compensation (specifically equity and executive comp), organizational development, DE&I, and HR systems.
Business Acumen
Strong financial literacy and business acumen. The ability to understand the company’s business model, strategy, and financial drivers and to translate them into a coherent human capital plan.
Leadership & Influence
Exceptional leadership skills with a track record of building, developing, and motivating high-performing teams. The ability to influence and build credibility with stakeholders at all levels, from the board room to individual contributors.
Communication Skills
World-class communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to articulate a clear and compelling vision and to communicate with clarity, empathy, and transparency.
Certifications
Professional certifications such as SPHR or SHRM-SCP are a plus.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top talent. This includes:
Competitive Base Salary and Executive Bonus Plan
A highly competitive cash compensation package commensurate with experience.
Significant Equity Package
A substantial long-term incentive package, including RSUs and/or stock options, to ensure alignment with shareholder interests.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Full medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their dependents, with significant employer contributions. Access to mental health resources, wellness programs, and fitness stipends.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off policy to support work-life balance.
Parental Leave
Comprehensive paid parental leave for all new parents.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, professional development, conferences, and certifications.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is proud to be the exclusive search firm for this critical leadership position. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. To be considered for this transformative Chief Human Resources Officer opportunity, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role.
To learn more about our dedicated expertise in placing top-tier HR leaders, please visit our Human Resources Executive Search practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application.
