Role Overview for Chief Human Resources Officer with a Public Technology Firm – Seattle, WA
JRG Partners is proud to conduct an exclusive executive search on behalf of our client, a publicly-traded, high-growth technology firm at the forefront of innovation. Located in the vibrant tech hub of Seattle, WA, our client has established itself as a market leader through its cutting-edge solutions and a deeply ingrained culture of excellence and collaboration. We are seeking a visionary and strategic Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to join their executive leadership team and serve as a pivotal architect of their future success.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CHRO will be a trusted advisor and strategic business partner to the entire executive team and the Board of Directors. This is not merely an administrative role; it is a transformative leadership position responsible for envisioning, developing, and executing a global human capital strategy that aligns with and accelerates the company’s ambitious business objectives. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned HR executive with extensive experience in a publicly-traded technology company, possessing the business acumen to translate corporate goals into tangible people-centric initiatives.
You will be the primary steward of the company’s most valuable asset: its people. Your mission will be to foster a high-performance, inclusive, and engaging culture that attracts, retains, and develops top-tier global talent. This role requires a leader who can operate at a high strategic level while also possessing the willingness to be hands-on, ensuring the flawless execution of HR operations. You will oversee all facets of the Human Resources function, including talent acquisition, organizational development, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), total rewards, employee relations, and HR systems, on a global scale. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on a dynamic organization during a critical phase of its growth and evolution.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Human Resources Officer with a Public Technology Firm – Seattle, WA
The CHRO will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Executive Leadership & Strategic Partnership
Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, providing expert counsel on all human capital matters. Develop and implement a comprehensive HR strategy that supports long-term business plans, including scaling, global expansion, and M&A activities.
Board of Directors Collaboration
Act as the primary liaison to the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Prepare and present materials related to executive compensation, succession planning, equity plan design, and overall talent strategy.
Talent Acquisition & Management
Architect and lead a sophisticated global talent acquisition strategy to attract world-class talent in a competitive market. Oversee the entire talent lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to performance management, career pathing, and succession planning for critical roles.
Culture & Organizational Development
Champion and evolve the company’s unique corporate culture, ensuring it remains a competitive advantage. Design and lead initiatives that promote employee engagement, morale, and productivity. Drive a robust learning and development agenda, including executive coaching and leadership training programs.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Lead the development and execution of a meaningful DEI strategy that is woven into the fabric of the organization. Utilize data and best practices to foster an environment of belonging and ensure equitable opportunities for all employees.
Total Rewards & Executive Compensation
Design, implement, and manage a comprehensive and competitive total rewards strategy. This includes overseeing executive compensation, broad-based compensation, equity administration (RSUs, PSUs, ESPP), and benefits programs to attract and retain top talent globally, ensuring compliance with SEC regulations.
HR Operations, Technology & Analytics
Lead the HR Operations team to deliver efficient and effective services to the organization. Champion the use of HR technology (HRIS) and people analytics to provide data-driven insights that inform strategic decisions and measure the effectiveness of HR initiatives.
Employee Relations & Compliance
Ensure the company is in compliance with all international, federal, state, and local employment laws. Oversee complex employee relations issues with a high degree of empathy and professionalism. Develop and implement scalable HR policies and procedures that mitigate risk while supporting a culture of trust and transparency.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Play a critical leadership role in the HR aspects of M&A, from due diligence through successful post-acquisition integration, ensuring a seamless transition for acquired employees and alignment of culture and practices.
Requirements for the Chief Human Resources Officer with a Public Technology Firm – Seattle, WA
The successful candidate will be a proven HR leader with a track record of success in complex, high-growth environments. Qualifications include:
Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., VP of HR, CHRO) overseeing the entire HR function for a global organization.
Public Company Expertise
Non-negotiable requirement of significant experience within a publicly-traded U.S. technology company. This must include direct, hands-on experience working with a Board of Directors and a Compensation Committee on matters of executive compensation and corporate governance.
Industry Background
Deep experience in the fast-paced technology sector is essential. Backgrounds in SaaS, software, cloud computing, or similar industries are strongly preferred.
Educational Foundation
A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree (MBA or Master’s in HR) is highly desirable. Professional certifications such as SHRM-SCP or SPHR are a plus.
Functional Depth
Demonstrated expertise across the full spectrum of HR disciplines. Particular strength in organizational design, executive compensation, talent management, M&A integration, and navigating complex compliance and labor law landscapes is critical.
Business Acumen
A strong, data-driven mindset with the ability to understand business drivers and align HR strategies to financial and operational goals. Must be comfortable with financial statements and business metrics.
Leadership Qualities
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills with the ability to build credibility and strong relationships at all levels, from individual contributors to the Board. A leader who is strategic, resilient, empathetic, and decisive, with a proven ability to lead and develop a high-performing HR team.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain the very best talent. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a substantial annual performance-based cash bonus, and a significant long-term incentive package comprised of equity (e.g., Restricted Stock Units – RSUs).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium, low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. A generous wellness stipend, access to mental health resources, and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Retirement & Financial Planning
A 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company matching contribution. Access to executive financial planning services.
Work-Life Balance
A flexible and generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, in addition to numerous paid company holidays and parental leave.
Professional Development
A significant annual budget allocated for your professional growth, including conferences, executive education, certifications, and industry association memberships.
Additional Perks
A comprehensive relocation package to the Seattle area is available. The role is based in our client’s modern headquarters, featuring numerous amenities, commuter benefits, and a collaborative, energetic atmosphere.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative HR leader with the requisite public company and technology industry experience, we encourage you to apply for this career-defining opportunity.
To express your interest, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and your strategic vision for a modern people function. Qualified candidates will be contacted by a member of our executive search team for a confidential discussion. To learn more about our expertise in this area, please visit our Human Resources Executive Search practice page. We look forward to connecting with you.
