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# Chief People Officer with a Private Equity Group – Charlotte, NC


Role Overview for Chief People Officer with a Private Equity Group – Charlotte, NC
JRG Partners is proud to lead the executive search for a transformative Chief People Officer (CPO) on behalf of our client, a premier, growth-oriented Private Equity group based in Charlotte, North Carolina. This is a rare and compelling opportunity for a seasoned human resources executive to serve as a key strategic partner, shaping the human capital landscape not only within the firm but across its diverse and rapidly expanding portfolio of companies. The successful candidate will be a visionary leader, a business-minded strategist, and a hands-on operator who understands how to leverage talent as a primary driver of value creation in a fast-paced, M&A-intensive environment.
As the CPO, you will report directly to the Managing Partners and will be an integral member of the executive leadership team. Your mandate will be to design, build, and execute a world-class people function that supports the firm’s aggressive growth trajectory. This role extends far beyond traditional HR; it requires a deep understanding of the private equity lifecycle, from due diligence and pre-acquisition planning to post-acquisition integration and long-term value creation. You will be the firm’s leading expert on organizational design, executive leadership assessment, talent acquisition, culture development, and total rewards strategies that align with the unique demands of PE-backed businesses.
This position is based in the vibrant city of Charlotte, a major financial hub offering an exceptional quality of life. You will work closely with investment professionals and the leadership teams of portfolio companies, acting as a trusted advisor and coach. Your influence will be critical in building high-performing teams, fostering cultures of accountability and innovation, and ensuring that human capital initiatives are directly tied to investment theses and operational objectives. If you are a strategic, data-driven, and results-oriented HR leader with a passion for building great companies, this role offers an unparalleled platform to make a significant impact.
Key Responsibilities of Chief People Officer with a Private Equity Group – Charlotte, NC
The Chief People Officer will have a broad and strategic remit, encompassing the following key areas of responsibility:
Strategic HR Leadership & Advisory

Partner with the firm’s leadership to develop and implement a comprehensive human capital strategy that supports the firm’s investment goals and operational excellence across the portfolio.
Serve as the primary HR advisor to portfolio company CEOs and their leadership teams, providing expert guidance on organizational structure, talent management, executive compensation, and culture.
Develop and manage a scalable HR infrastructure, including policies, programs, and systems that can be leveraged across multiple portfolio companies, ensuring both consistency and flexibility.
Utilize HR analytics and KPIs to provide data-driven insights to leadership, informing strategic decisions related to talent, engagement, and organizational effectiveness.
Act as a culture champion, defining and embedding a set of core values that promote high performance, collaboration, and accountability throughout the firm and its investments.

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Lifecycle Support

Lead all human capital aspects of the M&A process, from pre-deal due diligence to post-close integration.
Conduct thorough HR due diligence on potential acquisitions, assessing leadership talent, organizational culture, compensation and benefits liabilities, and potential integration challenges.
Develop and execute detailed integration plans for newly acquired companies, focusing on harmonizing cultures, retaining key talent, aligning compensation structures, and streamlining HR operations.
Provide critical support during carve-outs and divestitures, ensuring a smooth transition for employees and mitigating legal and financial risks.

Talent Management & Leadership Development

Oversee executive search and assessment for key leadership roles within the firm and across the portfolio, building a robust network of top-tier executive talent.
Design and implement comprehensive talent management programs, including performance management, succession planning, and leadership development, to cultivate a strong leadership pipeline.
Create strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining top talent in highly competitive markets.
Partner with portfolio company leaders to build scalable and effective talent acquisition functions capable of supporting rapid growth.

Total Rewards & Executive Compensation

Design and manage sophisticated executive compensation programs, including short-term and long-term incentive plans (e.g., bonus structures, equity, carried interest) that align with investor interests and drive performance.
Conduct market analysis and benchmarking to ensure compensation and benefits packages are competitive and effective in attracting and retaining key executives and employees.
Oversee the strategy and administration of benefits programs across the portfolio, leveraging scale to optimize costs and enhance offerings.

Requirements for the Chief People Officer with a Private Equity Group – Charlotte, NC
We are seeking an exceptional leader with a proven track record of success in strategic human resources within a demanding, high-growth environment. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of strategic acumen, financial literacy, and operational expertise.
Required Qualifications

A minimum of 15+ years of progressive human resources experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., VP of HR, CHRO, CPO).
Significant experience working within a Private Equity firm or a PE-backed portfolio company is strongly required. A deep understanding of the PE business model and investment lifecycle is essential.
Demonstrable, hands-on experience leading the HR workstream in M&A transactions, including due diligence and complex post-merger integrations.
Proven expertise in designing and implementing executive compensation and incentive plans, including equity and carried interest programs.
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required.

Preferred Qualifications

An MBA or other advanced degree (e.g., Master’s in HR, Organizational Development) is highly preferred.
Experience working across a diverse portfolio of companies in various industries.
Strong business and financial acumen; ability to understand and contribute to discussions about business strategy and financial performance.
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build credibility with senior executives, investment professionals, and board members.
A strategic thinker who can also execute with a hands-on, roll-up-the-sleeves mentality.
High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complex and sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion.
SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification is a plus.

Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Competitive Compensation
A highly attractive base salary and a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Equity Participation
A meaningful opportunity for equity ownership and/or carried interest, providing direct participation in the success of the firm’s investments.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, along with wellness programs and resources.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off policy to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, executive coaching, and participation in industry conferences and events.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical search. To express your interest in this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications. We encourage you to apply promptly as we are actively reviewing candidates.
For more information about our expertise in this sector and to explore other opportunities, please visit our Private Equity practice area page. We look forward to connecting with you to discuss how your background aligns with this transformative leadership role.
JRG Partners and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.