JRG Partners is proud to conduct an exclusive, confidential search for an Executive Vice President (EVP) of Global Human Resources on behalf of our client, a world-renowned, publicly-traded Fortune 500 retailer. This is a career-defining opportunity to lead the entire human capital function for one of the most significant companies in the world, directly impacting hundreds of thousands of employees across the globe. Based at their global headquarters in the dynamic corporate hub of Bentonville, Arkansas, this executive will serve as a key member of the C-suite, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
This role is not merely about managing HR; it is about architecting the future of work for a global powerhouse. The successful candidate will be a transformative leader, a strategic business partner, and the chief steward of the company’s culture. You will be entrusted with shaping the policies, programs, and environment that attract, retain, and develop the best talent on the planet. If you are a visionary HR executive with a proven track record of leading at scale in a complex, global organization, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Role Overview for EVP, Global HR with a Fortune 500 Retailer – Bentonville, AR
As the EVP of Global Human Resources, you will be the ultimate authority on people and culture within the organization. You will serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO, the Board of Directors, and the executive leadership team on all matters related to human capital. Your vision will ensure that the company’s HR strategy is not only aligned with but also a driver of its overall business objectives, growth, and long-term success.
You will lead a large, multi-disciplinary global HR team and be responsible for fostering a high-performance, inclusive, and engaging culture that resonates across diverse markets and geographies. This position requires a leader who can balance strategic, long-term planning with effective, pragmatic execution, navigating the complexities of a massive retail landscape while keeping the employee experience at the forefront.
Key Responsibilities of EVP, Global HR with a Fortune 500 Retailer – Bentonville, AR
Strategic Leadership & Business Partnership
Act as a trusted counselor and strategic partner to the executive team. Develop and execute a progressive, forward-thinking global HR strategy that addresses key business challenges, including digital transformation, market expansion, and competitive pressures. Translate business needs into actionable HR initiatives with measurable impact.
Talent Management & Succession Planning
Architect a comprehensive global talent management framework. Oversee executive and leadership development programs, create robust succession plans for critical roles, and implement innovative strategies for identifying and nurturing high-potential talent across the organization to build a strong leadership pipeline.
Organizational Design & Effectiveness
Lead large-scale organizational design and change management initiatives to enhance agility, collaboration, and efficiency. Ensure the company’s structure and operating models are optimized to support strategic goals and drive performance in a rapidly evolving retail environment.
Culture, Engagement & Employee Experience
Champion the company’s values and be the primary architect of a positive, inclusive, and high-performance global culture. Utilize data analytics and employee feedback to measure engagement and develop targeted initiatives that enhance the overall employee experience from onboarding to offboarding.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I)
Drive the global DE&I strategy as a core business imperative. Partner with leaders across the company to embed DE&I principles into all talent processes, policies, and practices. Establish clear metrics to track progress and ensure accountability for creating a workforce that reflects the diverse communities the company serves.
Total Rewards & Compensation
Oversee the design and administration of a globally competitive total rewards strategy, including executive compensation, broad-based compensation, equity programs, benefits, and wellness initiatives. Ensure reward systems are aligned with a pay-for-performance philosophy and attract and retain top-tier talent.
Talent Acquisition
Lead a global talent acquisition function capable of attracting a diverse slate of world-class candidates at all levels. Modernize recruitment strategies by leveraging technology, data, and innovative sourcing channels to meet the company’s significant hiring demands.
HR Technology & Analytics
Champion the use of technology and data to modernize the HR function. Oversee the HRIS ecosystem (e.g., Workday, SAP SuccessFactors) and leverage people analytics to provide actionable insights that inform strategic decisions and predict future talent trends.
Employee & Labor Relations
Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations issues globally. Oversee the development of progressive employee relations policies and ensure a fair and respectful work environment for all associates. Where applicable, manage labor relations strategies and negotiations.
Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure the organization maintains full compliance with all applicable labor laws, regulations, and reporting requirements across all countries of operation. Proactively identify and mitigate people-related risks. Adhere to the highest professional standards as outlined by organizations like the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Requirements for the EVP, Global HR with a Fortune 500 Retailer – Bentonville, AR
Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive human resources experience, with at least 10 years in a senior executive leadership role (e.g., CHRO, EVP, or SVP of HR) for a large-scale, complex, global public company. Experience within the retail, CPG, or a related fast-paced, consumer-driven industry is strongly preferred.
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required. An MBA or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is highly desirable.
Global Leadership
Demonstrated experience leading a large, geographically dispersed HR organization. Proven ability to develop and implement HR strategies that are effective across different cultures and legal frameworks.
Business Acumen
Deep understanding of business fundamentals, financial metrics, and how HR can drive profitability and growth. Ability to engage in strategic business discussions and contribute beyond the HR function.
Transformational Leadership
Proven track record of leading significant organizational change and transformation, including cultural shifts, M&A integration, and digital transformation initiatives.
Executive Presence & Communication
Exceptional communication, presentation, and influencing skills. The ability to build credibility and strong relationships with the Board of Directors, C-suite peers, and employees at all levels.
Data-Driven Mindset
Strong analytical skills and experience using data and metrics to make informed decisions, measure the effectiveness of HR programs, and tell a compelling story.
Integrity
Unquestionable personal and professional integrity, a strong ethical compass, and the ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a world-class, executive-level compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain the very best leaders. The package includes:
- Highly competitive base salary.
- Substantial annual performance-based bonus.
- Significant long-term incentive plan (equity, stock options).
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- Generous 401(k) plan with a significant company match.
- Executive-level paid time off (PTO), holidays, and leave policies.
- A comprehensive relocation package to Bentonville, AR.
- Executive financial planning and wellness programs.
- Generous employee discount and other corporate perks.
- Opportunity for continued professional development and executive coaching.
How to Apply
This executive search is being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. Due to the confidential nature of this search, all inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost discretion. Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience.
To be considered for this pivotal leadership role, please submit your application through our secure portal. For more information on our expertise in placing top-tier HR leaders, please visit our Human Resources Executive Search practice page. We look forward to learning more about your qualifications and discussing how you can shape the future of this iconic global company.
