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# Head of People & Culture – Consumer Goods Leader – New York, NY


Role Overview for Head of People & Culture – Consumer Goods Leader – New York, NY
JRG Partners is exclusively partnering with a rapidly growing, innovative leader in the consumer goods sector, headquartered in the vibrant heart of New York, NY, to find their next Head of People & Culture. This is a pivotal, executive-level opportunity for a visionary HR leader to shape the future of our client’s organization. As the Head of People & Culture, you will be instrumental in building, nurturing, and evolving a world-class employee experience, fostering a high-performance culture, and driving strategic people initiatives that directly support the company’s ambitious growth objectives.
This role demands a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of the consumer goods landscape, capable of navigating its unique challenges and opportunities, particularly in talent acquisition, retention, and development within a fast-paced, brand-driven environment. You will serve as a strategic partner to the executive leadership team, translating business strategy into actionable HR initiatives that promote organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, and a strong sense of belonging. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of strategic foresight, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.
This is more than just an HR role; it’s an opportunity to be the architect of an exceptional workplace, where innovation thrives, and every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to the company’s success. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s ability to attract top-tier talent, maintain its competitive edge, and scale effectively while preserving its unique cultural identity. We are looking for a leader who can not only manage but also inspire, mentor, and champion a positive and productive work environment.
This role is perfect for someone ready to make a significant, lasting impact on a dynamic organization poised for continued expansion and market leadership.
Key Responsibilities of Head of People & Culture – Consumer Goods Leader – New York, NY
Strategic HR Leadership & Business Partnership
Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team on all people-related matters. Develop and execute a comprehensive HR strategy that aligns with and supports the overall business strategy, growth plans, and long-term objectives of the consumer goods company.
Proactively identify organizational needs and design innovative HR solutions to address them, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability across all departments. Lead strategic workforce planning initiatives, ensuring the organization has the right talent in the right roles to achieve its goals.
Culture & Employee Engagement
Champion and evolve the company’s culture, ensuring it remains vibrant, inclusive, and aligned with core values. Design and implement programs that enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, including recognition programs, employee feedback mechanisms, and internal communications strategies. Foster an environment where diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just initiatives but integral to the company’s DNA, creating a workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and have equal opportunities to thrive.
Talent Acquisition & Management
Oversee and optimize all aspects of the talent lifecycle, from strategic sourcing and recruitment of top-tier talent (especially critical in the competitive consumer goods market) to onboarding, performance management, and succession planning. Develop robust talent pipelines for key roles and implement best practices for attracting, assessing, and hiring diverse candidates. Drive initiatives for continuous performance improvement, linking individual and team performance to overall business outcomes.
Organizational Development & Change Management
Lead organizational design initiatives, ensuring structures and processes support efficiency, collaboration, and scalability. Develop and implement change management strategies to support business transformations, mergers, acquisitions, or significant growth phases, ensuring smooth transitions and sustained employee buy-in.
Facilitate leadership development programs and coaching initiatives to enhance leadership capabilities at all levels. We believe in continuous improvement and the ability to adapt to market dynamics, and this role will be central to that philosophy.
Compensation & Benefits
Design, implement, and manage competitive compensation and benefits programs that attract and retain top talent, ensuring internal equity and external competitiveness within the consumer goods industry. Oversee annual salary reviews, bonus schemes, equity plans, and benefits administration, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and market trends. Regularly benchmark against industry standards to ensure our offerings remain compelling.
Learning & Development
Establish a comprehensive learning and development framework that supports skill enhancement, career progression, and leadership growth for all employees. Identify critical skill gaps and design targeted training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities. Promote a culture of continuous learning and professional development, empowering employees to reach their full potential.
HR Operations & Compliance
Oversee all HR operational functions, including HRIS management, payroll coordination, policy development, and compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations. Ensure HR processes are efficient, scalable, and employee-friendly. Mitigate risks by staying abreast of legislative changes and proactively implementing necessary adjustments to policies and practices.
Employee Relations
Provide expert guidance and support on employee relations issues, fostering a fair, respectful, and productive work environment. Manage conflict resolution, investigations, and disciplinary actions in accordance with company policy and legal requirements. Promote open communication channels and proactive problem-solving.
Data Analytics & Reporting
Utilize HR metrics and analytics to provide insights into talent trends, predict future needs, and measure the effectiveness of HR programs. Present data-driven recommendations to the executive team to inform strategic decision-making and demonstrate the ROI of people initiatives. Focus on key indicators such as retention, time-to-hire, employee satisfaction, and diversity metrics.
Innovation in People Practices
Continuously research and evaluate emerging trends and best practices in HR, particularly within the dynamic consumer goods sector. Champion the adoption of innovative people strategies and technologies to enhance the employee experience and drive organizational effectiveness.
Requirements for the Head of People & Culture – Consumer Goods Leader – New York, NY
Experience
Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 5-7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Head of HR, VP of People) within a fast-paced, high-growth consumer goods company. Demonstrated experience scaling an organization and managing HR during periods of significant expansion, including M&A integration, is highly preferred.
Industry Acumen
Deep understanding of the unique talent challenges, market dynamics, and cultural nuances within the consumer goods industry. Familiarity with retail, e-commerce, supply chain, and brand marketing functions is crucial.
Strategic Vision
Proven ability to develop and execute strategic HR initiatives that are directly tied to business outcomes. Must possess a strong business acumen and the capacity to think strategically while also being hands-on when necessary.
Leadership & Influence
Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, mentor, and develop a high-performing HR team. Demonstrated ability to influence and build strong relationships with executive leadership, department heads, and employees at all levels of the organization.
Cultural Architect
A passion for building and nurturing vibrant, inclusive, and high-performance cultures. Experience with DEI initiatives and fostering a sense of belonging is essential.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex HR concepts clearly and persuasively. Excellent active listening, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
Analytical & Problem-Solving
Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data and metrics to drive decision-making and measure program effectiveness. Proven ability to identify root causes of issues and implement effective solutions.
Adaptability
Ability to thrive in a dynamic, rapidly changing environment, demonstrating flexibility and resilience. Must be comfortable navigating ambiguity and leading through change.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required. Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, MA in HR) or relevant certifications (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR) are highly preferred.
Location
This role is based in our client’s New York, NY headquarters. While flexible work arrangements may be considered, a significant presence in the office is expected for strategic collaboration and cultural leadership.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client believes in rewarding its team members generously for their dedication and contribution to its success. As the Head of People & Culture, you will be offered a highly competitive compensation package commensurate with your experience and the strategic importance of this role, including a robust base salary, performance-based bonuses, and potential equity options. Beyond financial incentives, the company provides a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support your holistic well-being and professional growth, including:
Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, with options for family coverage. Access to wellness programs, mental health support, and gym membership reimbursements.
Financial Security
Generous 401(k) matching program to support your long-term financial planning. Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage.
Work-Life Balance
Ample paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays) and flexible work arrangements to support a healthy work-life integration.
Professional Development
Significant budget for continuous learning, including executive coaching, industry conferences, certifications, and advanced leadership training programs. Opportunity to shape the company’s future and leave a lasting legacy.
Employee Perks
Discounts on company products, team-building events, employee assistance programs, and a vibrant, modern office environment in the heart of New York City.
Impact & Growth
The opportunity to be part of a high-growth, innovative company, working alongside a passionate leadership team, and making a tangible impact on the organization’s culture and success.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary HR leader with a proven track record in the consumer goods sector and are ready to shape the future of a dynamic organization, we invite you to apply. Please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this pivotal role.
Our dedicated team at JRG Partners’ Human Resources practice area will review all applications confidentially and contact qualified candidates for an initial discussion. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We look forward to discovering how your expertise can contribute to our client’s continued success.