Role Overview for VP, HR, Global Talent with a Manufacturing Group – Detroit, MI
JRG Partners is proud to lead the exclusive search for a transformative Vice President of HR, Global Talent for a prestigious, multi-billion-dollar manufacturing organization headquartered in the greater Detroit, MI area. This is a career-defining opportunity to join a forward-thinking executive team and architect the human capital strategy that will fuel the company’s next phase of global growth and innovation. Our client is a leader in its field, renowned for its commitment to quality, operational excellence, and sustainable practices. In an industry being reshaped by Industry 4.0, automation, and complex global supply chains, this role is more critical than ever.
Reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), the VP of HR, Global Talent will serve as the enterprise-wide leader for all aspects of talent management. You will be the chief architect of a cohesive global strategy designed to attract, develop, engage, and retain the world-class talent necessary to achieve ambitious business objectives. This is not a purely administrative or operational role; it is a highly strategic position requiring a leader who can seamlessly translate business needs into impactful talent initiatives.
You will be a trusted advisor to the C-suite and senior business leaders, providing data-driven insights and expert counsel on organizational design, leadership development, succession planning, and building a culture of high performance. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environment and possess a deep understanding of the unique talent challenges and opportunities within this sector, from the plant floor to the executive boardroom.
Key Responsibilities of VP, HR, Global Talent with a Manufacturing Group – Detroit, MI
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Global Talent Strategy Development & Execution
You will design, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive global talent strategy that directly supports the company’s long-term strategic plan. This involves conducting thorough needs analyses, forecasting future talent requirements based on market trends and business projections, and establishing a clear roadmap for all talent-related functions. You will champion this strategy across the organization, ensuring alignment and buy-in from all stakeholders, and establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure its effectiveness and demonstrate ROI.
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Leadership of Global Talent Acquisition
Oversee the entire global talent acquisition function, transforming it into a proactive, strategic business partner. You will develop and promote a compelling employer value proposition (EVP) and employer brand that resonates across diverse markets and talent pools. This includes leading executive-level searches for critical leadership positions, implementing innovative sourcing strategies for specialized engineering and technical roles, and leveraging technology and analytics to optimize the recruitment process for efficiency and quality of hire.
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Talent Management, Learning & Development
Architect and lead a holistic talent management ecosystem. This includes designing and deploying robust performance management processes that foster continuous feedback and growth. You will create clear career pathing frameworks and competency models for all levels of the organization. A key focus will be on building world-class leadership development programs, executive coaching, and mentorship opportunities to cultivate the next generation of leaders. You will leverage globally recognized HR best practices to ensure learning initiatives are cutting-edge and drive tangible business results.
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Succession Planning & High-Potential Development
Implement a rigorous, data-driven succession planning process for all critical roles across the enterprise. You will partner with senior leadership to identify high-potential employees, assess their readiness for future leadership roles, and create tailored development plans to close any identified gaps. You will be responsible for facilitating regular talent review sessions with the executive team and the Board of Directors, providing clear visibility into the strength of the leadership pipeline.
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Serve as a passionate champion for DEI, embedding its principles into every facet of the talent lifecycle, from attraction and hiring to development and promotion. You will partner with business leaders and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to develop and execute initiatives that foster a culture of belonging and psychological safety. You will be responsible for setting measurable DEI goals, tracking progress through data analytics, and ensuring the company’s workforce reflects the diverse communities it serves.
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Organizational Design & Change Management
Act as a key strategic advisor to the business on matters of organizational design, effectiveness, and transformation. You will provide expert guidance during periods of change, such as mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, or new facility launches. Your role will be to ensure the organizational structure is agile, efficient, and aligned with strategic priorities, and to lead change management efforts to ensure smooth transitions and high employee adoption.
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Culture & Employee Engagement
Develop and execute a global strategy to measure and enhance employee engagement and morale. This includes overseeing global engagement surveys, analyzing feedback to identify key drivers of engagement, and partnering with leaders to develop and implement meaningful action plans. You will be a key custodian of the company culture, actively working to reinforce its values and create an environment where employees feel valued, heard, and motivated to do their best work.
Requirements for the VP, HR, Global Talent with a Manufacturing Group – Detroit, MI
- A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree (MBA, MS in HR) or relevant professional certification (e.g., SPHR, SHRM-SCP) is highly preferred.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity overseeing multiple facets of talent management on a global scale.
- Direct and substantial experience within the manufacturing, industrial, automotive, or a related sector is mandatory. A deep understanding of the talent dynamics in a complex, matrixed organization with a significant non-exempt, hourly workforce is essential.
- Proven track record of successfully developing and implementing talent strategies across multiple countries and cultures. Experience managing HR in both union and non-union environments is a significant asset.
- Demonstrated expertise in talent acquisition, leadership and organizational development, succession planning, performance management, and DEI.
- Exceptional business and financial acumen with the ability to translate strategic business goals into actionable human capital plans and initiatives.
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence, build credibility, and foster relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, from the shop floor to the C-suite.
- Data-driven mindset with proficiency in HR analytics and experience using HRIS/Talent Management systems (e.g., Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle HCM).
- Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Must be based in or willing to relocate to the greater Detroit, MI area.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their leaders and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation package, including:
- Competitive base salary and a significant annual executive bonus plan tied to company and individual performance.
- Meaningful long-term incentives, including stock options and/or restricted stock units (RSUs).
- Comprehensive benefits package, including premium medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Executive-level paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and flexible work arrangements.
- A comprehensive relocation assistance package for qualified candidates.
- Generous allowance for professional development, executive coaching, and continuing education.
- Corporate wellness programs and access to mental health resources.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive, retained search conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. We encourage you to explore our expertise as leading executive recruiters in the Human Resources space to understand our commitment to connecting exceptional talent with extraordinary opportunities.
JRG Partners and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
