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# VP, Human Resources with a Private Equity Group – Charlotte, NC


Role Overview for VP, Human Resources with a Private Equity Group – Charlotte, NC
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, growth-oriented private equity group in their search for a visionary and results-driven Vice President of Human Resources. Based in the thriving financial hub of Charlotte, NC, this is a career-defining opportunity to serve as a key member of the firm’s leadership team. The successful candidate will not be a traditional HR leader but a strategic business partner who understands that human capital is the primary driver of value creation within a private equity portfolio. You will be instrumental in shaping the firm’s internal culture and, more critically, in driving human capital initiatives across a diverse portfolio of companies.
This role demands a unique blend of strategic foresight, financial acumen, and hands-on execution. You will be responsible for the entire human capital lifecycle, from leading HR due diligence on new acquisitions and orchestrating seamless post-merger integrations to coaching portfolio company executives on building world-class teams. You will architect and implement sophisticated talent management, executive compensation, and organizational design strategies that directly align with the firm’s investment thesis and accelerate growth. This position offers a unique vantage point at the intersection of finance and human resources, providing direct influence over the success of the firm and its investments. We are seeking a leader who is energized by the fast-paced, intellectually rigorous, and high-stakes environment of private equity and who is passionate about building enduring value through people.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Human Resources with a Private Equity Group – Charlotte, NC
Strategic Human Capital Leadership
Act as the chief architect of the firm’s human capital strategy. Partner directly with the firm’s General Partners and executive team to translate investment objectives into actionable people strategies. You will provide critical counsel on organizational structure, leadership alignment, and culture, ensuring that the human element is a core component of every investment decision. This involves a deep understanding of strategic human resource management and its application in a high-growth context.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Lifecycle Management
Lead all aspects of human resources due diligence for potential acquisitions. This includes assessing leadership teams, evaluating cultural compatibility, analyzing compensation and benefits liabilities, and identifying key talent-related risks and opportunities. Post-acquisition, you will develop and execute comprehensive integration plans, focusing on harmonizing cultures, retaining key talent, aligning compensation structures, and establishing scalable HR infrastructure to support rapid growth.
Portfolio Company Advisory and Support
Serve as a trusted advisor and hands-on resource to the leadership teams of portfolio companies. You will partner with CEOs and their executive teams to diagnose organizational health, design effective organizational structures, and develop robust talent acquisition strategies. This includes leading executive-level searches for critical roles within the portfolio, implementing leadership development programs, and creating effective succession plans to ensure long-term stability and performance.
Executive Compensation and Performance Management
Design, implement, and manage sophisticated and highly competitive executive compensation programs for both the firm and its portfolio companies. This includes structuring base salary, annual incentives, and complex long-term incentive plans (LTIPs), such as equity, phantom stock, and carried interest, that align executive performance with investor returns. You will develop performance management frameworks that drive accountability and reward value creation.
Talent Management and Leadership Development
Develop a comprehensive talent management philosophy and framework to attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent at both the firm and portfolio levels. Create programs for leadership assessment and development, coaching, and mentorship to build a strong pipeline of future leaders. You will be the champion for creating a culture of continuous learning and high performance.
Culture, Engagement, and DEI
Cultivate a cohesive, high-performance culture within the private equity firm that reflects its values and investment philosophy. Extend this focus to the portfolio, providing guidance on building engaged, inclusive, and results-oriented work environments. Champion and integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives as a strategic business imperative that enhances decision-making and performance.
HR Operations and Compliance
Oversee all core HR operational functions, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and full compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations. Manage relationships with external vendors, including benefits brokers, legal counsel, and HR technology providers, to ensure the firm and its portfolio companies are well-supported.
Requirements for the VP, Human Resources with a Private Equity Group – Charlotte, NC
Extensive HR Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in Human Resources, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity overseeing multiple HR functions. A proven track record of building and leading high-performing HR teams is essential.
Private Equity / M&A Acumen
Demonstrable experience working within a private equity firm, a PE-backed portfolio company, or a related high-growth, transaction-intensive environment (e.g., investment banking, management consulting). Direct, hands-on experience leading HR due diligence and post-merger integration is a non-negotiable requirement.
Strong Business and Financial Acumen
Must possess a deep understanding of business operations and financial principles. The ability to read financial statements, understand deal structures, and connect HR initiatives directly to financial outcomes like EBITDA growth and ROI is critical.
Expertise in Executive Compensation
Proven experience designing and administering complex executive compensation plans, including equity and other long-term incentives common in the private equity space.
Strategic and Operational Versatility
The ability to operate at both the 30,000-foot strategic level with senior partners and at the ground level, rolling up your sleeves to execute initiatives within lean portfolio companies. This role requires a leader who is both a thinker and a doer.
Exceptional Influencing and Communication Skills
Superior interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills with the proven ability to build credibility and influence senior executives, investment professionals, and portfolio company leaders.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required. An MBA or a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is highly preferred.
Professional Certifications
Certifications such as SHRM-SCP or SPHR are considered a strong asset.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent and offers a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation and benefits package designed to reward performance and long-term value creation. This includes:
Highly Competitive Compensation Package
A lucrative base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Long-Term Wealth Creation
Meaningful participation in the firm’s carried interest plan, providing a direct stake in the success of the investment fund and significant long-term wealth creation potential.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with low employee contributions, alongside robust wellness programs.
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) plan with a substantial company match to support your long-term financial goals.
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
A flexible and generous PTO policy, in addition to firm holidays, to encourage work-life balance and rejuvenation.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continued professional development, including executive coaching, industry conferences, and advanced certifications.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate to move to the vibrant and growing city of Charlotte, NC.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical search. We are seeking a truly exceptional leader to fill this pivotal role. If you are a strategic, commercially-minded HR executive with a passion for private equity and a proven track record of driving value through human capital, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience in M&A and private equity environments. Interested candidates can learn more about our expertise in this area by visiting our Human Resources Executive Search practice area page. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. They are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.