Sr. Director People Strategy & Org Effectiveness

Chicgoland Suburb | Private Equity-Sponsored Manufacturing Company

The Opportunity

Our client, a private equity-backed manufacturing company based in the Chicagoland area, is seeking a Senior Director of Human Resources to serve as a strategic partner to the executive leadership team during a pivotal period of growth and value creation. The company anticipates a significant liquidity event within the next 18–24 months, and this role is positioned to play a direct role in the outcome—with a meaningful profit interest and/or equity upside tied to the transaction.

This is a rare opportunity for an HR leader who wants to see their work translate directly into enterprise value, not just organizational health metrics.

What You'll Own

M&A Integration Leadership — Serve as the architect and hands-on operator of the people side of M&A: pre-deal diligence, culture and talent assessment, and post-close integration playbooks. This isn't advisory; it's execution.

Organizational Design & Effectiveness — Build and refine the org structures, governance, and operating rhythms that will support the company through rapid change and scale.

PE-Grade Value Creation Partnership — Work in close partnership with the senior stakeholders and HR and the sponsor's operating team to align talent and organizational strategy with the operational goals and investment thesis.

Frontline Connection — Stay genuinely close to the manufacturing floor. This leader needs to be as credible walking a plant floor as they are presenting to the board.

What You Bring

Demonstrated, hands-on experience leading HR through M&A — ideally multiple transactions, including integration playbook design and execution, not just participation.

A strong OD/OE foundation, with a track record of building organizational capability during periods of growth or transformation.

Prior experience in a PE-sponsored or PE-backed environment strongly preferred; comfort with the pace, rigor, and accountability that comes with sponsor involvement.

Executive presence that holds its own in the boardroom, paired with an authentic ability to connect with frontline manufacturing employees and supervisors.

Manufacturing industry experience strongly preferred.

Why This Role

This is a builder's role for an HR leader who wants equity in the outcome they help create. The company is on a defined path toward a transaction, and this leader will be in the room — and at the table financially — when it happens.