Job Description

*ROLE IS FULLY ON-SITE IN ROCHESTER, NY.

About the Company

Our client is a highly respected professional services firm known for its collaborative culture, innovation, and excellence in the industry. With a strong commitment to employee engagement, professional development, and organizational growth, they are seeking a strategic HR leader to shape their people and culture strategy for the future.

The Opportunity

As the Chief People Officer, you will be a key executive leader responsible for developing and executing the firm’s HR strategy, talent initiatives, and cultural vision. This role requires a dynamic, people-centric leader who can effectively balance strategic HR planning with hands-on execution. You will oversee all aspects of talent acquisition, employee relations, DEI initiatives, HR operations, and leadership development, ensuring the firm remains an employer of choice in the industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive HR strategy aligned with the firm’s business goals and long-term growth.
• Lead talent acquisition, workforce planning, and succession strategies to attract and retain top-tier professionals.
• Champion a positive, high-performance culture that fosters collaboration, engagement, and professional development.
• Oversee compensation, benefits, and HRIS systems (ADP is the primary platform—prior experience is preferred but can be learned).
• Advise and collaborate with senior leadership and department heads on organizational development, leadership training, and employee engagement.
• Drive DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives, ensuring a workplace culture that embraces diversity and innovation.
• Ensure HR compliance with employment laws, industry regulations, and best practices across multiple locations.
• Use HR analytics and workforce planning tools to make data-driven decisions and improve operational efficiency.
• Lead change management and employee communications related to business transformations, mergers, or restructuring efforts.

Qualifications & Experience

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned HR executive with deep expertise in talent strategy, organizational culture, and HR operations within architecture, design, engineering, or professional services firms.

Required Qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior executive HR role (CHRO, VP of HR, or equivalent).
• Strong background in architecture, design, engineering, or professional services, where culture and talent retention are key drivers of success.
• Bachelor’s degree required (Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field); master’s degree or HR certifications (SPHR, SHRM-SCP) preferred.
• Experience advising and influencing executive leadership on HR strategies, workforce planning, and change management.

HR Leadership & Strategy Expertise:

• Ability to develop and execute long-term HR strategies that enhance engagement, retention, and workforce planning.
• Experience leading HR teams and mentoring professionals in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Proven track record of cultural transformation and fostering inclusive, high-performance workplaces.
• Expertise in New York State employment law, compliance, and multi-state HR management.
• Strong background in compensation structures, benefits administration, and employee performance management.
• Ability to analyze HR metrics and workforce trends to support business decision-making.
• ADP experience preferred; willingness to learn and optimize HRIS and payroll systems.
• Familiarity with HR technology, talent acquisition platforms, and employee engagement tools.

Interpersonal & Leadership Skills:

• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to build relationships and credibility across all levels of the organization.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and emotional intelligence in handling sensitive employee matters.
• Strong change management and leadership development skills to support a growing, evolving workforce.

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