Chief People Officer

City National Bank & Trust•Lawton, OK

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief People Officer leads, directs, and manages the Bank’s “people portfolio.” This role works closely with the President to foster and promote the desired Bank culture. The CPO owns the strategic alignment of talent, culture, and organizational performance to support the Bank’s growth, efficiency, and customer experience objectives. This individual acts as a key driver of organizational clarity, accountability, and execution, ensuring the right people are in the right roles, performing at a high level, and aligned to the Bank’s strategic priorities. The CPO partners with executive leadership to translate strategic initiatives into actionable workforce plans, leadership expectations, and measurable performance outcomes. This role serves as a proactive change leader, driving cultural transformation, leadership effectiveness, and workforce engagement during periods of growth and organizational change. The CPO advises senior management on strategic employee issues and decisions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university or equivalent experience plus additional specialized Human Resources training or equivalent work experience
4-5 years working with executive leadership
5-7 years HR generalist experience and/or training or related experience and/or training
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
High energy level
Facilitator/coach/mentor
Good reasoning abilities and sound judgement
Resourceful and well organized
Participative management style
Assertive/persuasive
Negotiation skills
Service oriented
Constant use of computer screens with the ability to operate a computer keyboard, use hand to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and talk, see or hear
Ability to lift/carry no more than 20lbs
Ability to sit the majority of the assigned work schedule
Clear verbal communication
Close vision and ability to adjust focus

Nice To Haves

Specialized training in human resources related schools, etc. (i.e., Human Resource School, SHRM certification of PHR/SPHR) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Serves as mediator, coach, advisor and facilitator on all human resource matters.
Ensures compliance with established employment related laws/ guidelines/procedures at all Bank organizational levels. Provides assistance and counseling with interpretation of human resources laws and guidelines to both management and staff. Acts as corporate Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Officer.
Leads, oversees, directs, and maintains the Bank's salary administration and performance appraisal/management programs. Participates in compensation and benefits surveys on behalf of the Bank and ensures maintenance/updates of competitive salary ranges for all bank jobs. Oversees the performance review process and counsel’s supervisors/managers on coaching and performance issues. Aligns compensation and incentive structures directly with Bank strategic goals.
Leads and manages recruitment/retention policies and practices. Coordinates all recruiting, screening, interviewing and selection activities, both exempt/non-exempt, including establishment of recruiting sources.
Oversees offers of employment up to senior management. Monitors and reports on employee turnover. Works with Senior Management to develop and/or update succession plans.
Evaluates and recommends organizational structure improvements to enhance efficiency, scalability, and clarity of roles. Ensures organizational design supports speed of execution and decision-making effectiveness.
Formulates, recommends and implements bank wide human resources policies, programs and objectives. Directs preparation/maintenance of reports. Develops and maintains the Bank's Employee Handbook and supporting procedures.
Prepares, assists and monitors annual budget for salary, benefits, and training. Directly contributes to improvement of the Bank’s efficiency ratio through workforce optimization, productivity improvements, and cost discipline.
Develops, administers and maintains Bank's benefit and retirement programs. Seeks competitive bids, solicits Board approval and implements plans in best interest of Bank. Ensures total rewards strategy supports attraction, retention, and engagement of high-performing employees. Balances competitiveness with cost control and long-term sustainability.
Leads development of a high-performance, high-accountability culture. Ensures internal communication strategies reinforce clarity, alignment, and engagement. Designs programs that strengthen connection between employees and Bank mission.
Responsible for the identification of training and development needs within the organization. Builds structured leadership development programs aligned with Bank’s future leadership needs. Ensures all employees understand what good performance looks like and how to achieve it. Measures training ROI through performance outcomes, not participation and reports on results.