Vice President, Human Resources

Bertelsmann-Jobs • New York, NY

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Vice President, Human Resources (VPHR) is a strategic, hands-on executive responsible for leading the organization's Human Resources function within a decentralized, multi-entity environment, aligning people strategy with group-wide business objectives across the parent company and its operating companies. The VPHR leads a team of 13 professionals across Corporate Benefits, Employee Benefits, and HR-Payroll-IT, driving initiatives across talent acquisition, employee engagement, leadership development, compensation and benefits, organizational design, workforce planning, DEI, performance management, and HR compliance. As a member of the executive leadership team, the VPHR serves as a trusted advisor to the CEO on workforce strategy, organizational effectiveness, and culture. This is a working leadership role that requires both strategic thinking and deep operational execution. We are looking for a technically credible leader who moves fluidly between executive strategy and hands-on execution, coordinates closely with management at each operating company, brings real technical depth to HR, benefits and payroll, and personally driving results on priority initiatives, including active M&A activity, not just managing a team. This role is based in New York City and currently requires in-office work at least two days per week. The work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field required.
• 15+ years of progressive human resources leadership experience.
• 8+ years in senior executive HR leadership roles.
• Demonstrated success leading HR strategy in complex, decentralized, and rapidly growing organizations, including M&A integration.
• Experience partnering with executive leadership and multiple operating units.
• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Executive leadership and influence
• Organizational development and change management
• Technical expertise in benefits, compensation and HR operations
• Talent management and succession planning
• Employment law and regulatory compliance
• Compensation and benefits strategy
• M&A experience: due diligence and integration
• Employee relations and conflict resolution
• Data-driven decision making
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• High ethical standards and sound judgment

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree (MBA, MHRM, or related discipline) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the organization's benefits strategy in support of business goals.
• Lead Benefits’ role in M&A activity, including due diligence, integration, and post-close and ongoing support, partnering directly with executive leadership and subsidiaries.
• Advise the CEO on workforce trends, talent risks, and organizational health.
• Lead organizational design and change management initiatives across a decentralized, multi-entity structure.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with subsidiary executives and parent company stakeholders, serving as a strategic advisor and hands-on partner.
• Develop and drive strategies for recruiting, retaining, and developing top talent.
• Partner with executives on critical searches and succession decisions.
• Oversee employee development, succession planning, and learning programs.
• Foster a high-performance culture through effective performance management.
• Champion the organization's mission, values, and culture.
• Drive employee engagement and well-being initiatives.
• Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across the organization.
• Lead employee relations efforts and resolve complex workplace issues.
• Develop, negotiate, and customize the health, welfare, and retirement programs for each of Bertelsmann's U.S. operating Companies within the United States, including Penguin Random House, BMG, Fremantle, Arvato, and other holdings/groups, including new acquisitions.
• Monitor market trends and recommend adjustments to maintain competitiveness and compliance.
• Lead the execution of employee benefit programs across the operating units and manage high-risk escalations.
• Provide excellent customer service support for all employee benefit programs offered at the operating companies.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Oversee HR policies, procedures, and governance.
• Manage employment-related risk, investigations, and legal matters in partnership with legal counsel.
• Partner with our colleagues on HRIS, payroll, benefits administration, and HR technology.
• Drive process improvements and digital transformation within HR with direction from our parent company.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, flexible spending accounts and 401(k) plan.
• A collaborative and inclusive work culture that values employee growth and development
• Exciting Employee Programs, including our wellness reimbursement
• A Certified Great Place to Work Employer
• Professional learning and career advancement opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive