Vice President, Human Resources

Bertelsmann • New York, NY

4d • $240,000 - $260,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Bertelsmann is a media, services and education company with about 75,000 employees that operates in some 50 countries around the world. It includes the entertainment group RTL Group, the trade book publisher Penguin Random House, the music company BMG, the service provider Arvato Group, Bertelsmann Marketing Services, the Bertelsmann Education Group and Bertelsmann Investments, an international network of funds. The company generated revenues of €19 billion in the 2024 financial year. Bertelsmann stands for creativity and entrepreneurship. This combination promotes first-class media content and innovative service solutions that inspire customers around the world.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