VP, Human Resources

ExplorUS • Overland Park, KS

2d • Onsite

About The Position

ExplorUS is a family-owned company with nearly 30 years of experience operating National, State, and local park concessions. We specialize in elevating and transforming underperforming park operations – enhancing financial performance while improving the visitor experience and strengthening partnerships with park agencies. We’re seeking a Vice President, Human Resources to provide strategic leadership and oversight of enterprise-wide HR operations supporting a workforce that is approximately 75% seasonal and hourly. This leader will bring deep expertise in high-volume, front-line workforce management and the unique demands of a cyclical labor environment. This role is based in the corporate office in Overland Park, Kansas and is an ‘in office’ position. Leading a team of 3 HR Directors, 18 HR Specialists and Managers, and 3 professionals focused on benefits, compliance, and employee relations, the VP HR will ensure the organization attracts, develops, and retains a high-performing workforce. As a key member of the leadership team, this individual will drive a compliant, equitable, and scalable people strategy while fostering engagement, accountability, and operational excellence across all locations. At ExplorUS, we believe park concessions are more than a business – they are a responsibility. We are stewards of the natural, historic, and cultural resources of the parks entrusted to us and are committed to providing a level of hospitality that honors and enhances those places for generations to come.

Requirements

• 8+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, including at least 3 years in a senior leadership role managing HR teams.
• Demonstrated expertise across multiple HR disciplines, including employee relations, benefits, compliance, and multi-site or field HR operations.
• Experience in hospitality or other industries with large seasonal or hourly workforces (e.g., retail, logistics, or similar) strongly preferred.
• Significant experience supporting predominantly hourly, seasonal, or front-line workforces, with a proven ability to execute high-volume hiring at scale.
• Demonstrated success navigating organizational change, including implementing HR systems (e.g., payroll, ATS, LMS), building new functions, or realigning responsibilities across teams.
• Deep knowledge of federal and state employment laws, with a strong track record of ensuring organizational compliance and mitigating risk.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and hold accountable large, geographically distributed teams while fostering a culture of engagement and performance.
• Experience operating effectively in matrixed or evolving organizational structures, with the ability to collaborate across functions and influence at all levels.
• Strong executive presence with exceptional communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required.

Nice To Haves

• SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a multi-year HR strategy aligned with organizational goals and workforce needs.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the executive team on all people matters.
• Drive organizational effectiveness through workforce planning, succession planning, and change management.
• Champion a culture of inclusion, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Provide strategic leadership, coaching, and performance oversight across HR leadership and specialist teams.
• Establish clear goals, KPIs, and service standards to drive accountability and operational excellence.
• Promote collaboration and alignment across HR functions to ensure integrated, high-impact service delivery.
• Oversee HR Specialists executing front-line and seasonal hiring to meet workforce demands across locations and peak seasons.
• Partner with the Director of Talent Acquisition to align field execution with broader strategy.
• Ensure hiring processes are compliant, consistent, efficient, and candidate-friendly at scale.
• Collaborate with Field HR and Operations on seasonal workforce planning and hiring timelines.
• Maintain knowledge of high-volume sourcing, ATS platforms, and onboarding practices.
• Identify and escalate process gaps, capacity constraints, and compliance risks.
• Oversee employee relations programs, ensuring fair, consistent, and compliant issue resolution.
• Guide HR teams in handling complex investigations, grievances, and disciplinary matters.
• Monitor trends to proactively mitigate organizational risk.
• Manage relationships with outside counsel on employment and legal matters.
• Oversee design, implementation, and administration of competitive benefits programs.
• Lead annual renewals, vendor management, and cost analysis.
• Ensure compliance with ERISA, ACA, FMLA, and other regulations.
• Oversee company-provided housing programs, including policies, occupancy, and compliance.
• Partner with operations and facilities to meet employee and organizational standards.
• Maintain housing policies aligned with regulations and company values.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality HR support for field and remote locations.
• Establish scalable HR service delivery models.
• Partner with Operations to address workforce challenges and ensure consistent practices.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Oversee HR policy development, maintenance, and communication.
• Partner with legal counsel on employment, risk, and regulatory matters.
• Leverage HR systems to deliver metrics, dashboards, and insights for decision-making.
• Report on workforce trends, turnover, engagement, and program effectiveness.

What This Job Offers

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