VICE PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES - CHARTWELLS HIGHER EDUCATION (CHARLOTTE, NC)

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Job Summary:

Chartwells Higher Education is seeking a Vice President of Human Resources leading a team of approximately 55 HR professionals across a 2.75B business, who is passionate about creating meaningful employee experiences while leading through complexity in a diverse, multi-campus environment. This is not a traditional HR role—this leader will shape culture, elevate performance, build strong relationships and bring our people strategy to life in ways that directly enable operational excellence and client success.

At the heart of this role is a commitment to building a high-performing, growth-oriented culture where our teams—and the clients, students, and communities we serve—can thrive. As a key member of the leadership team, the VP of HR will lead the People & Culture Council within CHE and influence at every level, translating business priorities into practical, people-focused strategies that drive measurable results where it matters most: in the field.

Responsibilities:

• Partner with executive leadership to shape and execute business strategy, ensuring alignment between people priorities, operational performance, and client outcomes

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team on all aspects of talent, culture, and organizational effectiveness

• Translate business priorities into a forward-looking people strategy that drives growth, retention, and performance across a complex, multi-campus portfolio

• Guide and nurture the growth of a national human resources team.

• Lead the development and execution of scalable HR solutions in partnership with Centers of Excellence (ie Talent Acquisition, Talent Development, Compensation etc) as the quarterback, ensuring consistency, practicality, and impact in the field

• Strengthen leadership capability by coaching senior leaders, enhancing executive presence, and building a robust succession pipeline

• Drive a high-performance, values-based culture that reinforces accountability, engagement, and operational excellence

• Provide strategic oversight of employee and labor relations, navigating complexity and mitigating risk across union and non-union environments

• Partner with operations and commercial teams to support client retention, new business, and overall sector growth

• Optimize HR processes, systems, and service delivery models to improve efficiency, scalability, and field adoption

• Leverage data and analytics to inform decision-making, measure impact, and continuously improve people and business outcomes

• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements while maintaining a pragmatic, business-focused approach to risk management

• Build strong, trust-based relationships with leaders, clients, and key stakeholders across the organization

• Contribute as a senior member of the Compass Group North America People Leadership Team, influencing broader enterprise people strategy

Qualifications:

• 15+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, including senior-level partnership with business leaders in complex, multi-site environments

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field

• Demonstrated experience leading across multiple HR functions with a strong balance of strategy and execution

• Deep experience in unionized environments, with hands-on involvement in labor relations and workforce strategy

• Strong business acumen with the ability to connect people strategy to operational and financial outcomes

• Proven ability to coach and influence senior leaders, driving leadership effectiveness and organizational impact

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills across all levels of the organization

• Experience supporting high-volume, frontline workforces (hospitality, food service, retail, healthcare, or similar environments preferred)

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment with a high degree of complexity and ambiguity

• Willingness and ability to travel as needed (25-30%)

The Benefits

We are always looking for ways to invest in our people both inside and outside of work to help them achieve their full potential. Both full-time and part-time associates are eligible for the following benefits:

• Opportunities for Training and Development

• Retirement Plan

• Associate Shopping Program

• Health and Wellness Programs

• Discount Marketplace

• Identity Theft Protection

• Pet Insurance

• Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program

In addition, full-time positions also offer the following benefits to associates:

• Medical

• Dental

• Vision

• Life Insurance/AD

• Disability Insurance

• Commuter Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Maryland, Washington State, or to be performed Remotely, click here ( or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

Because this position requires you to perform services in an educational facility, there may be periods when the Company does not require you to perform work (such as winter and summer breaks when food service needs decline or cease). Any such periods during which you do not perform work on the Company’s behalf may be unpaid and deemed a temporary layoff. However, depending on business needs, you may be required to work year-round, potentially at a different location during break periods. Business needs may vary from year to year.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Chartwells Higher Ed maintains a drug-free workplace.