Vice President, Human Resources

Company Description

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.

Job Description

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.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• 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.

Talent Management

• 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.

Culture and Employee Experience

• 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.

Compensation and Benefits

• 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.

Compliance and Risk Management

• 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.

HR Operations and Payroll

• 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.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or related field required.
• Master's degree (MBA, MHRM, or related discipline) preferred.

Experience

• 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.

Required Competencies

• 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

Additional Information

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Direct Reports: Director, Corporate Benefits; Director, Employee Benefits; Director, HR-Payroll-IT.
• Team Structure: The VPHR leads a team of 13 across Corporate Benefits, Employee Benefits, and HR-Payroll-IT, including oversight of the organization's IT function.

Working Relationships

The VPHR collaborates closely with executive leadership, department heads, legal counsel, finance, and our parent company to ensure the organization's people strategy supports long-term business success.

This role requires a strategic, results-oriented leader with deep expertise in human capital management, strategic benefits, and executive partnership. The VPHR must be equally comfortable with setting direction and rolling up their sleeves to get things done. The VPHR plays a critical role in building an engaged, high-performing workforce while ensuring the organization remains competitive, compliant, and aligned with its mission and values.

Compensation

The salary for this position is $240,000 - $260,000. This position is bonus eligible.

Why Join Bertelsmann, Inc?

• 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

Bertelsmann, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer who values a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, citizenship, HIV/AIDS status or any other legally protected factor.

Your skills, experiences, and perspective are valuable-and we want to empower you to make your mark here with us. We look forward to hearing from you!

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