Head of Human Resources and Talent Acquisition

Head of Human Resources and Talent Acquisition

Oncourse Home Solutions, also operated as American Water Resources, is a trusted home protection provider helping homeowners across the country protect what matters most. We are a $500 million organization backed by private equity firm Apax Partners, serving 2 million customers across 43 states. We partner with 25+ utilities and municipalities (and growing!) to provide customized solutions tailored to any community - delivering real value where people live. We help homeowners protect the essential systems that keep their homes running - from HVAC, appliances, and electrical to water, sewer, gas lines, and more - so they can avoid the stress and financial impact of unexpected repairs. Our work helps homeowners stay safe, comfortable, and confident in their homes every day. At Oncourse, our people are what makes that possible. We call ourselves SUPERs - Successful, United, Progressive, Empathetic, and Reliable - because that's how we show up for our customers and for each other. We invest in our employees through competitive benefits, an inclusive culture, and employee-led resource groups that strengthen connection, community, and belonging across the company. As an equal opportunity employer, our employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, marital status, parental status, mental or physical disability, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law. Oncourse Home Solutions is committed to recruiting and retaining talented applicants and to providing all employees with a workplace free from discrimination and/or harassment.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief People and Diversity Officer, the Head of Human Resources and Talent Acquisition is a key member of the HR Leadership Team, providing both strategic direction and hands-on partnership across employee relations, talent and performance management, talent acquisition, and core HR operations. As a trusted thought partner to the CPDO, this leader leverages data and operational insights to drive high-impact outcomes, inform decision-making, and elevate organizational performance. They inspire followership through credibility, clarity, and consistency while setting a high bar for talent in fostering an environment grounded in trust, integrity, accountability, collaboration, and belonging. Ideal candidates are digitally fluent with strong proficiency in AI tools and an early adopter of emerging technologies. This role is critical to enabling the company's next phase of growth by ensuring we have the right talent, in the right roles, performing at a high level. The Head of HR & Talent Acquisition will play a key role in strengthening leadership capability, scaling our people practices, and driving a high-performance culture. Located at our headquarters in Naperville, IL, our office environment is a key driver of our company culture and employee experience, so a regular in-office hybrid model (T-TH in office and M & F remote) is required – business needs from time to time may warrant in office time on M & F.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Serve as a key member of the HR Leadership Team and trusted advisor to leaders and employees, aligning HR and Talent Acquisition strategies with business priorities.
• Partner with the CPDO and other leaders to design and execute talent management, retention, and talent acquisition strategies supported by scalable processes and reliable reporting.
• As a trusted thought partner to the business, provide strategic coaching and counsel to leaders to enhance organizational effectiveness, team performance, culture, and talent capability.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing HR and Talent Acquisition team, ensuring proactive HR partnership and a consistent, high-quality recruiting experience across the organization.
• Partner with business leaders to anticipate workforce needs and build proactive, high-quality talent pipelines.
• Drive operational discipline and consistency across HR practices, policies, and talent processes to enable scale and reduce variability.
• Leverage data and insights to inform decisions, influence strategy, and improve talent outcomes and organizational performance.
• Manage HR and Talent Acquisition processes to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and user experience.
• Partner with HRIS to enhance systems, people analytics, and reporting capabilities.
• Lead and advise on complex employee relations matters, ensuring thoughtful resolution, risk mitigation, and alignment with legal and compliance standards.
• Partner cross-functionally with Total Rewards and Learning, Culture & DEI to deliver integrated, high-impact HR programs and initiatives for all employees.
• Partner cross-functionally with Legal on HR-related matters, including support for internal complaint assessments and investigations and contingent workforce matters.
• Build strong, credible relationships across the organization, serving as a visible advocate for both the business and its people.
• Provide strategic guidance and oversee leave administration and workplace accommodations programs.
• Ensure compliance with appropriate governmental laws and regulations as they relate to Human Resources (i.e., EEOC/AA, ADA, Wage and Hour, FMLA, WC, etc.).
• Work with assigned areas to ensure they are informed, updated as applicable, and operating in compliance with applicable laws.

We're Excited if this is You! Experience and Qualifications of the Role:

Bachelor's Degree in Business, HR, related field, or equivalent experience. Minimum 8 years of progressive HR experience including building, aligning, and implementing HR and Talent Acquisition programs and processes to business strategy in high-growth, performance-driven environments (PE-backed preferred). Minimum 3 + years of direct people management experience with a track record of consistently recognizing and rewarding excellent performance and effectively managing team and individual performance. Proven ability to scale recruiting and HR operations effectively. Strong business acumen and ability to influence senior leaders. Experience leading and developing high-performing teams. Data-driven mindset with the ability to translate insights into action. Manages individuals situationally based on the person's skill level, work style, and areas of opportunity. Proven understanding of all HR disciplines including organizational development, talent planning, employee relations, talent acquisition, learning & development, and compensation. Track record of working with management in the development of people initiatives, business plans, and resource planning strategies. Deep understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws, leave administration (FMLA, ADA, state leave laws), statutes, etc. which govern and HR compliance and employment policies. History of demonstrating a bias for action in getting this done within the expected timeframe and standards. Knows how to use data to inform important HR decisions and plans. Solid understanding of I-9 compliance and immigration processes, with the ability to navigate requirements confidently and partner effectively with internal stakeholders and external counsel a very strong plus.

Education

A Bachelor's Degree in Business, Human Resources, or related discipline, or equivalent experience is required.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

PHR, SPHR, or other HR certifications are a very strong plus

Computer Skills Needed to Perform this Job

Proficiency in Microsoft Suites

Proficiency in HR systems including Learning Management Systems and Applicant Tracking tools

Knowledge of UKG HRIS a very strong plus

Proficiency in AI tools with early adopter mindset

We offer a compelling total rewards package that includes a competitive base salary and comprehensive benefits to support your total wellbeing. The base pay range for this position is $175,920 - $273,750 USD Annually. The specific pay offered will depend on qualifications, experience, education and skill set. The compensation offered may also include an annual performance-based bonus, sales incentive plan or commission target. Our benefits include, but are not limited to, healthcare, life insurance, paid time off, retirement, commuter benefits, and education reimbursement. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

Join our SUPER Team and Enjoy Amazing Benefits!

Competitive Compensation: We value your hard work and are proud of our competitive pay for performance philosophy.

Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance options, plus paid short-term and long-term disability coverage.

401(k) Plan with 4% Company Match: Secure your future with our robust retirement plan.

Generous Paid Time Off: Take the time you need to recharge and relax.

Education Assistance Program: Invest in your growth and development with our support.

FSA/HSA Options: Flexible spending and health savings accounts to manage your transportation and dependent care expenses.

Employee Wellness: Access to EAP, health, legal, and financial resources to support your overall well-being.

Vibrant Company Culture: Monthly Townhalls, employee recognition programs, and Employee Business Resource Groups (EBRGs) to keep you engaged and connected.

Competencies

Interpersonal Savvy: Relates well to all kinds of people, up, down, and sideways, inside and outside the organization; builds appropriate rapport; builds constructive and effective relationships; uses diplomacy and tact; can diffuse even high