VP HR Manufacturing

• Base salary range: $120,000-$140,000 (this range is fixed and cannot be exceeded)
• Annual bonus eligibility, up to $25,000 per year (discretionary)
• 401(k) with company match
• Relocation assistance may be available (capped support)
• Vaco Highspring is conducting a confidential search on behalf of a privately held manufacturing organization with a multi‑site U.S. footprint and planned international growth.

Location & Work Model

• This is a 100% on‑site executive leadership role based in Northeast Kansas. Candidates must be local to the region or willing to relocate. Relocation assistance may be available (capped support).
• Please Note: Exact location details will be shared with shortlisted candidates.
• Regular travel to domestic operating sites is required, with occasional overnight travel.

Position Overview

The Vice President of Human Resources is the HR leader for the organization, accountable for building and leading a practical, business‑aligned HR function across corporate and multi‑site manufacturing environments.

This is a hands‑on, execution‑oriented role for an HR leader who can balance strategic leadership with day‑to‑day operational accountability. The position partners closely with the Executive Leadership team and will play a critical role in supporting current business priorities as well as future growth initiatives, including international expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead HR strategy and day‑to‑day HR operations across corporate and multi‑site manufacturing environments
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on workforce planning, organizational design, employee relations, and talent strategy
• Oversee talent acquisition, onboarding, retention, performance management, succession planning, and leadership development
• Design and administer compensation and total rewards programs, including job architecture, pay practices, and vendor oversight
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations, including EEO, affirmative action, and workforce compliance programs
• Own HR‑related reporting, governance, and policy development
• Partner with Finance on workforce cost planning, annual compensation cycles, and HR budget management
• Lead and develop HR and learning/training teams supporting both corporate and plant‑based employees
• Support change management and growth initiatives, including readiness for future international operations
• Drive effective use of HR systems and HRIS data to inform decision‑making
• Partner with operations leadership on workplace safety programs and workers' compensation coordination
• Travel to operating locations on a regular cadence to support leadership development, training, and workforce initiatives

Organizational Scope & Growth

• Multiple U.S. manufacturing locations supported by centralized HR leadership
• Planned international expansion anticipated in late 2026, with local HR leadership to be added and reporting into this role
• Opportunity to build scalable HR infrastructure to support long‑term growth

Reporting Structure

• This role reports to senior executive leadership and works closely with the organization's leadership team.
• The position provides direct leadership to HR and learning/training leaders and partners with plant‑based HR support resources across multiple locations.

Qualifications

• 6‑10+ years of progressive HR experience, including multiple years of direct people leadership are required
• Must have HR experience in the manufacturing industry
• Must have multi‑site human resources experience for manufacturing
• Strong working knowledge of HR systems and HRIS platforms
• Exposure to international HR environments preferred; Spanish language capability a plus
• Professional HR certification (SHRM or HRCI) required
• Demonstrated ability to support organizational change, growth, and operational execution
• Strong executive presence, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate effectively at all levels of the organization
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred

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