Chief People Officer – CPO Job Description
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Company overview
We are an established international company with strong [Europe / Asia / EMEA / LatAm], roots and a rapidly growing U.S. presence. As we scale our North American operations, we are seeking a strategic and people-focused Chief People Officer (CPO) to lead our U.S. human capital strategy. This role is critical in shaping our organizational culture, strengthening employee engagement, and ensuring that our people practices support business growth across borders.
CPO role summary
As the CPO, you will serve as a key member of the U.S. executive team, responsible for driving all aspects of human resources, talent strategy, organizational design, and cultural integration. You will build and scale HR operations tailored to the U.S. market while aligning with global values and policies. Your leadership will influence company performance, cross-cultural integration, and long-term retention and development of talent.
CPO key responsibilities
People Strategy & Leadership
Define and implement a U.S. people strategy aligned with overall business goals and global HR frameworks.
Talent Acquisition & Retention
Oversee end-to-end recruitment strategy for U.S. operations, focusing on high-impact talent in a competitive market.
Organizational Design
Guide structure, roles, and reporting to support scalability and operational clarity across functions.
Culture & Engagement
Champion a values-based, inclusive, and high-performance culture. Lead engagement initiatives that connect global values with local execution.
Performance & Development
Design and implement systems for performance reviews, succession planning, and leadership development.
HR Operations & Compliance
Ensure HR policies, systems, and practices are compliant with U.S. labor laws and aligned with global HR standards.
Executive Collaboration
Partner with the CEO, CFO, and department leaders to ensure talent strategy supports business goals and cross-functional collaboration.
Candidate profile
Experience
Minimum 10 years in progressive HR leadership roles, including prior experience as CHRO, CPO, or VP of HR in the U.S.
Track Record
Demonstrated success in scaling HR functions during periods of growth, especially for international or mid-market companies.
Expertise
Strong knowledge of U.S. employment law, compensation practices, HR systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, BambooHR), and diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) frameworks.
Leadership
A values-driven leader who can influence at all levels, build trust, and drive change.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, or a related field required. Advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., SPHR, SHRM-SCP, MBA) are a plus.
Company culture and leadership style
We combine global operational excellence with U.S.-based entrepreneurial drive. Our leadership values clarity, empathy, and accountability. As CPO, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a unified culture that supports local autonomy, collaboration, and long-term professional growth.
Compensation and benefits
| Base Salary Range | $250,000 – $300,000 |
| Performance Bonus | Up to 40% of base salary |
| Equity | Stock options or long-term incentive plan negotiable |
| Benefits | Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision), 401(k) with match, generous PTO, and relocation support if applicable |
| Location | [Boston / Hybrid / Remote with occasional travel to HQ or regional offices] |
Why the Chief People Officer matters
The Chief People Officer sets the tone for growth, inclusion, and long-term culture. You will help turn our expansion into a human success story—with impact, clarity, and purpose at every level.
FAQ
A CPO (or CHRO) is the top HR executive, guiding talent strategy, employee experience, organizational culture, and leadership development to support business goals.
They lead recruitment, retention, performance management, DEI, organizational design, and ensure alignment between people and company objectives.
While the HR Director manages operational HR, and CHRO typically focuses on compliance, the CPO is strategic—leading culture, engagement, and talent aligned with business priorities.
Strong interpersonal skills, change leadership, DEI expertise, organizational design, HR systems proficiency (e.g., Workday), and business partnership acumen.