VP of People and Culture

  • Location: Red Wing, Minnesota
  • Type: Direct Hire
  • Job #49510

Our client is at a pivotal stage of growth and is seeking a strategic, people-first, and business-savvy leader to serve as the Vice President of People and Culture. As a key member of the executive leadership team, this role is responsible for architecting and executing an integrated people strategy that aligns with business objectives, enhances organizational culture, scales talent, and strengthens employee experience across the company.
This individual will lead all facets of HR, including organizational development, talent acquisition, compensation, compliance, performance management, and employee engagement. The successful candidate will bring a proactive, data-driven approach and be passionate about developing people, building strong teams, and driving culture as a strategic asset.


Key Responsibilities:
Strategic HR & Talent Leadership

  • Partner with senior leadership to develop and execute a comprehensive people strategy aligned with business growth.
  • Lead organizational design, succession planning, and talent management to build future-ready teams and leadership pipelines.
  • Serve as a cultural champion, reinforcing values such as integrity, accountability, collaboration, and humility.
  • Leverage HR analytics and KPIs to inform decisions and assess effectiveness of programs and initiatives.

Talent Acquisition & Employer Brand

  • Develop and execute a long-term talent acquisition strategy that aligns with business growth objectives, workforce planning, and the company’s value proposition.
  • Act as a trusted advisor to senior executives and business leaders, translating talent needs into actionable hiring strategies.
  • Enhance the employer brand and ensure a seamless and compelling candidate experience from application through onboarding.
  • Partner with external vendors and internal stakeholders to build scalable, effective hiring processes.
  • Enhance the employer brand and ensure a seamless and compelling candidate experience from application through onboarding.
  • Partner with external vendors and internal stakeholders to build scalable, effective hiring processes.

People Operations & Compliance

  • Oversee HR operations including HRIS, payroll, benefits administration, employee relations, and legal compliance.
  • Ensure consistent application of HR policies and legal compliance across multi-state operations.
  • Stay current on labor laws, regulatory changes, and HR best practices to mitigate risk and maintain operational excellence.
  • Manage audits, investigations, and compliance training programs.

Culture, Engagement & Communication

  • Drive employee engagement initiatives that reinforce purpose, increase retention, and promote a thriving workplace culture.
  • Embed organizational values throughout the employee lifecycle, from onboarding to career development.
  • Lead internal communication efforts to support change management, transparency, and alignment.
  • Act as a trusted advisor to leadership and a visible, approachable leader for all employees.

Learning & Performance Development

  • Build a culture of performance accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Design leadership development and high-potential training programs that support business growth and succession planning.
  • Hold leaders accountable for coaching, developing talent, and fostering team performance.
  • Establish recognition and feedback programs that reinforce desired behaviors and outcomes.

Compensation & Total Rewards

  • Lead the design and execution of compensation strategies that are market-competitive and performance-driven.
  • Conduct benchmarking, salary reviews, and incentives planning to attract and retain top talent.
  • Ensure pay equity, internal fairness, and compliance with applicable wage and hour laws.

Team Leadership

  • Lead and develop a high-performing HR team, setting clear expectations and fostering growth opportunities.
  • Promote a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability across the department and company.
  • Align HR team goals with broader business strategies and ensure HR excellence in execution.

Qualifications:

  • 10+ years of progressive HR experience with at least 5 years in a senior or executive leadership role.
  • Proven experience in high-growth, entrepreneurial environments; experience in construction, energy, or manufacturing sectors strongly preferred.
  • Expertise across key HR disciplines: organizational development, HR operations, talent acquisition, L&D, compensation, and compliance.
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, Master’s in HR) or certification (SPHR, SHRM-SCP) preferred.
  • Multi-state HR experience and familiarity with the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) are desirable.
  • Demonstrated success in building high-performing, values-aligned teams and influencing at all levels of the organization.

Personal Attributes:

  • High emotional intelligence with outstanding communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
  • Strategic thinker with operational savvy and a strong bias for execution.
  • Inspirational, approachable leader with the ability to influence and foster trust across a diverse workforce.
  • Deeply committed to people development, organizational integrity, and continuous improvement.

Chief Executive Officer (distribution/operations/manufacturing)

  • Location: Chicago, Illinois
  • Type: Direct Hire
  • Job #49405

SkyWater has been retained by one of the largest independent distributors in the Midwest to identify their next Chief Executive Officer. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will be responsible for executing the Company’s vision and strategy, as approved by the Board, by leading the Company to long-term profitable, and sustainable growth with a strong culture to retain and attract the top industry people, partners/suppliers, and customers.

The CEO will be the key driver in the strategic development and execution of operations of the company and its subsidiaries. The CEO’s primary responsibilities will be to refine the mission and vision, set the tactical objectives aligned with the strategy as approved by the Board, communicate clearly, and achieve annual goals that are aligned with long-term objectives.  In addition, and no less important, the CEO will exhibit, support and nurture our client’s involvement in the community and industry associations. The job description includes but is not limited to:

Develop and Execute Organizational Strategy
– Provide leadership in setting vision, mission, strategic plan, and annual operating plan for all areas of the company in conjunction with the Board
– The CEO will be responsible for developing the company’s future leaders and developing a strong succession plan.
– Maintain a positive and ethical work climate, that follows a clear plan that works well together in all parts of the business that is conducive to attracting, retaining, and motivating a diverse group of top-quality employees at all levels.
– Manage the day-to-day business affairs and objectives of the company that lead the development of the organization’s strategic long and short-term growth, and profitability goals.
– Growth in existing markets as well as newly identified markets that can be serviced daily from the current CDCs/future CDCs, and through acquisitions.
– Ensure continuous improvement in the quality and value of the organization’s supplier relationships, products, and services.

Building the Team
– 
Ensure that the company has an effective senior and middle management team below the level of the CEO and has an active plan for its development and succession.
– Ensure, in cooperation with the Board, that over time there is an effective succession plan in place for the CEO position.
– Formulate and oversee the implementation of major corporate policies.

Values and Culture
– Provide principled leadership to uphold and advance the company’s culture, mission, vision, and values and how it interacts with customers, suppliers/partners, and the public.
– Value and foster the importance of the team environment where managers, and non-managers are valued participants treated with respect, and appreciate a strong partnership with ownership. 
– Foster a corporate culture that promotes ethical practices, encourages individual integrity & fulfill social responsibility.

Capital Allocation Decisions
– Develop and recommend to the Board a long-term strategy and vision for the company that leads to the enhancement of shareholder value.
– Develop and recommend to the Board the annual business plans and budgets that support the company’s long-term strategy and objectives with strategic long-term investments.  
– Consistently strive to achieve and balance the company’s financial and operating goals that promotes both short-term and long-term profitability and growth.

Senior Accountant

  • Location: Chicago, Illinois
  • Type: Direct Hire
  • Job #49030

Our client is a Chicago-metro based organization to help them find a Senior Accountant.

Details:
– Well-established organization with a strong mission
– Opportunities for future growth
– Leading periodic financials, budget, and coordinating with external auditors
– Reporting and working directly with strong, stable leadership
– Work/Life balance – steady, consistent daily hours

Ideal Profile:
– 3+ years of experience
– Public or Industry Accounting background, preferably with small to mid-size organizations or non-profits
– CPA/CMA or pursuing CPA/CMA a plus

NetSuite Administrator (Central Minnesota-Onsite)

  • Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Type: Direct Hire
  • Job #48617

SkyWater has partnered with a manufacturing company to support their NetSuite operations. We are looking for someone with 2-5 years of NetSuite experience and someone excited to tackle implementation, configuration, administration and support moving forward.

This group has been growing rapidly and offers great benefits, competitive pay, and an awesome opportunity to grow in your career.

Must be willing to commute onsite 3x per week.

Director – (Controller/CFO advisory services)

  • Location: Chicago
  • Type: Direct Hire
  • Job #47629

We are partnering with a local consulting firm that serves the lower middle market with a sweet spot of companies with annual revenues between $10-100M. Work is in the office of the CFO so you’ll be exposed to a mix of financial, operational, strategy finance and controllership responsibilities. 

Their people focused approach provides their team with a unique work/life balance that is tough to find elsewhere. They are project based and mostly remote (but need to live in the Chicagoland area). Zero overnight travel required. 

We are targeting entrepreneurial minded professionals with 5-10 years experience who want to add value and make an impact for their clients. Must have public accounting foundation to be considered. 

Corporate Finance Attorney

  • Location: Chicago, Illinois
  • Type: Direct Hire
  • Job #47611

SkyWater Search Partners is assisting a top mid-size law firm in Chicago with their search for a corporate associate. The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of experience in a law firm focusing on high-level m&a deals, top law school credentials, and an active IL bar license. This firm is a top 5 mid-size firm in Chicago with Chamber’s band 1 and 2 rankings, former big law partners, and a shortened partnership track for associates.

If you’ve considered making a change in the New Year, please apply or contact Rylie Niebuhr at RNiebuhr@skywatersearch,com with interest.

Litigation Associate

  • Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Type: Direct Hire
  • Job #47580

SkyWater Search Partners is assisting multiple litigation boutique law firms with their search for high-level associates to join the team in Minneapolis, MN. 

Compensation ranges from $150-225k+, plus bonuses, and a hybrid workplace. Excellent academic credentials and firm experience is necessary. 

Senior Construction Accountant

  • Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Type: Direct Hire
  • Job #47484

SkyWater Search Partners is excited to partner with a reputable Commercial Real Estate/ Construction company who is looking to add a strong accountant to their team.  It’s an exciting time to join this growing company, and as the Senior Construction accountant you will be integral part of the construction accounting organization, as well as a trusted business partner to the regional construction Vice Presidents. This role will almost be like a “Mini Controller” of sorts for assigned regions. Our ideal candidate will possess a solid foundation of construction industry experience and will be an exceptional communicator.  

Please reach out if you’re interested in hearing more – jtenney@skywatersearch.com | 952.592.7196

 

Work Comp Paralegal – Northern Suburbs

  • Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Remote: Remote
  • Type: Direct Hire
  • Job #45820

SkyWater Search Partners is assisting a rapidly growing boutique personal injury and work comp plaintiffs’ firm in the Twin Cities with its search for a paralegal. An ideal candidate has at least 3 years of plaintiffs’ workers’ compensation or personal injury experience, strong customer service skills, and trial experience. 

The firm describes itself as collegial, fun and loyal. The role starts as in-office, but a hybrid arrangement is earned once fully onboarded. Benefits are solid, they have a newer office, and parking is free. 

If you are interested in learning more about this role, apply or reach out directly to Kelsey Quarberg at kquarberg@skywatersearch.com. 

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