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.
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.
SkyWater Search is partnering with a collaborative, growth-oriented U.S. manufacturer seeking a strategic and hands-on HR Business Partner to join its People Operations team. This role reports to the VP of People Operations and plays a critical part in aligning people strategy with business goals. The company operates under the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and places high value on culture, accountability, and continuous improvement. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced HR professional to shape programs, influence senior leadership, and help scale the People function during a period of growth and organizational transformation.
The Opportunity
Our client is seeking an HR Business Partner to join their People Operations team. This is a hybrid position based in Annandale, MN, requiring a minimum of three days per week onsite. Occasional travel may be required to support other U.S.-based locations.
Why Join This Company?
Join a company with strong cultural values and a genuine investment in its people
Help lead and grow impactful programs, including leadership development and employee engagement
Competitive salary range $100,000-120,000 plus bonus potential
Be part of a collaborative, friendly workplace with a high-performance team
One of our favorite clients is hiring for a staff accountant out of their St. Cloud, MN office! This is a fast-growing, PE-backed, manufacturing company with a fantastic industry reputation. As a firm, we have worked with them for years- and we cannot speak highly enough of the team, mission, and culture.
They are looking for someone with at two to three years of accounting experience, a passion for process improvement, and a proactive mindset. This is a great opportunity to join a collaborative, growth-focused environment where your ideas will be valued, and where there’s real opportunity to grow your career.
SkyWater Search Partners is partnering with a privately held food manufacturing company located in Fosston, MN to find their next HR Manager. This is a unique opportunity for a well-rounded HR professional to step into a stand-alone, broad-based generalist position. This HR Manager will serve as the go-to people leader, driving consistency, compliance, and culture across the business. This is an on-site position requiring 4 days/week in office and the ideal candidate is someone who can operate independently and serve as a compassionate, approachable partner to the entire team.
SkyWater is partnered with a Twin Cities based company to help find their next IT Applications Architect. This client is in manufacturing, and they have a few thousand employees domestically. This role is open to due to an upcoming retirement. In this position you will act as a SME and define architecture across SAP modules company wide.
We are looking for candidates that are local to the greater Twin Cities area who are willing to be onsite at least 1 day a week and do not require sponsorship.
SkyWater Search is excited to partner with a growing, well-established construction and industrial services company as we seek a skilled, relationship-driven HR Manager to support operations across two regions. This is a visible and hands-on leadership opportunity for an experienced HR generalist who thrives in a fast-paced, field-oriented environment.
The ideal candidate is a strategic partner who can build trust across all levels of the organization, drive people initiatives that align with business goals, and bring practical solutions to day-to-day challenges in employee relations, compliance, and leadership development.
Location: On-site in the South Metro Twin Cities
Travel: Monthly travel to support regional teams and projects
Work with key business stakeholders and the global continuous improvement team to build processes and an operational environment focused on creating value. You will identify and deliver service improvement activity across all inputs/outputs into the operational business through employing process improvement methodologies and the application of innovative thinking.
Our client is a leading industrial services organization. They have created a Billing Specialist position due to their organic and acquisitive growth. This person will report directly to the AR Manager and have exposure . We have placed people at this organization in the past so we know them well. If you are looking for an opportunity to grow with the biggest subsidiaries within the company & knowledgeable about Billing in the construction industry, let’s chat!
A boutique Twin Cities firm is looking to expand to the Brainerd Lakes area. If you are an attorney in Brainerd looking to make a move, or if you are looking to relocate to Brainerd, please apply here or send your resume to griebel@skywatersearch.com. This opening is specifically targeting attorneys with experience in estate planning/administration, small business, or real estate (both litigation and transactional).
Growing technology company looking for a finance leader to build the business — backed by a highly respected asset management firm, this leader will partner directly with the CEO to optimize business operations, strategy, and pursue a successful exit. If you are an aspiring private equity CFO, this is the perfect stepping stone towards that title and you will be the sole leader of the companies financial operations.
Strong compensation package that includes equity and performance incentives — apply if you are ready to take the next step and build something great!
Ideal candidates will have SaaS, technology, and/or data center experience, be excited by ambiguity and the opportunity to build. 7+ years of finance leadership experience desired.
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