Vice President of Talent and Organizational Performance with The Gund Company

Collaborative Strategies is conducting this search on behalf of The Gund Company. A third-generation, family-owned business, TCG is 30% employee-owned, boasting a 70+ year history and growing into one of the largest manufacturers and fabricators of composite, thermoplastic, and elastomeric materials. Over the past several years, TCG has experienced significant growth and has an ambitious plan for market expansion, both organically and through strategic acquisitions. TCG remains committed to what has always set them apart: delivering exceptional service to their customers while fostering a culture of purpose, recognition, and transformation. As they continue on this exciting trajectory, TCG recognizes that its greatest asset is its people, which has led to the creation of this newly established leadership role.

The Vice President of Talent and Organizational Performance is a key leader on the Executive Leadership Team.  Responsible for designing and implementing strategies to enhance The Gund Company’s overall effectiveness, this position will lead all areas of Human Resources with a focus on talent management, leadership development, culture transformation, and change management. This leadership role will work closely with senior leadership to align these initiatives with the company's strategic goals, driving positive change across all levels of the organization. 

Reporting to the President of The Gund Company, and leading an HR organization of 15 team members, the VP of Talent and Organizational Performance will be responsible for:

STRATEGY AND EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP: Represent Human Resourcesas a key member of the executive leadership team. Develop and implement a comprehensive talent and organizational development strategy that includes talent acquisition, leadership development, succession planning, performance management, and workforce planning.  Ensure alignment of talent strategies with business growth and operational needs.

DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE: Lead the design and implementation of training programs that address organizational needs and individual development plans for executives and emerging leaders. Partner with the culture team to assess and implement strategies to foster a high-performing organizational culture, promoting collaboration, innovation and employee engagement.

STRATEGIC BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP:  Act as a trusted advisor to executives and leaders, aligning organizational development strategies with business goals. Facilitate team development activities, conflict resolution, and cross-functional collaboration to strengthen leadership effectiveness. Support M&A due diligence and integration efforts to ensure seamless team transitions and cultural alignment.

PEOPLE PLANNING AND PROCESSES: Oversee talent acquisition, retention and development processes to identify and cultivate high-potential employees within the organization. Work with our Facility HR teams to optimize the development planning process, ensuring clear goals, regular feedback, and performance-based development plans. Conduct regular organizational assessments to identify areas for improvement, including performance gaps, competency needs, and structural issues.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE:  Oversee the administration of HR policies, compensation, and benefits programs (including health insurance, 401(k), and ESOP). Ensure compliance with all state and federal HR mandates across multiple locations. Collaborate with IT to leverage data analytics for measuring the impact of talent initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Development, Human Resources, Business Administration or related field.
• Ten years of experience in organizational or leadership development or related human resources field with a minimum of 5 years of senior leadership experience.
• Expertise in leadership development, change management and employee engagement.
• Strong critical thinking skills and proven ability to solve complex problems, including demonstrated success with diagnosing organizational issues and implementing effective solutions.
• Demonstrated experience balancing strategic vision with hands-on execution in a dynamic and fast-growing environment.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and analytical skills. 
• Ability to partner with, and coach, at the senior level.
• Familiarity with Lean principles or similar continuous improvement models to solve problems and take advantage of opportunities is highly preferred.
• Outstanding character and personal values that are aligned with TGC’s culture.
• Prior experience with M&A is preferred but not required.
• Ability to travel up to 30% each year. 

READY TO APPLY?

If you are interested, qualified, and ready to take the next step, click the APPLY button on this page. Or you can apply directly on our site at getcollaborative.com/careers. Please do not contact TCG directly.

About Collaborative Strategies:

Collaborative Strategies, Inc. is a St. Louis-based consulting firm with a dedicated search practice and has been connecting talent with opportunity since 1994. We take pride in matching talented leaders seeking mission-critical endeavors with entrepreneurial organizations.

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