Chief People Officer

Job description

**Position Overview:** Velo3D is seeking a strategic, hands-on Chief People Officer to lead our people strategy during a pivotal stage of growth. As a member of the executive leadership team, the CPO will partner closely with the CEO and senior leaders to build a high-performing organization, foster an exceptional employee experience, and develop the people, processes, and culture needed to scale the business. This leader will ensure that Velo3D attracts, develops, and retains world-class talent while building organizational capabilities that support sustainable growth, innovation, and operational excellence. ### Responsibilities **Strategic Leadership** - Develop and execute a comprehensive people strategy aligned with Velo3D's business objectives and long-term growth plans. - Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team on organizational design, workforce planning, succession planning, leadership development, and culture. - Build the organizational infrastructure, talent programs, and HR processes necessary to successfully scale the company as it grows. - Drive change management initiatives that support evolving business priorities and organizational transformation. **Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning** - Lead global talent acquisition strategies to attract exceptional technical, manufacturing, and corporate talent. - Develop workforce planning initiatives that align hiring with business needs and future growth. - Strengthen employer branding to position Velo3D as an employer of choice within advanced manufacturing and technology. **Employee Experience & Culture** - Champion a culture rooted in collaboration, accountability, innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement. - Develop programs that enhance employee engagement, retention, recognition, and career development. - Foster open communication and strengthen leadership capabilities across all levels of the organization. **Performance & Leadership Development** - Design and oversee performance management, leadership development, coaching, and succession planning programs. - Partner with executives and managers to establish clear performance expectations and accountability. - Build learning and development initiatives that prepare employees and leaders for future growth. **Total Rewards** - Oversee compensation, benefits, and recognition programs to ensure competitiveness, fairness, and alignment with business objectives. - Partner with Finance to develop compensation strategies that support talent acquisition, retention, and organizational performance. **HR Operations & Compliance** - Ensure HR policies, systems, and processes are efficient, scalable, and compliant with applicable employment laws. - Oversee employee relations, compliance, risk management, HRIS, and people analytics. - Use workforce data and metrics to drive informed decision-making and continuously improve organizational effectiveness. ### Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree or MBA preferred. - 15+ years of progressive human resources leadership experience, including executive-level leadership. - Demonstrated success building and scaling organizations in high-growth technology, manufacturing, industrial, or engineering-focused environments. - Strong experience leading talent acquisition, organizational design, leadership development, compensation, employee relations, and HR operations. - Proven ability to influence executive leadership and drive organizational change. - Deep knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, and people analytics. - Experience partnering with executive leadership, the Board of Directors, and Board committees, including the Compensation Committee, on executive compensation, succession planning, leadership development, and governance matters. - Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills. - Experience supporting publicly traded companies.\ - Professional senior level HR certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP or SPHR) is a plus.