Vice President, Human Resources

About the role

The Vice President, Human Resources (VP HR) will be based in our St. Paul, MN corporate headquarters and lead the HR strategy for a 10-site North American manufacturing network with over 3,400 employees. Reporting to the CHRO, this leader partners with senior operations executives and leadership to strengthen organizational performance, workforce planning, employee engagement, labor relations, compliance, and talent development.

Responsibilities

• Build and execute a people strategy for manufacturing that supports business growth, operational performance, productivity, accountability, retention, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Advise senior leaders on organizational design, workforce planning, succession, performance management, and change leadership.
• Balance high-level strategic thinking with practical management to ensure swift execution against key projects.
• Lead, coach, and develop site HR teams to improve capability, consistency, and business impact.
• Develop and use HR metrics to identify workforce trends, guide decisions, and report progress against key outcomes using data-based evidence.
• Partner with Operations to address labor market pressures, workforce shortages, and succession risks.
• Oversee hourly recruiting, onboarding, and retention strategies across all facilities.
• Strengthen employee relations; lead or advise on escalated investigations and complex workplace matters.
• Support labor relations, including union avoidance strategies and collective bargaining administration where applicable.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial Relations, or related field; Master’s degree preferred
• 15+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, including 7+ years leading HR within a manufacturing, distribution, or other industrial environment
• Prior experience in a leading CPG or non-durable goods manufacturer, with success applying best-practice HR capabilities in a PE-backed or high-growth environment
• Demonstrated experience leading multi-site, geographically dispersed HR organizations
• Experience partnering with senior executives and operational leadership teams to effectively connect HR initiatives to business needs
• Highly collaborative with non-hierarchical leadership skills across all levels and functions of an organization
• Strong knowledge of employment law, employee relations, labor strategy, organizational development, and talent management in both union and non-union environments
• M&A integration and change management experience in high-growth environments
• Prior experience with executive compensation, benefits design/administration, and executive recruiting is a plus
• Ability to travel to and navigate manufacturing facilities within North America up to 50% of the time

Qualifications

• Proven track record of driving business results through effective HR strategies and practices
• Experience in managing large-scale HR programs and processes
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance issues
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

Skills

• Strategic thinker with a focus on execution
• Strong leadership and coaching abilities
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Strong project management and organizational skills

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefit program including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, paid vacation and holidays, and retirement contributions to all eligible employees.

Pay

The expected annual salary for this position is $220,000 - $250,000 and is based on several factors including education, work experience, skills, certifications, and location.

Schedule

The VP HR will be based in our St. Paul, MN corporate headquarters.

About Dessert Holdings

Dessert Holdings is a collection of premium dessert companies and brands: The Original Cakerie, Lawler’s Desserts, Atlanta Cheesecake Company, Steven Charles, Dianne’s Fine Desserts, Kenny’s Great Pies, and Willamette Valley Pie Company. Dessert Holdings is owned by Bain Capital, is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, employs more than 3,500 people across ten manufacturing facilities, and is continuing its journey of rapid growth.

EEO Statement

Dessert Holdings and its related entities provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristics protected by law. We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters and are unable to provide employment authorization sponsorship for this position.