VP HR Manufacturing

Company: Vaco by Highspring
Location: Lawrence
Posted on: March 30, 2026

Job Description:

VP of HR Manufacturing Compensation - Base salary range: $120,000-$140,000 (this range is fixed and cannot be exceeded) - Annual bonus eligibility, up to $25,000 per year (discretionary) - 401(k) with company match - Comprehensive benefits package - Relocation assistance may be available (capped support) - Vaco Highspring is conducting a confidential search on behalf of a privately held manufacturing organization with a multi-site U.S. footprint and planned international growth. Location & Work Model This is a 100% on-site executive leadership role based in Northeast Kansas. Candidates must be local to the region or willing to relocate. Relocation assistance may be available (capped support). Exact location details will be shared with shortlisted candidates. Regular travel to domestic operating sites is required, with occasional overnight travel. Position Overview The Vice President of Human Resources is the HR leader for the organization, accountable for building and leading a practical, business-aligned HR function across corporate and multi-site manufacturing environments. This is a hands-on, execution-oriented role for an HR leader who can balance strategic leadership with day-to-day operational accountability. The position partners closely with the Executive Leadership team and will play a critical role in supporting current business priorities as well as future growth initiatives, including international expansion. Key Responsibilities - Lead HR strategy and day-to-day HR operations across corporate and multi-site manufacturing environments - Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on workforce planning, organizational design, employee relations, and talent strategy - Oversee talent acquisition, onboarding, retention, performance management, succession planning, and leadership development - Design and administer compensation and total rewards programs, including job architecture, pay practices, and vendor oversight - Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations, including EEO, affirmative action, and workforce compliance programs - Own HR-related reporting, governance, and policy development - Partner with Finance on workforce cost planning, annual compensation cycles, and HR budget management - Lead and develop HR and learning/training teams supporting both corporate and plant-based employees - Support change management and growth initiatives, including readiness for future international operations - Drive effective use of HR systems and HRIS data to inform decision-making - Partner with operations leadership on workplace safety programs and workers’ compensation coordination - Travel to operating locations on a regular cadence to support leadership development, training, and workforce initiatives Organizational Scope & Growth - Multiple U.S. manufacturing locations supported by centralized HR leadership - Planned international expansion anticipated in late 2026, with local HR leadership to be added and reporting into this role - Opportunity to build scalable HR infrastructure to support long-term growth Reporting Structure - This role reports to senior executive leadership and works closely with the organization’s leadership team. - The position provides direct leadership to HR and learning/training leaders and partners with plant-based HR support resources across multiple locations. Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred - 6-10 years of progressive HR experience, including at multiple years of direct people leadership - Must have multi-site human resources experience for manufacturing - Strong working knowledge of HR systems and HRIS platforms - Exposure to international HR environments preferred; Spanish language capability a plus - Professional HR certification (SHRM or HRCI) required - Demonstrated ability to support organizational change, growth, and operational execution - Strong executive presence, sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate effectively at all levels of the organization Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products. Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. - California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. - Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. - Residents of all other states may access our policies here. - Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. - Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: - the individual’s skill sets, experience and training; - licensure and certification requirements; - office location and other geographic considerations; - other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.

Keywords: Vaco by Highspring, Lee's Summit , VP HR Manufacturing, Human Resources , Lawrence, Missouri