Chief Human Resources Officer

Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

Midtown Manhattan, NYC

Full Time, Permanent Position

Our client is a boutique strategic financial advisory firm based in Midtown Manhattan, providing highly tailored financial and advisory services to a select group of corporate and institutional clients. Known for its high-touch, relationship-driven approach, the firm operates with a collaborative leadership structure and a refined, boutique culture that values thoughtfulness, professionalism, and discretion. As the organization continues to evolve, it is focused on strengthening its internal foundation and enhancing its people operations.

The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, competitive base salary and strong bonus potential.

Overview

Our client is seeking a strategic, thoughtful, and hands-on Chief Human Resources Officer to oversee the full Human Capital function. This executive will serve as a trusted partner to the Partners and senior leadership team, shaping a people strategy that reflects the firm’s boutique culture while supporting long-term business goals. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CHRO will play a pivotal role in organizational development, cultural stewardship, and talent management.

The ideal candidate brings strong HR leadership experience within financial services, investment management, private equity, wealth management, professional services, or similarly relationship-driven environments. A background in building scalable HR infrastructure within smaller, boutique organizations is especially valuable.

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the firm’s Human Resources strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and the unique culture of a boutique advisory firm.

• Oversee all aspects of Human Capital operations, including compliance, performance management, talent acquisition, learning and development, compensation and benefits administration, payroll oversight, employee relations, retention strategies, and end-to-end onboarding and offboarding.

• Build a thoughtful, high-quality recruitment strategy to help the firm attract and retain exceptional talent across all business areas.

• Establish, refine, and implement HR policies and programs while offering guidance, coaching, and support to employees and leaders.

• Partner closely with Partners and C-suite executives to translate business needs into practical HR initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness.

• Conduct regular market reviews to maintain competitive compensation and benefits programs aligned with the firm’s philosophy.

• Ensure compliance with employment regulations and manage Employee Relations matters in coordination with internal stakeholders and external advisors.

• Foster clear, consistent communication throughout the firm to strengthen alignment and reinforce cultural expectations.

• Champion firm culture and engagement through values-based leadership and boutique-focused initiatives.

• Lead diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to support an open, collaborative, and respectful workplace.

• Oversee administrative operations and support the management of administrative staff to ensure smooth day-to-day office functioning.

Requirements

• Significant HR leadership experience within boutique or mid-sized financial services, strategic advisory, private equity, investment management, or related professional services organizations.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to lead both strategic and hands-on HR responsibilities in a smaller or boutique firm environment.

• Deep knowledge of HR compliance, compensation, benefits, performance management, and employee relations.

• Experience designing and implementing effective recruitment strategies across multiple business areas.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and influence senior leadership.

• Background in developing HR policies, cultural initiatives, and organizational programs within growing or evolving companies.

• Strong business judgment and the ability to identify organizational needs while implementing thoughtful, effective HR solutions.

• Highly organized, proactive, and comfortable balancing strategic leadership with hands-on execution.