HR Executive Search & Placement

If you are looking for your next Chief People Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer, VP HR, VP Talent Management, VP of People, VP Talent Acquisition and Dir of Total Rewards – we understand these profiles well and bring a proven executive search track record filling this function.

Our methodology enables us to quickly recruit the executive talent you are looking for to give you peace of mind about your operations team leadership.

HR Executive Recruiting Firms: Chief People Officer & HR/Talent

Modern People Leadership for a Changing Workforce

At Herd Freed Hartz, we help Northwest companies recruit transformative Chief People Officers and VP of HR leaders who shape company culture, scale talent strategies, and build inclusive workplaces. Recruiting the right talent is essential for shaping company culture and driving organizational success. In today’s environment, HR leaders and executive leaders have taken center stage—navigating hybrid work, DEI, employee wellness, and organizational change, while playing a strategic role in talent acquisition. According to PwC’s 2024 Future of Work survey, 83% of executives say their people strategy is more critical than ever to business success. That’s why hiring the right HR leader isn’t just a support function—it’s a competitive advantage, especially when it comes to effective talent acquisition.  Landing the Chief People Officer for Monolithic Power Systems (MPS) required someone who could work at in a public company and could understand their unique power management systems.

Why Chief Human Resources Officer, CPO & VP HR Searches Are Unique

Hiring a Chief People Officer or VP of HR requires more than assessing credentials—it demands evaluating the specific skill sets and necessary skills required for top HR leadership roles, as well as a deep understanding of leadership style, cultural fit, and the ability to scale with the business. Some organizations need a culture builder with startup energy; others need a strategic operator ready to lead global teams and complex systems. The most successful people leaders today are those who balance empathy with analytics, and vision with execution. That’s why our search process starts by aligning with your unique values, growth plans, and organizational dynamics—ensuring high candidate quality and our ability to match candidates to your organization’s needs, so we find someone who can lead your people and strategy with heart and precision.  Recruiting the Chief HR Officer at Neighborcare required finding that unique mix of successful HR track record and a passion for their healthcare mission.

The most successful people leaders today are those who balance empathy with analytics, and vision with execution.

Evolving Trends in HR Leadership

The HR function has rapidly evolved into a data-driven, tech-enabled, and employee-experience-focused discipline. A 2023 LinkedIn Talent Trends report found that HR roles focused on employee experience, talent analytics, and workforce planning are among the fastest-growing across industries. Meanwhile, AI, automation, and new expectations for flexibility and inclusion are transforming how HR delivers value. Digital transformation and smart technologies are reshaping talent management and organizational development, enabling HR leaders to drive change, enhance organizational effectiveness, and align HR strategies with business goals. Today’s CPOs are expected to be strategic partners to the CEO, stewards of culture, and champions of innovation in everything from performance management to leadership development.

Best Practices for HR Executive Search and Hiring People Executives

Regardless of whether you’re in the manufacturing sector or financial services industry, hiring your next HR leader is a critical decision that shapes every corner of your company. We bring a thoughtful, transparent, and tailored approach to every search—ensuring you’re not just hiring someone who knows HR, but someone who can lead people-first change. Our vetting process goes beyond resumes, using in-depth interviews, leadership assessments, and proven methods to assess candidates for both technical and leadership capabilities. We also conduct culture fit evaluation, sourcing candidates through our extensive networks and strategic search methods to ensure successful placements that drive organizational growth. As an executive search firm, we leverage our expertise in executive search and executive search services to deliver high-level recruitment solutions for C-suite and senior management roles. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), nearly 60% of HR executives cite misalignment with company values as a key reason for early turnover. We help you avoid that, by getting the fit right from the start. Hiring the right Head of HR for Maui Coast Hotels required a mix of entrepreneurial track record, HR leadership and understanding the unique hospitality industry.

Why Companies in the Northwest Trust Herd Freed Hartz for VP of HR Roles

We’ve partnered with startups, growth-stage companies, and established enterprises across the Northwest to place people leaders who bring credibility, warmth, and measurable impact. Our clients count on us for local market expertise, thoughtful candidate curation, and a refreshingly human search experience. With a proven track record of successful placements, a vast network of top HR professionals, and a reputation as a trusted partner, we deliver results that set our clients apart. We understand that HR is more than policies—it’s the people who make your business thrive. That’s why we’re committed to helping you find a CPO or VP of HR who not only checks the boxes but inspires your team and strengthens your culture, contributing to your company’s overall success for years to come.