AVP, Human Resources - Operations

Job Description:

People are our competitive advantage. The AVP, Human Resources – Operations serves as a strategic advisor to executive and operational leadership, driving enterprise-aligned people strategies that enable business performance, organizational effectiveness, and a high-performing, values-driven culture. 
 
This role partners closely with senior leaders to shape and execute forward-looking HR strategies, ensuring the organization attracts, develops, and retains top talent while fostering an inclusive, compliant, and engaging workplace. Operating with a data-driven and consultative approach, this leader influences decision-making, strengthens organizational capability, and delivers a best-in-class associate experience. 
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 
•    Strategic HR Leadership & Business Partnership 
Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership, aligning human capital strategies with business priorities to drive performance, engagement, and organizational effectiveness  
•    Employee Relations & Risk Management 
Provide oversight of complex employee relations matters, including high-risk investigations, ensuring consistent, compliant practices and effective risk mitigation  
•    Talent Strategy & Organizational Effectiveness 
Lead enterprise talent initiatives, including workforce planning, succession, performance management, leadership development, and organizational design  
•    Operational Excellence & HR Programs 
Drive the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of HR policies, programs, and processes to enhance scalability, efficiency, and the associate experience  
•    Data, Insights & Continuous Improvement 
Leverage workforce analytics and industry insights to inform decision-making, identify trends, and measure the effectiveness of HR strategies  
•    Leadership & Team Development 
Build and develop a high-performing HR team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement 
  
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 
•    Provide strategic consultation to senior leaders on organizational design, workforce planning, talent management, and culture  
•    Lead and resolve complex employee relations issues, ensuring alignment with legal, regulatory, and internal standards  
•    Design and execute talent management processes, including performance management, succession planning, and leadership development  
•    Assess organizational effectiveness and implement solutions to improve structure, capability, and scalability  
•    Analyze workforce data and trends to generate actionable insights and drive informed decision-making  
•    Lead cross-functional HR and enterprise initiatives aligned to strategic priorities  
•    Ensure consistent, high-quality HR service delivery and operational execution  
•    Mentor and develop HR talent, strengthening overall team capability and leadership bench strength  
•    Maintain compliance with all employment laws, regulations, and company policiesPerform other duties as required to support business objectives  
  
Education 
•    Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required 
•    Master’s degree (e.g., MBA or MS in Human Resources or Organizational Leadership) preferred 
•    SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent certification preferred  
Work Experience 
•    12+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including senior leadership roles supporting executive stakeholders in complex, matrixed environments 
•    Proven success as a strategic HR Business Partner (Director level or above), with demonstrated impact on business performance, organizational effectiveness, and talent outcomes 
•    Deep expertise in employee relations and risk management, including leadership of complex investigations and partnership with Legal and Compliance on high-risk matters 
•    Strong track record in driving enterprise talent strategies (workforce planning, succession, leadership development, organizational design) and leading large-scale transformation initiatives 
•    Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams while leveraging data and analytics to inform strategy and decision-making 
•    Familiarity with the Financial Services or Life Insurance industry is beneficial. 

Base Salary Range - $175,000-$210,000

For over 175 years, Penn Mutual has empowered individuals, families and businesses on the journey to achieve their financial goals. Through our partnership with Financial Professionals across the U.S., we help instill the confidence and reliability that comes from a stronger financial future. Penn Mutual and its affiliates offer a comprehensive suite of competitive products and services to meet the unique needs of Financial Professionals and their clients, including life insurance, annuities, wealth management and institutional asset management. To learn more, including current financial strength ratings, visit www.pennmutual.com.

Penn Mutual is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We provide employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and associates, according to applicable laws. This is reflected in our practices for hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment, compensation, selection or training, and all other terms and conditions of employment. All employment-related decisions and practices are free from unlawful discrimination. This includes: race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship age, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, domestic partnership or civil union status, marital status, genetic information, disability, religious observance or practice, liability, veteran status or any other classification protected under applicable law.