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Chief People and Growth Officer

Chicago, IL

About Us

Vast Capital is a dynamic portfolio of companies with a vision to innovate and create value across industries. Our businesses range from retail, distributed gaming, cannabis, real estate development, hospitality, etc. and we pride ourselves on building lean, effective teams that drive success. We’re seeking a strategic leader to join our C-Suite and optimize our organizational structure, nurture our talent, and drive partnerships for our next ventures.

 

Position Summary

As the Chief People and Growth Officer (CPGO), you will serve as the architect of our portfolio's organizational efficiency and cultural alignment. This role requires a deep understanding of the structure, goals, and dynamics of each company in the portfolio, as well as a forward-thinking approach to identifying and cultivating partnerships and talent for new ventures. The ideal candidate will drive talent development and employee engagement initiatives and programs to foster a high-performing, collaborative culture.

 

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Strategy and Efficiency

  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the organizational chart across all companies.
  • Continuously assess and refine roles, responsibilities, and team structures to ensure operational efficiency.
  • Proactively adjust team sizes to optimize performance, align with business goals, and uphold company values.

New Venture Support and Partnerships

  • Collaborate with fellow C-Suite executives to conceptualize and launch new businesses.
  • Identify and vet potential partners, collaborators, and strategic relationships for new ventures.
  • Develop adaptable staffing models by identifying individuals who can serve as 'partners' to help launch new projects, reducing the need for immediate high-cost hires.

 

Talent Acquisition and Development

  • Lead talent strategy for the portfolio, ensuring the right people are in the right seats.
  • Build and maintain a network of talented professionals and partnerships to support future growth.
  • Spearhead strategic succession planning to ensure leadership continuity and develop future-ready talent.
  • Design and oversee training, coaching, and development programs to upskill current team members and foster leadership within the organization.
  • Partner with external consultants as needed to deliver specialized training or development programs.

 

HR Team Oversight

  • Lead and manage the People function to ensure compliance, effective recruitment, and alignment with organizational goals.
  • Oversee HR operations, including performance management, employee relations, benefits, and policy implementation.
  • Ensure that HR initiatives and practices support a high performing, engaged, and inclusive workforce.

 

Operational Oversight and Collaboration

  • Act as a strategic partner to the CEO and fellow C-Suite members across the portfolio to ensure alignment between operational goals and talent strategies.
  • Serve as the point of contact for external recruiting agencies or consultants, ensuring they align with the company’s unique needs.
  • Monitor and report on metrics related to organizational efficiency, employee performance, and culture health.

 

Qualifications

  • Proven experience in organizational strategy, talent acquisition, or venture development, ideally in a multi-company or portfolio context.
  • Strong understanding of lean operational principles and talent optimization.
  • Demonstrated success in cultivating partnerships and collaborative business relationships.
  • Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and inspire at all levels.
  • Experience in training, coaching, and cultural development initiatives.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive results.
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, organizational development, human resources, or a related field (MBA or similar advanced degree preferred).
  • Experience with Culture Index and EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) a plus.

 

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
  • Opportunity to work with a diverse and innovative portfolio of companies.
  • Collaborative and entrepreneurial work environment.

 

 

Core Values

  • Get it done attitude! We take ownership of our tasks and challenges, actively seeking solutions and utilizing available resources. While we strive to resolve issues independently, we're also open to seeking guidance when necessary, bringing forward options and ideas to effectively collaborate.

 

  • 5 Star Hospitality! Our customers are paramount, and we prioritize their needs with a sense of urgency and attentiveness, with the aim of exceeding their expectations. We extend this hospitality mindset to our employees and colleagues, recognizing that their satisfaction contributes to overall success.

 

  • Positive Culture! We engage our customers and coworkers with respect, positivity, and open communication. We always have each other's backs, and foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork.

 

  • Self-propelled! We have a strong desire for learning and growing both personally and professionally. With a pilot mentality, we are self-motivated and believe we can get to anywhere we want to go.

 

  • Communicate Forward! Effective communication is fundamental to our success. We prioritize keeping everyone informed and aligned, sharing information through appropriate channels to ensure clarity and transparency

 

 

Equal Employment Opportunity

Lucky Lincoln Gaming, Cloud9 Cannabis, Take Flight Hospitality, Aviator Coffee and Cocktails, and Pilot Pizza all 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, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. We are committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace.

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