Chief Human Resources Officer

Overview

D’Addario & Company is the world’s largest manufacturer and distributor of musical instrument accessories. As a U.S.-based manufacturing leader, we pride ourselves on high-automation machinery, cutting-edge technology, and a deep commitment to environmentally sustainable practices. Most importantly, we’re proud of our diverse team of individuals who embody our core values—curiosity, passion, candor, family, and responsibility—and bring them to life every day.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) will lead all aspects of the company’s global human resources strategy and execution, while managing a team that includes the Director of HR and the Manager of Talent & Culture.  He/She must be strategic, tactical, articulate, engaging, innately curious and an inspirational leader that can showcase the interest and ability to reinvent and evolve the HR function at D’Addario, and support the organization and its 1,100 loyal employees ranging from factory direct labor to executive management.  The international workforce at D’Addario consists of approximately 850 factory and 250 office personnel.

The successful placement will have the intellect and credibility to ensure strong connectivity with the leaders of the business.  He/She will be able to work effectively in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment and bring proactive solutions to the rest of the leadership team on organizational and people needs.  While this is an all-encompassing Human Resources role, specific areas of focus will include:  recruitment, succession planning, employee engagement, organizational effectiveness and design, leadership development and performance and talent management.  This executive will drive the company-wide mission to “nurture a work environment that is dynamic and modern, which will attract, develop and retain dedicated people.”  D’Addario is a coveted place to work and a nurturing environment in which to grow professionally – the CHRO, along with the rest of the leadership team, will ensure this is the experience of all employees and consistent with the employer brand. 

The Chief Human Resources Officer will oversee a team that includes the Director of HR, the Manager of Talent & Culture, and a dedicated group of three HR Managers and Generalists.

This is a hybrid role and will require the candidate to work on-site in the Farmingdale office three days a week.

At D’Addario, we don’t just offer a job—we offer a career with one of the most iconic names in the music industry. We’re passionate about innovation, craftsmanship, and creating a workplace where diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and ideas thrive.  We’re eager to connect with individuals who bring fresh thinking and a collaborative spirit. If you’re ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear how you’ll add value to our team.

Some Perks & Benefits of Working at D'Addario:

• Competitive compensation package
• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with generous employer contributions
• Career pathing and professional development via LinkedIn Learning
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and flexible sick day policy
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Enhanced Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Discounts on D’Addario products and merchandise
• Company jam nights, artist performances, holiday parties, and special events
• A passionate, talented team that loves what they do!

Responsibilities

You will translate the company’s vision and business plans into a unified, end-to-end people strategy and operating model.

Core priorities include:

• Strategy into Action — translate enterprise goals into HR strategy, programs, governance, and measurable outcomes
• Succession & Workforce Planning — build a scalable, repeatable succession framework to grow leadership from within whenever possible on a global scale.
• Performance & Rewards Modernization — elevate benefits, total rewards, and performance management to drive accountability and retention. Serve as a key member of the Company’s 401k Plan Committee and oversee the administration of D’Addario’s various health programs, including a partially self-insured medical plan.
• Executive Compensation & Benefits Strategy — work closely with the President and CEO to design and implement a comprehensive compensation and benefits strategy that aligns with company performance goals, promotes equity, and ensures market competitiveness
• Leadership & Capability Building — scale development through LinkedIn Learning, leadership pathways, and mentorship
• HR Systems & Integration — evaluate current tools (ADP, Perform Yard, iCIMS, HRIS, PI, CultureAmp, Wage & Salary administration, etc.), identify gaps, improve interoperability, and recommend replacements or integrations where needed
• HR Budget & Investment — own and prioritize the HR budget to maximize ROI across programs, platforms, staffing, and partners
• Team Leadership — coach and elevate the HR team into proactive business partners
• Policy, ER & Compliance — ensure policies, employee relations, and global practices are consistent, compliant, and trust-building
• Lead DEI Strategy — build the company’s first structured DEI framework, including partnering with ERGs, and ensuring leadership accountability
• Executive Leadership Advisory — coach the executive team on talent, leadership effectiveness, organizational design and succession readiness; influence decision-making at the highest level
• Org Design & Structural Alignment — assess and redesign org structures, spans/layers, capabilities and governance to align with long-term strategy and scale
• Board & Governance Interface — prepare and present HR, culture, and succession updates for Board/Comp Committee, ensuring transparency and alignment
• Culture & Engagement — drive a “one company” employee experience globally, using engagement insights to shape action
• Employee Relations- fostering a positive and collaborative work environment across all production facilities and warehouse
• Workers Compensation- through subordinate managers, oversee accident reporting, and the claims management process

Qualifications

• Enterprise-level HR leadership with a global scope and demonstrated change leadership
• Experience modernizing HR systems and infrastructures — not only using them, but evaluating and replacing them
• Experience managing HR budgets and prioritizing investments for scale
• Proven record in succession planning, capability-building, compensation management, and performance system redesign
• Background in a CPG Industry, manufacturing / multi-site preferred but not required

The base salary range for this role would be commensurate with experience: $325,000-$350,000 per year. 

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