CHRO Job Description
Access a complete CHRO job description template of key responsibilities and skills, and discover how to hire your next Chief Human Resources Officer.
June 30th, 2025
A Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) leads an organization's people strategy, overseeing talent acquisition and development to support business goals and drive growth.
Hiring a CHRO can be a pivotal move for any company. After all, this one hire can impact many future hires and set the tone for the overall workplace culture.
That's where this guide can help. Here, we'll provide a ready-to-use CHRO job description template to help attract the right candidate for your company. We'll also unpack the core responsibilities of a CHRO, how the role compares to other HR leaders, and the benefits of hiring a fractional CHRO.
What Does a Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) Do?
A Chief Human Resources Officer or CHRO is a C-suite executive who shapes and executes a company's people strategy. CHROs are responsible for ensuring the organization attracts, develops, and retains top talent while fostering an inclusive and compliant workplace.
Key CHRO functions include:
- Leading talent acquisition and retention strategies
- Overseeing employee engagement, culture, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives
- Designing compensation, benefits, and rewards programs
- Managing HR compliance and risks
- Advising the CEO and executive team on organizational structure and change management
- Implementing HR technology and analytics for data-driven decisions
If you're in need of a new HR leader, you can hire a full-time or fractional CHRO. A fractional CHRO provides all the benefits of a full-time CHRO---at a fraction of the cost and commitment.
Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) Job Description Template
About the Company
< Include a clear description of your company, its mission, industry, and what makes your culture unique. >
CHRO Job Description
We are seeking a strategic Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to lead our people and culture strategy as a member of our executive team. In this role, you will report to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and oversee all aspects of human resources, including talent management, organizational development, compensation, compliance, and employee experience.
You will work closely with other executives to align HR initiatives with business goals, drive organizational performance, and ensure a positive, inclusive workplace.
The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking HR leader with a proven track record in building high-performing teams, driving cultural change, and supporting business growth.
Key CHRO Responsibilities
- Develop and execute HR strategies that support business objectives
- Lead talent acquisition, onboarding, and retention initiatives to attract and develop top talent
- Foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture
- Oversee employee engagement, well-being, and recognition programs
- Design and manage competitive compensation, benefits, and rewards packages
- Ensure compliance with labor laws, regulations, and ethical standards
- Advise the CEO and executive team on organizational design, succession planning, and change management
- Lead learning and development programs to support employee growth
- Manage HR budgets and vendor relationships
- Build and mentor a high-performing HR team
- Drive continuous improvement in HR processes and organizational effectiveness
Required Experience and Skills
- Proven experience in a senior HR leadership role, preferably as a CHRO or VP of HR
- Deep knowledge of HR best practices, employment law, and compliance
- Strong leadership and team management abilities
- Experience developing and executing people strategies aligned with business goals
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to influence and collaborate with executives and employees at all levels
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to problem-solving
- Experience with HR technology, analytics, and digital transformation
- Track record of building diverse and inclusive cultures
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
Preferred qualifications:
- Master's of Business Administration or Human Resources
- HR certifications (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR)
Salary and Perks
- Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses
- Equity or stock options (if applicable)
- Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, retirement plans)
- Paid time off and flexible working arrangements
- Parental leave and wellness programs
- Professional development and leadership training opportunities
- Relocation assistance (if needed)
FAQs on CHRO Salary, Reporting, and Hiring
1. What is the Reporting Structure of a CHRO, and Who Do They Work With?
The CHRO typically reports directly to the CEO and is a core member of the executive leadership team. CHROs also work closely with other C-suite leaders, department heads, and the board of directors to align people strategy with business objectives.
2. What Teams Does a CHRO Oversee?
A CHRO leads the entire HR function, which may include talent acquisition, HR operations, compensation and benefits, learning and development, employee relations, and diversity and inclusion teams.
3. What is a CHRO's Typical Career Path?
CHROs typically have extensive experience in HR management, often progressing through roles such as HR manager, director, or VP of HR. They generally have advanced degrees and professional certifications, and a track record of leadership in HR-related roles.
4. What Are the Challenges in Hiring the Right CHRO?
There are many challenges involved with finding and hiring the right CHRO for your organization. When it comes to sourcing your executive people leader, consider these factors:
- The ideal CHRO must combine strategic vision, operational expertise, and strong leadership skills.
- They must fit the company culture and work closely with other executives.
- The competition for top HR talent is fierce, making recruitment and retention challenging.
- Assessing a candidate's ability to drive culture change and manage organizational risk requires careful evaluation.
5. What's the Difference Between a CHRO and a HR Director?
A CHRO and an HR Director both hold senior roles in human resources, but their responsibilities and impact are quite different.
The CHRO is a C-suite executive, reporting directly to the CEO or board, and is responsible for shaping an overall HR strategy that aligns with the company's business objectives. This role is highly strategic, focusing on long-term initiatives such as organizational culture, leadership development, and succession planning.
The HR Director, on the other hand, typically operates at a departmental or operational level, often reporting to the CHRO or another senior executive. The HR Director's focus is on the day-to-day management of HR functions, including recruitment, training, compliance, and employee relations. While these leaders may contribute to strategic discussions, their primary responsibility is ensuring that HR processes run smoothly within the organization.
6. What Are the Future Trends That Will Impact the CHRO Role?
The CHRO role is evolving quickly as new technologies and workforce expectations reshape HR leadership. Key trends to look out for include:
- AI integration: Increased use of artificial intelligence in HR operations, talent management, and analytics.
- Continuous upskilling: Greater focus on addressing employee skill gaps and promoting agile development.
- Fractional schedules: A wave of CHROs leaving their corporate jobs to go fractional and work on a contract basis.
- Strategic business partnership: CHROs acting as core business advisors driving transformation and organizational change.
- Employee experience and flexibility: Adapting to new expectations around remote work, well-being, and workplace culture.
7. What Is the Salary Range of a Full-Time CHRO in the US?
As of 2025, the typical salary range for a full-time CHRO in the US is between $292,000 and $358,000 per year, with the national average around $218,000. However, total compensation can be significantly higher with bonuses, equity, and benefits, especially at larger companies or in major markets.
8. What Is a Fractional CHRO, and What Are the Benefits of Hiring One?
A fractional CHRO is an experienced HR executive who works part-time or on a project basis, providing high-level HR leadership without the commitment or cost of a full-time hire.
The many benefits of hiring a fractional CHRO include:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Pay only for the expertise you need, without full-time salary, bonuses, or benefits.
- Flexibility: Engage your executive leaders for specific projects or strategic initiatives, accessing on-demand guidance.
- Speed: Onboard quickly for immediate results, especially during critical transitions.
- Objective Perspective: Gain fresh, unbiased insights to spot risks and opportunities internal leaders might miss.
9. How Do You Hire a Fractional CHRO?
The best way to hire a fractional CHRO is through Go Fractional.
Go Fractional connects you with leading, experienced CHROs who are ready to make an impact in your organization. In fact, we make our matches in just three days with a 98% success rate.
Here's a quick look at how hiring a fractional CHRO works:
- Specify your requirements, including industry, experience, and availability.
- Get matched with vetted fractional CHROs on our network.
- Interview and assess your top candidates.
- After you select the right fit, Go Fractional handles contracts, admin, and ongoing support.
Ready to find your next HR leader? Meet our fractional CHROs.
