Head of People

Description About the Company A leading engineering organization partnered with Robert Half is seeking an experienced Head of People (Contract) to support a period of organizational growth and transformation. The company delivers large-scale engineering and infrastructure solutions across commercial, industrial, and public-sector projects and requires immediate HR leadership support. Position Summary This contract role will serve as the senior-most People leader, responsible for stabilizing, optimizing, and advancing the organization's HR function during a critical growth phase. The Head of People will provide both strategic direction and hands-on leadership across all core HR functions, including talent strategy, employee relations, workforce planning, and leadership development. This is a high-impact, interim leadership role ideal for someone who thrives in fast-moving, project-driven environments and can quickly assess, prioritize, and execute people initiatives. Key Responsibilities People Strategy & Organizational Leadership + Assess current HR/People function and identify immediate gaps and opportunities + Provide strategic HR leadership to executive and operations teams + Align people initiatives with short-term stabilization and long-term growth objectives Talent & Workforce Management + Oversee recruiting strategy for critical engineering, field, and corporate roles + Partner with leadership to support urgent and pipeline-driven hiring needs + Improve workforce planning processes for project-based staffing demands Employee Relations & Organizational Support + Manage complex employee relations matters and provide guidance to leadership + Ensure consistent and compliant handling of HR issues across teams + Support organizational change management initiatives Performance & Leadership Support + Evaluate and refine performance management processes + Coach managers and senior leaders on people management and engagement + Support leadership alignment during periods of transition or restructuring Compensation, Benefits & HR Operations + Review compensation structures for internal equity and market competitiveness + Support benefits evaluation and recommendations where needed + Identify and improve inefficiencies within HR systems and workflows Compliance & Risk Management + Ensure adherence to employment laws and internal HR policies + Mitigate HR-related risks during periods of change or scaling + Partner with legal and operational stakeholders as needed Requirements Qualifications + 10+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, including senior or Head of HR/People roles + Strong background in engineering, construction, infrastructure, or technical services environments strongly preferred + Demonstrated experience in interim, consulting, or contract leadership roles is highly desirable + Proven ability to quickly assess organizational needs and implement practical HR solutions + Strong employee relations, organizational design, and workforce planning expertise + Ability to operate in fast-paced, ambiguous, and evolving environments + Excellent executive communication and stakeholder management skills Preferred Experience + Prior experience supporting turnaround, scaling, or transformation initiatives + Familiarity with project-based or field workforce structures + Experience supporting multi-site or geographically distributed teams + Ability to balance strategic advisory work with hands-on execution TalentMatch® Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. © 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) and Privacy Notice (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/privacy) .