Chief People Officer

Position Overview

Velo3D is seeking a strategic, hands-on Chief People Officer to lead our people strategy during a pivotal stage of growth. As a member of the executive leadership team, the CPO will partner closely with the CEO and senior leaders to build a high-performing organization, foster an exceptional employee experience, and develop the people, processes, and culture needed to scale the business. This leader will ensure that Velo3D attracts, develops, and retains world-class talent while building organizational capabilities that support sustainable growth, innovation, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive people strategy aligned with Velo3D's business objectives and long-term growth plans.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team on organizational design, workforce planning, succession planning, leadership development, and culture.
• Build the organizational infrastructure, talent programs, and HR processes necessary to successfully scale the company as it grows.
• Drive change management initiatives that support evolving business priorities and organizational transformation.

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Lead global talent acquisition strategies to attract exceptional technical, manufacturing, and corporate talent.
• Develop workforce planning initiatives that align hiring with business needs and future growth.
• Strengthen employer branding to position Velo3D as an employer of choice within advanced manufacturing and technology.

Employee Experience & Culture

• Champion a culture rooted in collaboration, accountability, innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Develop programs that enhance employee engagement, retention, recognition, and career development.
• Foster open communication and strengthen leadership capabilities across all levels of the organization.

Performance & Leadership Development

• Design and oversee performance management, leadership development, coaching, and succession planning programs.
• Partner with executives and managers to establish clear performance expectations and accountability.
• Build learning and development initiatives that prepare employees and leaders for future growth.

Total Rewards

• Oversee compensation, benefits, and recognition programs to ensure competitiveness, fairness, and alignment with business objectives.
• Partner with Finance to develop compensation strategies that support talent acquisition, retention, and organizational performance.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Ensure HR policies, systems, and processes are efficient, scalable, and compliant with applicable employment laws.
• Oversee employee relations, compliance, risk management, HRIS, and people analytics.
• Use workforce data and metrics to drive informed decision-making and continuously improve organizational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree or MBA preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive human resources leadership experience, including executive-level leadership.
• Demonstrated success building and scaling organizations in high-growth technology, manufacturing, industrial, or engineering-focused environments.
• Strong experience leading talent acquisition, organizational design, leadership development, compensation, employee relations, and HR operations.
• Proven ability to influence executive leadership and drive organizational change.
• Deep knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, and people analytics.
• Experience partnering with executive leadership, the Board of Directors, and Board committees, including the Compensation Committee, on executive compensation, succession planning, leadership development, and governance matters.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience supporting publicly traded companies.\
• Professional senior level HR certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP or SPHR) is a plus.