Chief Human Resources Officer

We're Hiring: Chief Human Resources Officer

Location: Torrance, CA

Company: Pelican

Who We Are

At Pelican, we engineer products that stand up to the world’s toughest conditions—because the people who rely on us do too. For nearly 50 years, we’ve been a trusted partner for the defenders, protectors, creators, collectors, and explorers around the world

With a global presence that includes 11 offices, 4 manufacturing facilities, and 4 custom case centers, we create high-performance protective solutions that ensure our customers can focus on what matters most. We are the Global leaders in protective solutions, scale, selection, and service, all centered around our mantra of ‘Built to Protect to Equip for the Mission’.

At Pelican, your work has a real-world impact. You’ll be part of a team driven by a strategic growth obsession to continue to unlock the potential of Pelican. The stage has been set and the business has momentum. If you’re ready to build something that makes a difference, be part of a team that protects what matters most.

What You'll Do:

Pelican is seeking an experienced Chief Human Resources Officer to shape and lead our global people and culture strategy. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, this role partners directly with the CEO, the Executive Leadership Team, and the Board to drive organizational performance through talent, leadership, and transformation. The CHRO will play a critical role in building a high-performance, scalable organization—leveraging data, modern HR practices, and strong business acumen to enable growth, strengthen culture, and position Pelican for the future.

Strategic Leadership & Partnership

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, Executive Team, and Board on all people and organizational matters (Pelican operates in a matrix model)
• Drive organizational design, workforce planning, and enterprise-wide effectiveness
• Lead large-scale transformation and change initiatives aligned to business strategy

Talent & Leadership

• Build a strong leadership pipeline through succession planning and leadership development
• Drive a high-performance culture through modern performance management practices
• Oversee global talent acquisition strategies to secure critical capabilities
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion as a driver of business success

Culture & Employee Experience

• Shape and embed a values-driven, high-performance culture
• Enhance employee engagement, experience, and well-being at scale
• Lead employee listening strategies and translate insights into action

Organizational Development & Transformation

• Lead enterprise-wide capability building and workforce transformation
• Drive learning strategies focused on future skills and leadership readiness
• Enable agility, innovation, and modern ways of working

Manufacturing & Operations

• Engage and support the (6) manufacturing sites
• Work directly with Operations to provide pro-active solutions for growth
• Drive common ‘ways of working’ across Ops and provide modern HR solutions

Stakeholder and Community Outreach

• Develop a robust stakeholder and community outreach plan
• Implement a ‘new’ Pelican community support program
• Manage and coordinate the stakeholder expectations cross-functionally

Company-wide engagement and communication

• Establish a company-wide communication ‘blueprint’
• Set the conditions for success to drive improved engagement
• Support the calendar cadence for key events (Town Halls / etc.)

Total Rewards & Performance

• Design and oversee competitive, equitable, and performance-driven compensation and benefits programs
• Align rewards with business outcomes and talent priorities

HR Operations & Analytics

• Ensure efficient, scalable HR operations and service delivery
• Lead HR technology strategy, automation, and data-driven decision-making
• Establish and track KPIs to measure impact and guide strategy

Risk & Governance

• Ensure compliance with global labor laws and regulations
• Identify and mitigate people-related risks across the organization
• Maintain strong governance and ethical standards across all HR practices
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, organizational design, business administration or related field, or equivalent combination of experience, skills, and training. Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in Human Resources, with 5 in an executive/senior level role
• In depth experience with international organizations
• Working knowledge and understanding of international, federal, state, and local laws, as well as related
• Comfort and ability to work as a player and a coach.
• Ability to engage, support, and leverage a matrix organization
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Deep understanding of HR principles and best practices.

What’s In It For You:

Join a company that truly values its employees! We offer a relaxed and casual work environment, a strong commitment to giving back to communities, and a focus on employee satisfaction. With regular opportunities to share feedback with leadership and structured performance evaluations, we ensure that your voice is heard and your growth is supported.

• Competitive paid time off plans/Holiday pay/extra vacation purchase opportunities
• 401k plan – with immediate match
• Great Benefits – several options including Pet insurance for our animal lovers.
• Health Savings Account Contribution
• Wellness Discount Program
• Global Mental Wellness Program
• Quarterly Employee Celebration Days
• Peer to Peer Recognition Program
• Service Recognition Program
• Exceptional Employee Satisfaction Scores
• Ample free parking with EV Charging Station
• Amazing employee discount program on Pelican Products, Pelican branded apparel and gear
• Employee referral program – get paid to work with your trusted network.
• Prime location – minutes away from the beach!
• Established reputable brand offering premium products – you’ll be proud to represent Pelican!
• And more…