The Challenge
A global high-tech manufacturing company with decades of history was facing severe turnover across all levels of the organization, especially within the human resources function. This instability threatened performance, culture, and alignment across multiple plants.
The company engaged Acumen Executive Search not only to identify its next Vice President of HR, but also to diagnose the root causes of turnover and provide strategic counsel for lasting change.
The Solution & Results
Acumen identified a high-impact HR leader who quickly proved to be an excellent cultural fit. Known for her effectiveness in scaling high-growth high-tech manufacturing, her hands-on approach, and ability to pivot in a fast-changing environment, she embraced the company’s “50-year-old start-up” mindset while driving stability and alignment.
Key outcomes included:
- Leadership Alignment: Acumen recommended that the VP of HR report directly to the CEO and President, rather than the CFO. This strategic shift created stronger organizational alignment and elevated HR’s influence at the executive level.
- Turnover Reduction: By restructuring HR roles, ensuring the right people were in the right seats, and aligning plant operations nationwide, turnover decreased by nearly 50%.
- Process Standardization: The VP of HR established consistency across all plants with formalized:
- HR policies, including work location policies
- Talent management and acquisition strategies
- Annual review cycles
- Structured onboarding (day one, with 30/60/90-day check-ins)
- Change Management: Her effective change management ensured adoption and consistency throughout the organization, regardless of differing plant philosophies.
- Global Collaboration: The VP of HR built a new partnership with the VP of Administration overseeing Latin American operations, breaking down silos between the US and Mexico. Her Spanish fluency and cultural competency enhanced collaboration and expanded her influence across borders.
- Executive Integration: She joined the executive leadership team with immediate impact, gaining financial acumen through P&L training and contributing to data-driven decision-making.
Candidate Perspective
“I appreciate that the executive team brought me in with open arms and that my feedback was listened to and operationalized.
I’ve also been trained on understanding a P&L; I have learned quite a bit, and it helps all of us on the executive leadership team understand both the direct and indirect impacts we are having on the business.”
Working with Acumen
“Suzanne and Molly were outstanding partners throughout the entire candidate process—keeping me updated at every step, clearly outlining the role and responsibilities, and providing meaningful insight into the company.
What stood out most was that they went beyond the basics. They shared valuable details about the company’s culture, potential challenges, and what success would look like in the role. This level of transparency made the process smooth and set clear expectations.
Because of this positive experience, I’ve since engaged their firm to support our own recruitment needs. I truly appreciate their professionalism, communication, and depth of knowledge. I look forward to continued partnership!” ~ Jennifer M., HR Corporate Director, High Tech Manufacturing
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