Chief of Staff
Blueair Overview
Blueair, as part of Unilever, is a rapidly growing global brand with rocketlike potential. At Blueair we believe that the freedom to breathe clean air is a basic right, and we fight for that right around the world. We have built a team of thinkers, dreamers, and doers who are passionate about our impactful products. At Blueair, we strive to gain and support the next generation of innovators in the market. We are seeking to add to our entrepreneurial culture and team with a Chief of Staff.
Position Description
Weâre looking for a dynamic and visionary leader to join our high-growth organization and shape the future of our people operations. As the Chief of Staff, youâll play a pivotal role in scaling our team, building a thriving culture, and driving organizational success. This role will directly report to the CEO, with high visibility to the organization and board. If youâre excited by the challenge of growing a global team and fostering an innovative environment, this role is for you!
This role is hybrid and requires applicants to live in the following states: IL, IN, NY, NJ and be willing to commute to a local office (Chicago/NYC) two days a week. This role will also require some additional domestic and international travel.
Responsibilities and Functions
Strategic HR Leadership
- Design and implement agile, scalable HR strategies that fuel rapid growth and align with our business objectives.
- Forecast, track and own the people budget to ensure it aligns with P&L.
- Lead global efforts in talent acquisition, employee development, performance optimization, and succession planning.
- Champion a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture that values innovation, collaboration, and creativity.
- Drive initiatives that elevate employee engagement and strengthen our unique culture.
Innovative Global Communications
- Create and execute a compelling, transparent internal communication strategy that supports rapid growth and change.
- Partner with the executive team to provide real-time advice on communication strategies that resonate with a fast-moving, global team.
- Ensure our messaging is consistent across all channels and regions, adapting for cultural nuances.
- Proactively manage crisis communication and protect our brand reputation in high-pressure situations.
Legal & Compliance Partnership
- Act as the go-to for HR-related legal matters, collaborating with external counsel as needed.
- Maintain a keen understanding of global labor laws and ensure compliance with evolving regulations in every market we operate in.
- Lead resolution efforts on employee relations issues and navigate the complexities of startup environments with a balance of empathy and legal insight.
Data-Driven, People-First Approach
- Leverage real-time HR data and analytics to drive informed, impactful decisions that support our growth goals.
- Continuously monitor industry trends, benchmarks, and best practices to stay ahead of the curve in talent management and employee experience.
- Use data insights to craft strategies that improve team performance and align with our mission of rapid, sustainable growth.
Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Lead and inspire a high-performing, global HR team, fostering an environment that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
- Work closely with other leadership teams to drive organizational change and implement people-centric solutions that enhance business performance.
- Act as a culture champion, ensuring our values are embedded in everything we do, from hiring to team rituals.
What You Bring
- Experience in scaling startups and navigating the challenges of high-growth environments.
- 5+ years of true HR leadership experience, ideally within a fast-paced, global company or startup.
- Proven track record of developing and executing innovative HR strategies that drive business results.
- Strong expertise in internal communications, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages in a high-speed environment.
- A hands-on, data-driven mindsetâcomfortable moving quickly, experimenting, and iterating based on what works.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and inspire at all levels of the organization.
- Startup mindset: youâre comfortable with ambiguity, quick pivots, and solving problems in real-time.
About the Company
We are looking to add to our entrepreneurial culture and team. Here, employees are challenged to perform at a high level while helping the company grow and are given the opportunity to excel and grow themselves. Blueair is constantly in pursuit of opportunities that strengthen our cause to support and enhance the education and betterment of air quality for people around the world.
Our Take on Leadership
Growth Mindset
This is competitive leadership. Taking the lead in the marketplace versus following. It's a positive attitude about the company's future â glass half-full âbut it's realistic. It's passion for winning. Winning is defined as gaining market share. It's placing a fresh emphasis on innovation â challenging the status quo.
Consumer and Customer Focus
This is purpose-driven leadership. It's externally focused â on consumers, on customers. First take care of consumers and customers; financial performance will follow. It's a heightened passion for the consumer: âI firmly believe in improving the lives of consumers.â It's bringing the voice of the consumer and the customer into everything we do. It's seeing our brands through their eyes.
Bias for Action
This is action-driven leadership: "This is what I will do." It's speed and sense of urgency in making decisions. But it needs to be thoughtful action, intelligent risk-taking. Also, it's not wasting time on bureaucracy â itâs output that counts. And itâs simplifying my agenda, carefully choosing priorities â and not taking on too much.
Accountability and Responsibility
This is performance-driven leadership. "I will deliver against KPIs, holding myself to the highest standards.â I will also hold other people accountable â first by setting clear expectations and then by telling them if they are on the right path. It's staring reality in the eye â doing it with numbers. It's taking responsibility for Blueair's overall performance, not just by delivering my results but by helping other people deliver their results. Finally, itâs personally driving change and using operational discipline to deliver on the promise.
Building Talent and Teams
This is people-driven leadership. It's passion for people. It's having the best people in the right positions, whatever the person's gender or background. It's giving people plenty of room to do their part and recognizing them for their contributions. It's investing in people's development â giving them feedback and challenging work. Itâs also constantly challenging myself to grow and improve. And it's building aligned, cohesive teams that pull together to win.
If you consider yourself a go-getter who loves to #win, and someone who loves to have fun, then we may have the job for you.
Blueair is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. You will be considered for this position based upon your experience and education, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, ancestry; marital, disabled, or veteran status.
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