• Vice President, Human Resources

    Ensign-Bickford Aerospace and Defense (St. Charles, MO)


    This opportunity is located within our AFB International business, the global science and technology leader in pet food palatability. We develop and produce a full range of liquid and dry palatability enhancers using high-quality ingredients proven to optimize companion animal response and consumption. Click here (http://afbinternational.com/about/) to learn more.

    Job Description

    About AFB International:AFB International is a global leader in pet food palatability, partnering with manufacturers to develop high-performance palatants that make food, treats, and supplements taste great for dogs and cats. With headquarters in St. Charles, Missouri, and facilities across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific, AFB combines scientific rigor with technical excellence to serve a diverse customer base.

     

    A subsidiary of Ensign-Bickford Industries, a long-standing privately held company with a diversified portfolio spanning science, technology, and manufacturing, AFB is also a dynamic, growth-oriented organization committed to operational excellence across global markets. We are seeking a transformative, high-energy HR leader to drive our people strategy, strengthen our culture of performance and innovation, and support our continued global growth.

     

    Role Summary:The Vice President of Human Resources will serve as a strategic business leader of the executive team, shaping and executing HR initiatives that enhance organizational performance, leadership development, and workforce engagement. The ideal candidate combines executive presence, business acumen, and an action-oriented mindset to accelerate strategy implementation, foster continuous improvement, and optimize talent across the enterprise.

    Key Responsibilities:

    + Define and execute HR strategies that drive measurable business outcomes and support long-term growth.

    + Lead programs across talent acquisition, leadership development, organizational design, succession planning, and M&A HR integration.

    + Be a steward of our unique culture, operating system (EBOS) and Core Values.

    + Act as a trusted and integral part of High Performing Leadership Team.

    + Leverage HR analytics and key performance metrics (Time-to-Fill, Engagement Scores, Attrition, Succession White Space) to inform decisions, measure ROI, and elevate accountability.

    + Champion continuous improvement initiatives in alignment with Core Value Drivers (Internal Fill Rate, Retention, On-Time Delivery & Quality, CAGR, OMX Expansion).

    + Build and mentor high-performing HR and leadership teams to ensure sustainable organizational success.

    Qualifications & Experience:

    + Senior HR executive with 7+ years of leadership experience at the Senior Director or VP level, ideally having led HR strategy for a $500M+ organization.

    + Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or a related field; Preferred – Master’s degree (MBA or Human Resources Management).

    + Multi-industry and/or multi-business experience within continuous improvement environments

    + Proven practitioner of structured problem-solving and continuous improvement methodologies, with a track record of addressing complex business challenges and driving measurable results.

    + Strong global HR perspective, ideally managing teams across regions such as EU, Thailand, Brazil, or comparable markets.

    + Exceptional business acumen, with the ability to translate operational needs into workforce strategies that deliver measurable business impact.

    + High-energy, entrepreneurial leader with executive presence, unquestioned integrity, and a highly collaborative mindset.

    Why Join AFB International:

    + Lead HR at a global, science-driven organization with a mission to make pet food and supplements taste great for pets worldwide.

    + Shape organizational strategy and culture while partnering directly with senior executives.

    + Drive initiatives that directly impact talent, performance, and long-term business success.

    + Thrive in an innovative, high-energy, continuous improvement culture where your leadership will make a lasting impact.

     

    If you are a strategic, results-driven HR leader ready to make a meaningful impact in a global, growth-oriented organization, we encourage you to apply online and share your experience with us.

     

    AFB International is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.

     

    Ensign-Bickford Industries, (http://e-bind.com) (EBI), founded in 1836, is a privately-owned high technology conglomerate that participates in businesses that are relevant to the future of the world and have multigenerational growth prospects. As One EBI, we innovate in science and technology for the safety, health, and well-being of society, creating exceptional long-term value.

     

    Watch the video above to learn more about some of the incredible challenges we take on every day to deliver the best product for our customers, and ultimately the world.

     

    Ensign-Bickford Industries (EBI) is a global science and technology organization with unparalleled leadership positions in attractive industries and markets. We are EBI, positioned to take on some of the world's most complex technological and scientific challenges in diagnostics, pet food science, and aerospace and defense.

     

    Click here to learn about our Core Values (https://ensign-bickfordind.com/ebi-core-values/)

     

    We conduct business in a manner that reflects the highest human and ethical standards. With that commitment to mutually beneficial partnerships and a belief in the efficacy of genuine economic and social service, this cornerstone is the foundation of who we are as a company and our winning vision.

     

    AFB International (http://www.ensign-bickfordind.com/subsidiaries/afb-international/)

     

    + AFB is the leader in pet food flavor enhancers. Ensuring product performance for pet food manufacturers—and their customers—is our business.

     

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    Cawood (https://cawood.co.uk/)

     

    + Cawood is the UK’s leading scientific group, recognized for its technical capability and value-added service to customers in land-based industries.

    • Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (http://www.ensign-bickfordind.com/subsidiaries/ensign-bickford-aerospace-defense/)

    + EBAD is a global leader in precision energetic systems and other innovative explosives, non-explosive and electromechanical solutions for the defense and aerospace markets.

    • EnviroLogix (http://www.ensign-bickfordind.com/subsidiaries/envirologix-inc/)

    + EnviroLogix is an industry leader in the development and manufacturing of tests for the rapid detection of GMOs and mycotoxins throughout the worldwide food production chain.