Description

Copper Run is a different kind of investment bank.

We advise on middle-market mergers and acquisitions with a reputation for disciplined execution, deep client trust, and Midwestern values that show up in how we treat our people. Our teams are lean, our standards are high, and our culture is grounded in accountability, professionalism, and teamwork.

As the firm continues to grow, we are seeking a Human Resources Director to build, lead, and scale the people function in a way that protects what makes Copper Run special while supporting thoughtful, sustainable growth.

This is a rare opportunity for an HR leader who enjoys operating as a true partner to leadership — someone who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution and who thrives in a high-performance, low-bureaucracy environment.

You will work directly with the C-suite, advising on hiring, performance, compensation, culture, and organizational development for bankers and support professionals across the firm. You will also execute daily on all HR functions, with a key focus on recruiting as we grow our team.

 
What This Role Is About

This role is not about managing a large HR department. It is about owning the entire HR function for a growing, high-performance firm where talent, culture, and accountability matter deeply.

You will:

• Serve as a trusted day-to-day advisor to leadership on people strategy and organizational decisions
• Personally recruit for bankers (Analyst through Managing Director), interns, and key support roles
• Own and administer the firm’s performance management and promotion process
• Guide compensation and bonus decisions with discipline and fairness
• Be a visible, approachable resource for employees at all levels
• Strengthen and protect a culture built on trust, respect, and personal responsibility
• Build HR systems and practices that are effective without becoming bureaucratic
• Manage and administer benefits, compliance, onboarding, offboarding, and HR operations end-to-end
• Coach managers through feedback, performance issues, and difficult conversations
• Scale the firm’s HR infrastructure thoughtfully as headcount and complexity increase

Who Thrives Here

The right candidate is:

• A confident HR leader who enjoys both strategy and daily execution
• Skilled at recruiting top talent and evaluating both cultural fit and technical capability
• Comfortable operating in a lean, fast-moving organization without layers of process
• Direct, practical, and trusted for their judgment and discretion
• Passionate about building culture and protecting it as an organization grows
• Aligned with Midwestern values: integrity, accountability, humility, and teamwork
• Likes to work hard but also have fun!

You will have a meaningful influence on who joins the firm, how people grow, and how culture is protected as Copper Run continues to expand.

If you are looking for a role where your judgment matters and where you can build rather than maintain, this is a rare opportunity.

About Copper Run

Copper Run is a growing middle-market investment bank advising private equity firms, sponsor-backed companies, and middle-market businesses on buy-side, sell-side, and strategic M&A transactions. We pride ourselves on delivering thoughtful advice, disciplined execution, and results that matter to our clients. In addition to our advisory platform, Copper Run manages Grandview Partners, a private equity fund focused on co-investments alongside leading private equity firms. We operate with a team-first mindset, a strong execution culture, and the belief that great outcomes are driven by talented people working together.

Requirements

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of progressive HR experience 
• Bachelor’s degree required; SHRM/HRCI certification preferred
• Experience in finance, investment banking, private equity, or professional services strongly preferred
• Demonstrated success supporting growing or entrepreneurial organizations with a high emphasis on recruiting top talent
• Strong knowledge of employment law, compensation programs, benefits, and performance management
• Sound judgment, emotional intelligence, high integrity, and professionalism
• Comfortable operating in a lean, fast-moving environment
• Strong alignment with Midwestern values and a long-term growth mindset
• Experience or familiarity with FINRA compliance a plus