Director of People, Central

** This is a field-based role supporting our hospitals, requiring the candidate to reside in the Central US region **

ABOUT VEG

In 2014, VEG was born with a mission to help people and their pets when they need it most by challenging norms and fixing the ER experience. Since then, we’ve expanded rapidly, with hospitals nationwide open 24/7/365, and created an ER experience that focuses on what our pets and pet parents really need. We’ve done the same for our people (VEGgies), finding a way to say YES so they are empowered to achieve great things, grow in unexpected ways, and find a place where they truly belong.

We’re rethinking emergency care from every angle—from how we run our hospitals to how we support the people working inside them. That’s where our headquarters team comes in. Whether building technology to make our hospitals more efficient, recruiting and growing incredible VEGgies, or bringing our brand to life through marketing, our VQ (VEG Headquarters) team makes it all possible—ensuring our hospitals and people have everything they need to help pets and their families.

VEG is a 2025 and 2026 certified Great Place to Work®.

THE JOB

At VEG, we find a way to say YES—so our leaders can lead boldly and our people can grow in meaningful, unexpected ways. As Director of People in our Central Region, you’ll serve as the embedded partner to hospital leaders across your region, driving a consistent, high-impact people strategy that supports our teams through rapid growth and constant evolution. You’ll own the full people function—employee relations, culture, compliance, and field HR execution—and ensure every VEGgie in the Central region experiences the best of what VEG has to offer. If you’re energized by building deep trust with leaders, developing high-performing teams, and making a real difference in a mission-driven, high-growth environment, this is where you belong.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Lead with Ownership: Act like an owner. Drive accountability, lead by example, and take initiative to move your region—and VEG—forward.

• Drive People Strategy: Build and execute a regional People strategy aligned with VEG’s mission. Partner across departments to meet evolving team needs.

• Coach & Develop Talent: Support leaders through coaching, performance management, and succession planning. Collaborate with L&D to grow and retain top talent.

• Foster Culture & Engagement: Champion the VEG Way. Promote inclusion, feedback, and engagement to create a connected, high-performing culture.

• Ensure Compliance & Consistency: Guide employee relations, ensure legal compliance, and uphold consistency in how we support our people.

• Leverage Data & Lead Initiatives: Use data to inform decisions and lead special projects that shape the future of your region and VEG as a whole.

WHAT YOU NEED

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; SPHR/SHRM-SCP preferred

• 10+ years of progressive HR experience, including 3+ years in a senior HRBP or Director-level role; multi-unit / multi-site experience and experience leading direct reports required

• Advanced employee relations and employment law expertise; demonstrated ability to manage complex cases, coach leaders, and identify systemic themes

• Strong HR generalist depth across talent development, performance management, succession planning, and compliance, with HRIS fluency

WHO YOU ARE

• Empathetic, instinctively taking a people-centric approach, whether supporting your colleagues or making an effort to understand different perspectives

• Have a sense of humility; acknowledging mistakes, sharing credit with others, and lifting up your team’s’ accomplishments

• Feel a strong sense of ownership over your work, taking responsibility for outcomes and staying committed to achieving long-term, impactful results

• Curious by nature; you ask insightful questions and continuously seek out opportunities to learn and grow your skills and knowledge

HOW WE INVEST IN YOU

• Competitive Compensation Including ($150,000 - $200,000) + bonus + benefits.

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and access to free therapy or counseling

• Paid parental leave, up to 10 weeks at 100% of regular salary, and offering inclusive fertility and family-building care for all types of families

• Unlimited PTO to use for vacation or sick days - however you need it!

• Generous referral rewards, so our awesome people can bring in more awesome people.

• Company laptop and a monthly cell phone reimbursement

BETTER TOGETHER: WHY IN-PERSON MATTERS AT VEG HQ

Our hospitals thrive on in-person collaboration, and VQ is no different. Time in the office sparks stronger connections, meaningful conversations, and better results—all bringing our core values to life. We prioritize being present because our values are best achieved side by side. Plus, we make getting here easy with free parking and a shuttle from the White Plains Metro-North station.

DEI

At VEG, diversity is not just a word—it's a strength that fuels innovation and kindness. Our mission is “Helping people and their pets when they need it most.” And we do that better when our VEGgies (employees) feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. That's why we're devoted to creating an environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve—where different perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated.

We are focused on providing equitable opportunities for growth, promoting inclusive decision-making, and ensuring that everyone's perspective is considered. Saying yes to VEG means helping us build a culture where your unique experiences and background contribute to a shared vision: being the world’s veterinary emergency company.