Director, Workforce Innovation & Social Impact

About Us

We are a global climate technologies company engineered for sustainability. We create sustainable and efficient residential, commercial and industrial spaces through HVACR technologies. We protect temperature-sensitive goods throughout the cold chain. And we bring comfort to people globally. Best-in-class engineering, design and manufacturing combined with category-leading brands in compression, controls, software and monitoring solutions result in next-generation climate technology that is built for the needs of the world ahead.  

Whether you are a professional looking for a career change, an undergraduate student exploring your first opportunity, or recent graduate with an advanced degree, we have opportunities that will allow you to innovate, be challenged and make an impact. Join our team and start your journey today! 

Description

We are seeking an inspiring and results-oriented Director of Workforce Innovation and Social Impact to spearhead the development and execution of forward-thinking workforce strategies and reinforce our unwavering commitment to creating meaningful social impact.

This role will place you at the forefront of organizational transformation, driving initiatives that empower our people and foster a culture of inclusion, belonging, and purpose across more than 40 countries worldwide. You will be responsible for designing and implementing innovative workforce strategies and models, building culture, and fostering community partnerships that enable greater social and economic mobility.

This is your opportunity to make a real and lasting difference—not only for Copeland but also for the communities in which we live and work.

This role will be based in St Louis, Mo. Consideration will be given to highly qualified candidates that can either relocate or work virtually.

As the Director of Workforce Innovation and Social Impact, you will:

• Serve as a leading voice on workforce trends such as automation, global skills shortages / advancements, and demographic shifts, developing innovative and practical workforce innovation strategies and models to enhance talent acquisition, development and retention strategies
• Anticipate labor market trends to proactively identify areas for workforce transformation; identify and implement new sources of talent, ensuring alignment with the needs of a rapidly evolving global market
• Integrate gig workers, freelancers, and other forms of flexible labor into the overall talent ecosystem by creating innovative labor models that enhance productivity and adaptability while ensuring alignment with organizational values, creating a resilient workforce prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow
• Advocate and where relevant implement a skills-based approach to workforce planning, talent acquisition and development
• Architect and guide Copeland’s functional talent councils whose role is to identify and develop talent (i.e., skill building, mobility) across the organization, building a stronger workforce
• Build and oversee Copeland’s Apprenticeship Program and reskilling/upskilling initiatives working closely with key external partners and leaders across Copeland
• Oversee and operationalize Copeland’s Global Social Impact Program - Inspiring Horizons, ensuring initiatives deliver results while empowering children, youth and young adults in less advantaged and underrepresented groups to realize their full potential through greater connection, access and education. Embed a volunteering mindset across Copeland
• Provide enterprise-level guidance to Colleague Resource Groups (CRGs), empowering them to create meaningful initiatives that build community and enhance culture while delivering measurable results
• Measure and report on the outcomes of workforce and social impact initiatives, ensuring transparency and accountability
• Act as a change agent, ensuring programs are implemented successfully and organizational goals are achieved within targeted timelines

Required education, experiences & skills:

• About 8-10 years of experience in workforce planning and development, talent management, corporate social responsibility, or related / complementary fields, with proven leadership in global and cross-functional environments

• Strong understanding of labor market dynamics, workforce planning, and emerging workforce trends
• Strong operations knowledge having wor