Position Summary
As Gradian grows through mergers, acquisitions, and rapid hiring, we are building one connected, purpose-driven culture across a newly combined organization. The Talent & Culture Manager is the champion and architect of that culture. This role exists to translate the Gradian brand, mission, vision, and values into everyday behaviors and experiences that employees can see, feel, and live at every stage of their journey.
This is a highly visible, influence-driven role for someone who blends culture strategy with hands-on program execution. The Talent & Culture Manager will design and deliver the programs, moments, and communications that embed our five core behaviors – One Team, Partners in Success, Connected and Engaged, Continuously Improving, and Mutually Respectful – into hiring, onboarding, performance, recognition, development, and leadership. The ideal candidate is a culture builder who can influence without authority, partner across all levels, and help shape who Gradian is as we scale.
The Culture We Are Building
Our five behaviors are the foundation of the Gradian culture. This role is responsible for making them real and measurable across the organization:
Gradian Behavior
What This Role Helps Bring to Life
One Team
Collaboration, shared goals, and cross-site connection across a newly combined organization.
Partners in Success
Trust-based relationships with employees, leaders, and stakeholders.
Connected and Engaged
Communication, participation, belonging, and a positive employee experience.
Continuously Improving
A growth mindset, learning, feedback, and ongoing program improvement.
Mutually Respectful
Inclusion, dignity, and an environment where every voice is valued.
Key ResponsibilitiesCulture Design & Influence- Serve as the primary champion of the Gradian brand, mission, vision, values, and behaviors, influencing how they show up across the organization.
- Design and lead a culture roadmap that embeds the five behaviors into every stage of the employee lifecycle.
- Partner with and influence leaders at all levels to model, reinforce, and hold the culture accountable, without relying on formal authority.
- Act as a trusted advisor to the CHRO and people leaders on culture, engagement, and employee experience.
- Integrate the Gradian identity into hiring, onboarding, performance management, recognition, learning, and leadership development.
- Build behavior-based tools and resources such as interview guides, onboarding journeys, and manager toolkits.
- Partner with Talent Acquisition to ensure candidates experience the Gradian brand and values from first contact.
- Design onboarding experiences that immerse new employees in the mission, vision, values, and behaviors from day one.
- Design and manage engagement initiatives, culture events, and recognition programs that reinforce the desired behaviors.
- Build and run a values-based recognition program that celebrates employees who live the Gradian behaviors.
- Develop culture rituals, traditions, and moments that strengthen connection across sites and teams.
- Partner with Internal Communications to deliver consistent, brand-aligned culture messaging.
- Design and analyze engagement surveys, pulse checks, and listening tools to measure culture adoption.
- Translate feedback and data into actionable plans that strengthen culture and engagement.
- Track and report on culture and engagement metrics for leadership and the board.
- Continuously refine programs based on employee feedback and business needs.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Communications, Business, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in HR, talent, culture, employee experience, organizational development, or a related area.
- Demonstrated success designing and delivering culture, engagement, or employee experience programs.
- Proven ability to influence and build trust across all levels of an organization without direct authority.
- Strong program and project management skills with the ability to move from strategy to hands-on execution.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and storytelling skills.
- Experience embedding values or behaviors into HR programs and processes.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a high-growth, start-up, or post-merger / integration environment.
- Experience building culture across multiple sites or a distributed workforce.
- Familiarity with recognition platforms, engagement survey tools, and HRIS systems.
- HR or organizational development certification (e.g., SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR, or Prosci change management).
Benefits:
- Medical, vision, and dental plans
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Group term life insurance coverage
- HSA, FSA, and Dependent Care plans available
- 8 paid holidays, 4 floating holidays, and generous PTO policy
- 401k matching
- Company paid events
- Annual safety shoe allowance
- Education assistance program
EEO Statement:
Gradian Thermal Solutions is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other legally protected status.
Employment decisions at Gradian are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind and actively promote a culture of fairness, equity, and opportunity.
We also provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, practices, or observances, in accordance with applicable laws.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Communications, Business, or a related field
- 5+ years of experience in HR, talent, culture, employee experience, organizational development, or a related area
- Demonstrated success designing and delivering culture, engagement, or employee experience programs
- Ability to influence and build trust across all organizational levels without direct authority
- Strong program and project management skills, including strategy and hands-on execution
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and storytelling skills
- Experience embedding values or behaviors into HR programs and processes
- Experience in a high-growth, startup, or post-merger/integration environment
- Experience building culture across multiple sites or a distributed workforce
- Familiarity with recognition platforms, engagement survey tools, and HRIS systems
- HR or organizational development certification such as SHRM-CP/SCP, PHR, or Prosci change management
What We Do
MAS HVAC is a Minnesota-based manufacturer specializing in custom-engineered thermal management and air handling unit solutions. The company focuses on creating custom air handling units designed to reduce physical footprints and enhance airflow capacity for large commercial and industrial applications. Their team of engineers and fabricators provides cutting-edge solutions for standard air handlers, helping clients optimize efficiency and airflow in commercial environments.






