LEADERSHIP & PEOPLE

Fractional HR & People Strategy

Strategic HR leadership, on your terms. Winding River Consulting provides experienced fractional HR support for professional services firms that are growing beyond what informal people management can sustain.

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WHY IT MATTERS

HR Strategy Without a Full-Time Hire

Every firm strategy, every growth initiative, every succession plan runs through the capabilities of the people leading the work. Winding River Consulting works with firm leaders every day, and the pattern is consistent: the firms that outperform their peers are led by people who take their own development seriously. Leadership Forward brings together Winding River Consulting's programs, coaching, peer learning, and advisory services into a connected development ecosystem for professional services firm leaders at every stage.

Scope

What We Work On

HR Infrastructure & Policy

HR infrastructure and policy development that gives the firm a durable people foundation.

Recruiting & Hiring Process

Recruiting strategy and hiring process design built to attract and select the right people.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation and benefits benchmarking that keeps the firm competitive and fair.

Performance Management

Performance management frameworks that set clear expectations and support growth.

Onboarding & Offboarding

Onboarding and offboarding processes that make transitions smooth and consistent.

Retention & Engagement

Retention strategies and engagement programs that keep your best people invested.

Manager Development & Coaching

Manager development and HR coaching that builds people capability inside the firm.

Compliance & Risk

Compliance and risk reduction that protects the firm as it grows and changes.

HOW WE ENGAGE

Built Around What Your Firm Needs Now

Fractional HR engagements are structured around what your firm needs right now and where it is headed. Some clients need a consistent monthly cadence of strategic HR leadership. Others need project-based support around a specific initiative like a compensation redesign or a hiring surge.

Winding River Consulting works with your leadership team to define the right engagement model, set clear priorities, and deliver work that builds lasting people capability inside the firm. Engagements are available as ongoing retainers or defined-scope projects.

WHO IS THIS FOR

Senior People Strategy, Right-Sized to Your Firm

This service is designed for professional services firms that have outgrown informal HR management, firms preparing for significant growth or a leadership transition, PE-backed platforms managing HR across multiple locations, and organizations that want senior HR expertise without a full-time CHRO.

I am deeply grateful to Winding River Consulting for illuminating what matters most in our profession: leadership, culture, strategy, execution, growth, innovation, personal health, trust and relationships, all in the service of ultimately being true trusted advisors to clients. Their grasp of the big picture shines a thought-provoking light on the personal and business transformation required to thrive in the new era of public accounting.

David Wurtzbacher

CEO | Ascend