Director of Talent Management

Love Great Design? Help Us Design Great Teams.
We're on the hunt for a culture champion who knows that behind every bold idea is an even bolder team. If you're equal parts strategist, coach, and cheerleader-and you geek out over things like talent pipelines and creative cultures-this is your moment. Join us to shape the people strategy behind the work that shapes skylines, communities, and the future of design.

This role is responsible for building a high-performance culture and will work closely with leadership to create and implement talent strategies to attract, develop, and retain top design, technical, and operational talent. You will ensure that our culture of creativity, collaboration, and excellence continues to thrive, supporting the firm's long-term growth and industry leadership. This role bridges human resources best practices with a deep understanding of the unique needs of a design-driven environment. The local HR Managers report into this position and has a close working relationship with the Director of Talent Acquisition, Director of Learning and Development and Sr. Manager of Compensation and Benefits.

What you will do:

Talent Strategy Development

Design and implement comprehensive talent management strategies that encompass recruitment, development, retention, and succession planning and align with HGA's goals and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Design and implement comprehensive job architecture framework; standardizing levels, titles, and role descriptions that align with HGA's goals and growth trajectory.
• Develop competency frameworks for roles, ensuring skills and qualifications are clearly defined for effective performance management and career development.
• Align compensation and career pathways within the job architecture structure, promoting internal equity, market competitiveness, and clear career progression opportunities.

Performance Management

• Evolve performance management system to foster high performance, and a culture of feedback and continuous improvement to ensure employee performance aligns with HGA's standards.
• Monitor turnover trends and develop proactive retention strategies.

Leadership Development and Succession Planning

• Collaborate with leadership on workforce planning, staffing projections for project pipelines, and succession planning.
• Identify high-potential employees and create development plans to prepare them for future leadership roles, ensuring a robust pipeline of internal talent.

Employee Engagement and Retention

• Develop initiatives that align with HGA's core values to enhance employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, fostering employee engagement, workplace wellbeing, and an inclusive culture that supports career growth.
• Partner with the Director of Talent Acquisition to develop and implement creative and innovative sourcing strategies and techniques to build a pipeline of qualified candidates.
• Working with the Director of L&D, design and implement mentorship programs, career path frameworks, and professional development initiatives (e.g., licensure support, continuing education).
• Utilize HR analytics to guide decision-making and resource allocation.
• Ensure HR practices comply with state, federal, and licensing-specific employment laws.
• Oversee employee relations matters, providing coaching and support to managers.

What you'll need to be successful:

• Systemic thinking, 'full stack' HR professional with a deep understanding of the talent ecosystem's interrelated and synergistic nature, capable of navigating and influencing complex, interconnected HR disciplines.
• Proven capability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization
• Ability to develop and implement long-term talent strategies that support business objectives.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively manage relationships and convey strategic initiatives.
• Ability to adapt quickly in a rapidly changing environment.
• Capable of working autonomously, managing responsibilities effectively while also collaborating with the team and relevant stakeholders.
• Demonstrate a growth mindset, with a focus on continuous learning and professional development in HR.
• Ability to be highly proactive and able to identify and address pain points and opportunities.
• Strong analytical skills, with an emphasis on data-driven decision-making.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with HR tools, including performance and learning systems.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Proficiency to leverage technology and AI to accelerate productivity.

• 15+ years of broad HR experience including talent management and performance management.
• 5+ years of experience in an HR leadership role in a design firm is essential.
• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration or related field.
• HR certifications (e.g., SHRM or HRCI) are a plus.
• Proven capability to lead cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization
• Experience designing, developing, and supporting organization-wide talent management programs that cover performance management, talent development, coaching, succession planning, data analytics and relationship management.
• Thorough understanding of recruiting methods and best practices, as well as applicable policies and federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Previous experience in capturing metrics and producing various employment reports.
• Experience in working with applicant tracking systems and affirmative action plan requirements.

The pay range of $140,000 - $205,000 aligns to the geography of the office for which this office is posted. Actual compensation will be based upon work experience, education, and/or skill levels and will be finalized at the time of an offer being extended. Individuals in this role working more than 24 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in HGA's robust benefit programs which include an annual bonus, 401(k) guaranteed contribution, paid parental leave, medical, dental and life insurance plans as well as PTO and short- and long-term disability programs.