Talent Acquisition Associate (Marketplace) - US Shift

Pepper; Mumbai; On-site; INR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Pepper is seeking a Talent Acquisition – Associate (Supply Team – Marketplace) in Mumbai to build and scale its network of freelance writers and creators. You will identify, engage, evaluate, and onboard top talent to meet client content and marketplace needs.

You will collaborate with internal stakeholders, manage candidate pipelines, and drive end-to-end recruitment, screening, interviews, and onboarding, while maintaining accurate trackers and delivering timely hires in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• 1–3 years in talent acquisition or recruitment.
• Familiarity with sourcing platforms like LinkedIn.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Source and engage freelance writers, editors, and other content creators.
• Screen profiles and evaluate candidates against role requirements and quality standards.
• Coordinate assessments, interviews, and onboarding with internal stakeholders.
• Maintain candidate records and recruitment trackers.
• Ensure timely closures and address bottlenecks.

Skills

Talent Acquisition

Recruitment

Sourcing

Marketplace Operations

Tools

LinkedIn

Job boards

Job description

Pepper (https://www.pepper.inc/) is the AI-native organic growth engine trusted by 250+ enterprises. Our platform finds what's holding brands back across SEO, GEO and content, our AI agents do the work at scale, and our growth team turns it into results. If you want to work where AI, creativity and strategy meet, join us.

About the Role

As a Talent Acquisition – Associate (Supply Team – Marketplace), you will play a key role in building and scaling Pepper’s network of freelance talent. You will be responsible for identifying, engaging, evaluating, and onboarding creators who meet the evolving content and business requirements of our clients.

Working at the intersection of talent acquisition, marketplace operations, and business delivery, you will help ensure the availability of relevant, high-quality talent across different content requirements and projects. You will work closely with internal stakeholders to understand talent needs, manage candidate pipelines, and ensure a smooth and efficient experience for freelancers joining the marketplace.

This role requires strong communication skills, a proactive approach, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple priorities.

• Source and engage freelance writers, editors, and other content creators based on marketplace requirements.
• Understand project briefs, talent requirements, and quality expectations to identify suitable candidates.
• Pitch relevant opportunities to potential freelancers and assess their interest, availability, experience, and fit.
• Screen profiles and evaluate candidates against role-specific requirements, content expertise, and quality standards.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of freelance talent across relevant content categories and industries.
• Coordinate candidate assessments, interviews, feedback, and selection processes with internal stakeholders.
• Manage the end-to-end onboarding process for selected freelancers, ensuring all required information and documentation are completed.
• Maintain accurate candidate records, recruitment trackers, and talent pipeline updates on internal platforms.
• Follow up with candidates and internal teams to ensure timely closures and resolve delays or bottlenecks.
• Support marketplace engagement initiatives to build long-term relationships with freelancers and improve talent availability.
• Track sourcing, screening, onboarding, and conversion metrics to monitor progress against targets.
• Identify process gaps and suggest improvements to make talent sourcing and onboarding more efficient.

Requirements

• 1-3 years of experience in talent acquisition, recruitment, sourcing, marketplace operations, or a related field. Freshers with the right skills and attitude are welcome.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and build rapport with freelance talent.
• Ability to understand role requirements, evaluate candidate suitability, and identify relevant profiles.
• Familiarity with LinkedIn, job boards, professional communities, or other talent-sourcing platforms is an advantage.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple requirements, candidate pipelines, and follow-ups simultaneously.
• Comfortable working with spreadsheets, trackers, and recruitment tools to maintain accurate records and track progress.
• A proactive, target-oriented, and ownership-driven approach to work.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing requirements and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to learn, take initiative, and contribute to improving marketplace operations.
• Ability to work on-site in Marol, Andheri East, Mumbai, 5 days a week.

Why Join Pepper?

• Business impact: Contribute directly to building and scaling Pepper’s freelance talent marketplace.
• Ownership and learning: Gain hands‑on experience across sourcing, screening, onboarding, and marketplace operations.
• AI and innovation: Work in an environment where AI, content, and technology are transforming how brands grow.
• Growth opportunities: Develop your talent acquisition, stakeholder management, and operational skills while working with a collaborative team.