Project Manager - Talent Acquisition Technology & Transformation

Orion Group; Lake Bluff (IL); Hybrid; USD 113,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule (2 remote days)

Job summary

Orion Group is seeking a Project Manager II to lead complex Talent Acquisition technology and transformation initiatives for a global pharmaceutical client. The role blends project management, analytics, and HR technology to streamline TA operations. Hybrid schedule with two remote days per week.

You will collaborate with HRIT, vendors, and stakeholders to implement solutions across platforms like ServiceNow and Workday, while driving efficiency and innovation in TA processes.

Qualifications

• Strong project or program management experience leading complex technology and business transformations.
• Demonstrated business analysis including requirements gathering and process mapping.
• Experience supporting HR technology implementations and HR operations transformation.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong data analysis capabilities.
• Ability to translate complex operational data into actionable recommendations.
• Experience managing project plans, timelines, risks, and stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, with executive-level reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional Talent Acquisition technology and transformation projects from discovery through implementation and post-launch stabilization.
• Develop and maintain project plans, timelines, milestones, dependencies, risk assessments, and deliverables.
• Coordinate TA Operations, HRIT, technology teams, vendors, and stakeholders to ensure success.
• Identify risks, resolve issues, and drive accountability across teams.
• Prepare executive-level project updates and decision materials.

Skills

Project management

Business analysis

HR technology

Excel

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Tools

ServiceNow

Workday

First Advantage

SmartRecruiters

Phenom

Power BI

Job description

Project Manager II – Talent Acquisition Technology & Transformation

North Chicago, IL

(Hybrid – Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday onsite | Monday & Friday remote)

Contract Opportunity

$82- $87/hr based on benefit selection

Orion Group is seeking an experienced Project Manager II – Talent Acquisition Technology & Transformation to support a leading global pharmaceutical organization.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead complex technology and operational transformation initiatives within Talent Acquisition (TA). The successful candidate will combine strong project management, business analysis, data analytics, and HR technology expertise to streamline processes, implement innovative solutions, and drive measurable improvements across TA Operations.

We are looking for a proactive, analytical professional who enjoys solving complex business challenges, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and leveraging technology, automation, and data to improve operational efficiency.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who can bridge the gap between business operations and technology, translating challenges into actionable solutions and successfully managing projects from initial discovery through implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex, cross-functional Talent Acquisition technology and transformation projects from discovery through implementation and post-launch stabilization.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, timelines, milestones, dependencies, risk assessments, and deliverables.
• Coordinate activities across TA Operations, HRIT, technology teams, vendors, and business stakeholders to ensure successful project execution.
• Proactively identify project risks, resolve issues, and drive accountability across cross-functional teams.
• Prepare executive-level project updates, recommendations, and decision-making materials.

Business Analysis & Process Improvement

• Partner with stakeholders to identify operational challenges and translate business needs into clearly documented functional, process, data, and technology requirements.
• Conduct current-state and future-state process assessments to identify inefficiencies, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop process maps, workflows, and solution requirements to support technology implementations and operational transformation.
• Identify opportunities to simplify processes, strengthen controls, and improve the overall efficiency of Talent Acquisition operations.
• Lead requirements gathering, solution design, user acceptance testing (UAT), implementation readiness, and post-launch support.

HR Technology & Systems Implementation

• Collaborate with HRIT, vendors, and TA stakeholders to design, implement, and enhance HR technology solutions.
• Support technology initiatives involving platforms such as ServiceNow, Workday, First Advantage, SmartRecruiters, Phenom, and emerging AI technologies.
• Coordinate vendor implementations, system enhancements, integrations, testing, and deployment activities.
• Partner with technical teams to ensure technology solutions align with business requirements and operational objectives.
• Support initiatives involving candidate fraud prevention, identity verification, fraud detection, and AI-enabled document review.

Data Analytics, Reporting & Automation

• Analyze operational and technology data to identify trends, root causes, capacity constraints, and process improvement opportunities.
• Develop dashboards, analytical reports, and executive-ready insights to support operational decision-making.
• Establish baseline measurements, project success metrics, and post-implementation performance tracking.
• Evaluate improvements in operational capacity, efficiency, quality, risk reduction, and overall business value.
• Identify and prioritize opportunities for workflow automation, AI enablement, and technology-driven process improvements.

Required Qualifications

• Strong project or program management experience leading complex, cross-functional technology and business transformation initiatives.
• Demonstrated business analysis experience, including requirements gathering, process mapping, workflow analysis, and solution development.
• Experience supporting HR technology implementations, HR operations transformation, or technology-enabled process improvements.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and strong data analysis capabilities.
• Ability to analyze complex operational data, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable business recommendations.
• Experience managing project plans, timelines, risks, dependencies, and stakeholder expectations.
• Strong understanding of process improvement methodologies and operational efficiency initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing and presenting executive-level project updates.
• Ability to independently manage multiple priorities and drive projects forward in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ServiceNow, particularly HR Service Delivery (HRSD), and/or Workday.
• Familiarity with Talent Acquisition technology platforms such as First Advantage, SmartRecruiters, or Phenom.
• Experience with Power BI, dashboard development, and operational performance reporting.
• Knowledge of AI technologies, workflow automation, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Experience managing vendor implementations and working with third-party technology providers.
• Understanding of API concepts, system integrations, and data flows between enterprise applications.
• Hands-on experience with user acceptance testing (UAT), system testing, deployment, and post-implementation support.
• Previous experience supporting Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, or HR Operations.
• Experience with candidate identity verification, fraud detection, or risk management technology initiatives.

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?

The ideal candidate is more than a traditional project manager. We are looking for someone who can understand business challenges, analyze data, develop solutions, and take ownership of technology transformation initiatives.

You should be comfortable working at the intersection of Talent Acquisition, business operations, and technology while collaborating with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Success in this role requires a combination of strong project execution, analytical thinking, business process expertise, and the ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable recommendations.

Why Apply?

• Hybrid opportunity with two remote days per week.
• Opportunity to support a leading global pharmaceutical organization.
• Lead high-impact technology and transformation initiatives within Talent Acquisition.
• Gain exposure to leading HR technology platforms, AI, and automation solutions.
• Collaborate with HR, technology, vendors, and executive stakeholders.
• Make a measurable impact on operational efficiency, candidate experience, and business performance.

Peopleare our businessworldwide

Orion Group was founded in 1987 and is now one of the largest, independent, international recruitment companies. We have a network of 200 employees working from 24 offices, delivering a range of services – Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Outsourcing Services, Retained Search, Global Workforce Solutions, Completions & Commissioning and Materials Management – across 68 countries. As a global leader in workforce solutions, we recruit personnel across the Engineering & Technical, Office & Commercial, Scientific and Skilled Trades disciplines, for sectors including Oil & Gas, Life Science, Power & Utilities, Constructions & Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Renewables.