Sr Manager, Talent Acquisition

Ocean State Job Lot; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra is seeking a Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition to oversee the entire recruitment process, develop strategies, and drive top talent into the organization.

You will lead a team of recruiters, coordinate with HR and departments, track KPIs, and ensure compliance with laws while maintaining a fair, inclusive hiring process.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or in lieu of degree, four years of recruitment experience.
• Seven years progressively responsible full lifecycle recruitment/talent acquisition experience.
• Minimum of two years supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of full lifecycle recruiting components, sourcing techniques, employer branding, candidate engagement strategies, and recruitment technology.
• Knowledge of federal and state employment laws.
• Industry trends, market dynamics, and best practices in talent acquisition.
• Knowledge of KPIs and metrics to measure recruitment effectiveness.
• Knowledge of general personnel policies and practices.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Collaborative, interpersonal, and persuasive skills to build consensus.
• Proficiency in analyzing recruitment metrics and data to track performance.
• Proficiency in ATS, recruitment software, and other tools to streamline recruitment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and computer ATS.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team, set clear goals, provide guidance.
• Discretion with confidential and sensitive information.
• Identify recruitment challenges and develop creative solutions.
• Manage multiple recruitment projects, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines.
• Willingness to travel within and outside Metra's 6-county region.
• Available to work flexible hours in early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement effective recruitment strategies aligned with the organization's goals and talent needs.
• Lead, manage, and supervise a team of recruiters, coordinators, and other talent acquisition professionals.
• Oversee sourcing efforts to attract top talent through job boards, social media, networking, and referrals.
• Develop a structured process for screening candidates, interviews, and selection.
• Track recruitment metrics and report KPIs to senior management.
• Collaborate with HR partners and department managers to enhance the employer brand.
• Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, and ensure policy compliance.
• Make staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain a safe work environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic recruitment

People management

Communication (oral & written)

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation & influencing

Team mentoring

Travel willingness

Flexible hours

Education

Bachelor's degree

Four years recruitment experience in lieu

Tools

ATS

Recruitment software

MS Office

Job description

Metra is America’s fourth busiest commuter rail system, providing essential transportation services to a community of over 9.4 million residents. As an organization of over 2,600 professionals, we are committed to safely and efficiently meeting the growing and changing transportation needs of the commuters and businesses we serve.
To meet those needs, Metra employs a diverse workforce in an environment that fosters creativity and drives innovation. We invite you to learn more about Metra and the many career opportunities we offer.

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Metra's Human Resources Department is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. We foster a culture of fairness, trust, and mutual respect by promoting employee engagement, wellness, and professional growth. Through equitable compensation, flexible benefits, and compliance with employment laws, we empower employees to thrive and contribute meaningfully to Metra's mission.

Reporting to the Director, Talent Acquisition and Business Support, the Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition will play a critical role in attracting, selecting, and retaining top talent by
overseeing the entire recruitment process within Metra, driving the development and implementation of effective recruitment strategies, managing a team of talent acquisition professionals, and ensuring compliance with law and policies.

The primary duties include:Develop and implement effective recruitment strategies aligned with the organization's goals and talent needs.Lead, manage, and supervise a team of recruiters, coordinators, and other talent acquisition professionals, providing guidance, coaching, and performance feedback.Oversee sourcing efforts to attract top talent through various channels such as job boards, social media, networking, and employee referrals.Develop and ensure a structured and efficient process for screening candidates, conducting interviews, and selecting the best fit for the organization. Track recruitment metrics and provide regular reports to senior management on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as time-to-fill, cost-per-hire, and quality-of-hire.Collaborate with HR Business Partners, department managers, and marketing and communications teams to enhance the employer brand and attract and retain high-quality candidates.Approve time off, coordinate staff schedules, fill vacancies as necessary, andensure compliance with departmental and company policies and objectives.Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, andperformance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures.Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinaryand/or termination procedures.Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment.Perform otherrelated duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

• Bachelor's degree or in lieu of degree, four years of recruitment experience.
• In addition to #1, must have seven years progressively responsible full lifecycle recruitment/talent acquisition experience.
• Must have a minimum of two years of supervisory experience.
• Considerable knowledge of full lifecycle recruiting components, sourcing techniques, employer branding, candidate engagement strategies, and recruitment technology.
• Considerable knowledge of federal and state laws regarding employment practices.
• Considerable knowledge of industry trends, market dynamics, and emerging best practices in talent acquisition.
• Good knowledge of key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics used to measure the effectiveness of recruitment efforts.
• Knowledge of general personnel policies and practices.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Good collaborative, interpersonal, and persuasive skills to build consensus in support of decisions.
• Proficiency in analyzing recruitment metrics and data to track performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Proficiency in applicant tracking systems (ATS), recruitment software, and other relevant tools for streamlining the recruitment process.
• Proficient using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and computer applicant tracking systems.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team, set clear goals, and provide guidance and support.
• Ability to exercise discretion in dealing with confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to identify recruitment challenges and develop creative solutions to address them.
• Ability to manage multiple recruitment projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon,evenings, or weekends.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Some positions require an Enhanced Background Check due to the nature of the role. This may include additional criminal history, employment and education verification, credential validation, and other legally permissible checks. All screenings are conducted in compliance with applicable laws and require candidate authorization.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre‑employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail].

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.
Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

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