Sr TA Operations Manager

Cengage; Ohio; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Cengage is seeking an experienced Talent Acquisition Operations professional to own end-to-end TA processes, dashboards, and data-driven improvements. You will lead cross-functional initiatives, manage outsourced TA services, and ensure compliance across the recruiting lifecycle.

The role requires strong analytics, stakeholder collaboration, and a passion for scalable processes within a global education technology company.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in talent acquisition operations or a related HR operations role.
• Hands-on administrator-level experience with an ATS (Workday preferred) and TA technology stack.
• Experience leading external vendor and RPO relationships, including contract negotiation and SLA management.

Responsibilities

• Process & Reporting Own end-to-end TA process build, documentation, and continuous improvement throughout the hiring journey.
• Build and maintain recruiting dashboards and reporting for TA leadership and HR/business team members.
• Identify process bottlenecks and inefficiencies, and lead cross-functional initiatives to resolve them.
• Establish and monitor SLAs and quality standards throughout the recruiting process.
• Partner with the Head of TA to prepare data and reporting for quarterly business reviews and workforce planning.
• TA Systems & Technology: Administer ATS and TA tech stack; manage configuration, integrations, and data integrity.
• Vendor & Outsourced Operations Management: Manage outsourced TA operations, negotiate contracts, monitor SLA performance.
• Compliance & Documentation: Ensure processes meet OFCCP, EEO, data privacy; maintain audit-ready records.
• Employer Branding & Reputation Management: Develop content and manage employer brand across channels.
• Team Training & Enablement: Design onboarding and training resources; drive tool adoption; coach teammates.

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Workday

Job description

We believe in the power and joy of learning At Cengage, our employees have a direct impact in helping learners around the world discover the power and joy of learning. We are bonded by our shared purpose – driving innovation that helps millions of learners improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.

What you'll do here

• Process & Reporting Own end-to-end TA process build, documentation, and continuous improvement throughout the hiring journey.
• Build and maintain recruiting dashboards and reporting (pipeline health, time-to-fill, source effectiveness, funnel conversion, DEI metrics) for TA leadership and HR/business team members.
• Identify process bottlenecks and inefficiencies, and lead cross-functional initiatives to resolve them.
• Establish and monitor SLAs and quality standards throughout the recruiting process.
• Partner with the Head of TA to prepare data, insights, and reporting for quarterly business reviews (QBRs) and workforce planning discussions.
• TA Systems & Technology Serve as the primary administrator and subject-matter expert for the ATS (e.g., Workday) and adjacent TA tech stack (sourcing, scheduling, assessment, and CRM tools). Manage system configuration, workflow automation, integrations, and data integrity across TA platforms. Evaluate, pilot, and implement new recruiting technology and AI-enabled tools to improve efficiency and candidate experience. Partner with IT/HRIS on system upgrades, troubleshooting, and access/permissions management.
• Vendor & Outsourced Operations Management Own vendor relationships for outsourced TA operations services (e.g., interview scheduling, sourcing support, RPO coordination), ensuring consistent quality and candidate experience. Negotiate contracts, pricing, and statements of work with TA vendors and RPO partners; monitor performance against SLAs and budget. Serve as the primary point of contact for outsourced TA functions, handling customer issues and driving continuous performance improvement. Lead periodic vendor/RPO performance reviews and build-vs-buy evaluations for TA operational services.
• Compliance & Documentation Ensure TA processes and recordkeeping meet compliance requirements (e.g., OFCCP, EEO/affirmative action, and applicable data privacy regulations). Maintain audit-ready documentation across the recruiting lifecycle, including job postings, interview records, and offer approvals. Partner with Legal and HR Compliance on policy updates, audits, and recordkeeping requirements affecting the TA function.
• Employer Branding & Reputation Management Own and evolve Cengage's employer brand presence across career sites, job postings, and social/professional channels. Monitor and lead employer reputation on platforms such as Glassdoor and LinkedIn, coordinating response strategy with HR and Communications. Partner with Marketing/Communications to develop employer branding content, campaigns, and candidate-facing collateral. Audit and maintain consistency and quality across all external-facing recruiting touchpoints.
• Team Training & Enablement Design and deliver onboarding, systems, and process training for recruiters and hiring managers. Build enablement resources (playbooks, templates, job aids) that standardize procedures across the TA team. Act as a coach for TA process and systems questions, driving adoption of new tools and workflows. Partner with TA leadership to identify skill gaps and build ongoing learning and development programming for the team.

Skills you will need here

• 7+ years of experience and demonstrated ability in talent acquisition operations, recruiting operations, or a related HR operations role.
• Hands-on administrator-level experience with an ATS (Workday preferred) and broader TA technology stack.
• Experience leading external vendor and RPO relationships, including contract negotiation, SLA management, and performance evaluation — ideally for outsourced services such as interview scheduling or sourcing support.
• Solid understanding of TA legal standards (e.g., OFCCP, EEO/affirmative action, data privacy) and experience maintaining audit-ready documentation n.
• Strong analytical skills with demonstrated experience building recruiting reports/dashboards and translating data into actionable recommendations, including support for executive-level reviews (e.g., QBRs).
• Experience with employer branding, reputation management, or recruitment marketing.
• Proven ability to design training and enablement programs and drive adoption across a team.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to lead multiple concurrent workstreams independently; experience mentoring or guiding junior team members or coordinators is a plus.
• Strong communication skills, with experience partnering across HR, IT, Legal, Marketing, and business leadership.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Human Resources, Business, or related field.

About Cengage

Cengage, a global education technology company serving millions of learners, provides affordable, quality digital products and services that equip students with the skills and competencies needed to be job ready. For more than 100 years, we have enabled the power and joy of learning with trusted, engaging content, and now, integrated digital platforms. We serve the higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching and research markets worldwide. Through our scalable technology, including MindTap and Cengage Unlimited, we support all learners who seek to improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.

Cengage is committed to working with broad talent pools to attract and hire strong and most qualified individuals. Our job applicants are considered regardless of any classification protected by applicable federal, state, provincial or local laws. Cengage is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities including during our job application process. If you are an applicant with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in our job application process, please contact us at [e-mail].

Compensation

At Cengage Group, we take great pride in our commitment to providing a comprehensive and rewarding Total Rewards package designed to support and empower our employees. The full base pay range has been provided for this position. Individual base pay will vary based on work schedule, qualifications, experience, internal equity, and geographic location. Sales roles often incorporate a significant incentive compensation program beyond this base pay range. In this position, you will be eligible to participate in the company’s discretionary incentive bonus program. This position’s bonus target amount, which is not guaranteed and is dependent on individual performance and overall company results among other factors, is provided below. 10% Annual: Individual Target $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 USD