Director, Talent Acquisition

Our CompanyWe believe Running Changes Everything. If you believe that, too, we want to talk. With more than 280 stores and a robust e-commerce site, Fleet Feet is the largest running retailer in the country. Catering to more than runners, we pride ourselves on having an inclusive environment! We believe it’s a privilege to serve and to deliver unmatched service and support when outfitting every customer. We run together to solve problems, reach goals, encourage others and champion our brand. Overview:The Director, Talent Acquisition will lead how Fleet Feet attracts, hires, and grows great people across our stores, distribution center, and corporate teams. This role is about more than filling positions - it’s about building the teams that power our people-first culture and support the next phase of Fleet Feet’s growth.We’re looking for a strategic, hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and knows how to balance big-picture thinking with day-to-day execution. This person will partner closely with leaders across the business to understand talent needs, strengthen our employer brand, and create hiring strategies that help us find exceptional people who connect with our purpose and values.The Director will lead and develop the Talent Acquisition team while creating an inclusive, high-quality candidate experience that reflects who we are as a company. They’ll use data insights, workforce trends, and relationship-building to proactively develop pipelines and scalable hiring practices that support Fleet Feet today and as we continue to grow.This is a hybrid position based in Carrboro, NC, with an expectation of working in the office three days per week. Candidates must currently live within commuting distance or be willing to relocate to the area.Responsibilities:Strategic Workforce Planning & PartnershipPartner with VP, Human Resources, HR leadership, and business leaders to develop forward-looking workforce plans aligned to business growth and market trendsPartner with HR and business leaders to strengthen internal mobility and career pathway strategies Anticipate talent needs by analyzing labor market data, industry trends, and internal workforce insightsAdvise leadership on talent availability and hiring strategies to enable business goalsTranslate business strategy into scalable, proactive recruiting plans across retail and corporate functions Communicate effectively by understanding the business and audiences and proactively sharing clear, timely information to build alignment and trust across teams Talent Acquisition Strategy & Employer BrandDefine and execute a comprehensive talent acquisition strategy that strengthens Fleet Feet’s position as an employer of choiceLead employer branding initiatives to attract high-quality, diverse talent across multiple channelsBuild and sustain strategic partnerships (community, university, industry) to develop talent pipelinesOversee innovative sourcing strategies that are proactive, data-driven, and aligned with future workforce needsTeam Leadership & Capability BuildingLead, develop, and inspire the Talent Acquisition team, setting clear vision, goals, and performance expectationsLead team with their continued capability in strategic sourcing, consultative partnership, and inclusive hiring practicesCoach hiring managers and leaders across the organization to elevate interviewing and selection effectivenessFoster a culture of accountability and ownership, continuous improvement, and exceptional service delivery.Recruiting Operations & ExcellenceOversee end-to-end recruiting operations, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and scalability across all hiringEstablish and monitor key performance metrics (e.g., time-to-fill, quality of hire, candidate experience, source effectiveness)Drive continuous improvement of recruiting processes, systems, and technologies (ATS, onboarding platforms, etc.)Ensure compliance with employment laws, policies, and best practicesInclusive Hiring & BelongingLead strategies that embed belonging and inclusion throughout the talent acquisition lifecycleExpand outreach efforts and partnerships to attract a broad and diverse candidate poolEnsure equitable and consistent hiring practices across all levels of the organizationChampion initiatives (e.g., internship programs, community engagement) that increase access to opportunitiesHiring, Onboarding & ExperienceEnsure a seamless, high-quality candidate and hiring manager experience from sourcing through onboardingOversee offer processes, ensuring alignment with compensation strategy and internal equityPartner cross-functionally to deliver effective onboarding experiences that drive early engagement and retentionData, Insights & InnovationLeverage data to inform decision-making and continuously improve hiring outcomesProvide regular insights and reporting to leadership on talent trends, risks, and opportunitiesStay ahead of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to evolve the TA functionEvaluate and implement emerging recruiting technologies, AI-enabled sourcing tools, and automation strategies that improve efficiency Identify and implement innovative tools and strategies to enhance recruiting effectiveness and scalabilityQualifications:Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience8+ years of progressive talent acquisition experience, including team leadershipProven experience developing and executing talent strategies in a high-growth, fast paced, multi-location environment, retail preferred Strong business acumen with the ability to influence and partner with senior leadershipDemonstrated success in building employer brand and proactive talent pipelinesExperience leading inclusive recruiting strategies and diversity-focused initiativesExpertise in recruiting technologies, systems, and data analyticsExceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skillsExperience in leading organizational change initiativesBenefits:Robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, EAP, and more401(k) with 4% employer match and immediate vesting (available to part- and full-time employees age 21+ at company-owned stores)Training and advancement opportunities across the Fleet Feet brandProfessional development programs, including mentorship, employee resource groups, and monthly learning sessionsCommunity involvement and service initiatives supporting local engagementDiscounts on training programs and productsSupportive, passionate teammates who live the mission every dayFor full-time employees (30+ hours/week), check out our Fleet Feet benefits summary for details on healthcare, wellness, and more.Equal Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodations:We are an equal opportunity employer and believe having teams in which everyone brings their whole self to Fleet Feet is key to our success. We encourage people of all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. Our dedication to inclusion is reflected in our hiring practices, workplace culture, and community engagement.Fleet Feet utilizes E-Verify in all corporate and company-operated stores as part of the hiring process.