Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition - Construction

Full-time

Position: Senior Manager to Associate Director, Talent Acquisition (Construction Industry)
Reports To: Executive Leadership (People / HR Leadership)
Location: Chicago (Hybrid)
Travel: Occasional travel to project sites and affiliated entity locations to support field hiring
Compensation: Competitive base salary commensurate with experience, plus a performance-based bonus, participation in the company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and a comprehensive benefits package.
We're partnering with a rapidly growing Chicago-based general contractor with 200+ employees, and a clear trajectory to grow to more than 500 employees and over $1B in revenue to find an exceptional Sr. Manager of Talent Acquisition to join their HR team. This is a newly created role established to get ahead of that growth: the requisition load has moved from fewer than ten a year ago to roughly twenty to twenty-five today and is projected to reach thirty-five or more as additional awards land. The company is seeking a builder to own hiring end to end and to establish talent acquisition as a company-wide standard and Center of Excellence.
Core Profile: alignment with the following is required to get you in the conversation
Function Ownership & Executive Partnership: You will own talent acquisition end to end and serve as the single, all-encompassing owner of hiring across the organization, partnering directly with executive leadership, project executives, and field leaders. You will operate as a strategic advisor on workforce planning and go-to-market for talent rather than a transactional order-taker, establishing TA as a recognized company-wide standard and cultural attribute. Over a six to eighteen month horizon you will grow from hands-on operator into the leader of a Talent Acquisition Center of Excellence with runway across additional entities and future acquisitions.
Hands-On Full-Desk Builder: You will be a full-desk operator from day one, personally sourcing, screening, and closing high-touch and confidential searches while you build the function around you. You will earn credibility with hiring managers and field leaders by delivering results in the seat, not by delegating the work. You understand that this is a role that rewards rolling up your sleeves now in exchange for a clear path to a strategic Associate Director or Director seat.
TA Infrastructure & Systems Ownership: You will stand up the infrastructure that a scaling TA function requires rather than execute an existing playbook, taking personal ownership of the build across the applicant tracking system and workforce-planning tools, structured interview guides, employer brand, candidate experience, and quality-of-hire calibration. You will push structured, criteria-based hiring down to hiring managers and field leaders, moving the organization away from gut-feel decisions toward defined behavioral and technical evaluation. You will treat these systems as your own initiatives to design and land, not projects to hand off.
Award-Driven Staffing Command: You will command award-driven staffing in a federal construction environment, building pipelines ahead of contract award, running kickoff and mobilization staffing, and forecasting a growing requisition load without falling into a reactive posture. You will recruit across both corporate roles and niche field roles, including superintendents, QC managers, safety and SSHO personnel, estimators, and project managers, and you will manage the mandatory QC and safety hiring cadence that federal awards require. You will build durable pipelines that anticipate demand rather than chase it.
Builder's Mindset & Cultural Fit: You will bring an authentic builder's mindset and a genuine appetite for the growth trajectory this role offers, valuing the title and the path to leadership while embracing the hands-on work required to get there. You will thrive in a fast-moving, award-driven environment and take ownership of outcomes tied directly to project delivery. A candidate who wants only strategic oversight and will not personally carry a desk, or who operates reactively and waits for requisitions to arrive, will not succeed in this role.
Core Responsibilities & Scope of Work:
Talent Acquisition Strategy & Executive Partnership
Function Ownership: Serve as the single, all-encompassing owner of hiring across the organization, consolidating requisition recruiting, program hiring, and future entity needs under one accountable leader.
Executive Partnership: Partner with executive leadership, project executives, and field leaders to translate business strategy and contract wins into workforce plans and hiring priorities.
TA as a Standard: Establish talent acquisition as a recognized company-wide standard and cultural attribute, setting the operating rhythm, service levels, and expectations for how hiring is done.
Center of Excellence: Design and, over time, lead a Talent Acquisition Center of Excellence with the capacity to support additional company entities, self-performance operations, and future acquisitions.
Full-Cycle & Award-Driven Recruiting
Full-Desk Execution: Personally source, screen, and close candidates across high-touch, confidential, and hard-to-fill searches, carrying a live desk while building the broader function.
Corporate & Field Hiring: Recruit across both corporate positions and niche field roles, including superintendents, QC managers, safety and SSHO personnel, estimators, and project managers.
Award-Driven Cadence: Build pipelines ahead of contract award, run kickoff and mobilization staffing, and manage the mandatory QC and safety hiring cadence tied to federal project awards.
Pipeline Forecasting: Forecast and manage a growing requisition load projected to move from roughly twenty to twenty-five today toward thirty-five or more, staying ahead of demand rather than reacting to it.
TA Infrastructure, Systems & Process
ATS & Tools: Own the selection, implementation, and optimization of the applicant tracking system and workforce-planning tools that support pre-award and post-award staffing.
Structured Interviewing: Build structured interview guides and criteria-based scorecards, and push disciplined, criteria-driven hiring down to hiring managers and field leaders.
Quality of Hire: Design a quality-of-hire program, including calibration of hires against defined performance tiers, to improve top-of-funnel targeting and reduce mis-hires and early attrition.
Candidate Experience & Brand: Develop the employer brand and candidate experience that position the company to compete for scarce construction and AEC talent in a full-employment market.
Program Ownership & Talent Pipelines
Internship Program: Absorb and elevate the existing internship program currently owned outside of TA, integrating it into a unified, TA-led early-talent pipeline.
Veteran & SkillBridge Hiring: Own and build out the DoD SkillBridge and veteran-transition program, creating structured pathways for transitioning service members into field and corporate roles.
Early-Talent Strategy: Connect internships, SkillBridge, and veteran hiring into a coherent early-career and pipeline strategy that feeds the company's long-term workforce needs.
Community & Sourcing Channels: Develop and maintain the sourcing channels, partnerships, and talent communities most relevant to federal construction and a scaling commercial business.
Leadership, Enablement & Recruiter Development
Team Leadership: Partner with and, over time, lead and grow the recruiting team, providing mentorship, coaching, and structure as the function scales.
Hiring Manager Enablement: Train and enable hiring managers and field leaders to interview against defined criteria, improving the quality and consistency of hiring decisions company-wide.
Incentives & Metrics: Help design recruiter incentives and performance metrics tied to quality of hire rather than volume alone, and report on pipeline health and hiring outcomes.
Cross-Entity Scale: Build the processes and playbooks that allow talent acquisition to extend across additional entities, self-performance operations, and future acquisitions without loss of quality.
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience; professional certification (SHRM-CP or SCP, PHR or SPHR, or AIRS) a plus but not required.
Typically eight to twelve or more years of full-cycle talent acquisition experience with progressive growth in scope and responsibility.
Three to five or more years leading, mentoring, or developing recruiters, or a demonstrated readiness to step into a first-time leadership and function-building role.
Recruiting experience within construction or AEC firms of meaningful scale, such as heavy civil, general contracting, or design-build; closely adjacent industries that hire similar talent (for example civil or heavy engineering) are welcome.
Experience recruiting across both high-volume project staffing and niche field roles, including superintendents, QC managers, safety and SSHO personnel, estimators, and project managers.
Federal government-contracting (GovCon) recruiting experience strongly preferred, including the QC and safety (QCSSHO) hiring cadence tied to project awards; commercial recruiting experience a plus as that side of the business scales.
Command of award-driven staffing: building pipelines ahead of contract award, running kickoff and mobilization staffing, and forecasting a growing requisition load without a reactive posture.
In-house or corporate TA experience preferred; an agency-plus-corporate blend is welcome, though pure-agency experience without in-house ownership is a weaker fit.
Proven track record of building or standing up TA programs and infrastructure, including employer brand, candidate experience, structured interview guides, ATS and workforce-planning tools, and quality-of-hire calibration.
Ability to establish TA as a company-wide standard, push structured hiring down to hiring managers and field leaders, and design recruiter incentives tied to quality of hire rather than volume alone.
Comfort operating as a full-desk recruiter from day one while growing into a strategic Associate Director or Director role over a six to eighteen month horizon.
Interest in owning adjacent programs, including internships and DoD SkillBridge and veteran-transition hiring, as part of a unified talent function.
Strong communication, stakeholder-management, and influencing skills, with the ability to partner credibly with executives, project leaders, and field teams.
About Our Client
Our client is a rapidly growing general contractor based in Chicago. With a current team of 200 people, they have built a reputation for excellence through an unwavering commitment to quality and innovative project management. The company specializes in both commercial and residential projects and are on a mission to build the most dynamic and efficient spaces where people can work smarter, heal faster, and live happier. By harnessing the power of technology, they amplify human potential while nurturing a people-first culture. The company's core purpose, building to solve the world's greatest challenges, extends to their employees, with the company actively investing in their health and well-being. They have been consistently recognized as one of the most entrepreneurial, fastest growing and best places to work in the construction industry, reflecting their exceptional leadership, innovation, strong workplace culture and commitment to employee satisfaction. The company Values are Transparency, Gratitude, Resilience, Excellence & Adventure.
#LI-KC1

Apply

Vacancy posted more than 2 months ago

Similar jobs that could be interesting for youBased on the Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition - Construction in Chicago, IL vacancy

Senior Project Manager - Highrise Construction
...AnnuallyIndustry ConstructionSelling Points Lead highrise construction projects with a focus on innovation and quality.... ...environment.Job DescriptionSenior Project Manager - Highrise Construction OverviewThe Senior Project Manager - Highrise Construction oversees complex...
Senior
For contractors
Green Key Resources
Chicago, IL
14 hours ago
Senior Construction Project Manager
$120k - $250k
...Project Manager – Construction Base Pay: $120,000.00/yr – $250,000.00/yr. Job Overview Our client is an ENR100 top general contractor... ...looking for 2 project managers. The Role We are seeking a Senior Project Manager and a Mid‑level Project Manager with...
Senior
Full time
For contractors
Raynes
Chicago, IL
5 days ago
Senior On-Site Construction Superintendent
$90k - $163k
...A leading construction firm in Chicago seeks an experienced on-site supervisor to manage construction projects. Candidates should have a construction-related degree and 8-20 years of experience in construction management. Responsibilities include supervising construction...
Senior
Power Construction
Chicago, IL
4 days ago
Senior Project Manager-General Construction
$165k
...The company is a respected commercial construction firm known for delivering high-quality... ...excellence in project delivery and relationship management, the company continues to grow its... ...The company is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead commercial...
Senior
Contract work
For subcontractor
Work at office
Kimmel and Associates
Chicago, IL
14 hours ago
Senior HR Business Partner (Chicago, Illinois)
$135k - $160k
...Role summary: The Senior HR Business Partner (... ...organizational design, talent and succession planning... ...with strong change management. Talent & succession... ...Support: Support acquisitions, business integrations... ...quickly and challenge constructively. Experience in...
Senior
Full time
Novatae Risk Group
Chicago, IL
more than 2 months ago
Senior Design & Construction Project Executive
...lead major architecture, engineering, and construction programs. You will guide... ...multidisciplinary teams, shape delivery strategy, and senior client engagements to realize capital... ..., and ensure contract compliance, risk management, and successful project outcomes across...
Senior
Contract work
barrywehmiller
Oak Brook, IL
3 days ago
Senior Director, Data Center Construction
...Air Comfort, Inc invites a Director of Construction to oversee a portfolio of data center projects in the Chicago area. This role leads diverse teams of project managers and superintendents, ensuring on-time delivery, quality, and client satisfaction. You will drive...
Senior
Jobleads-US
Chicago, IL
1 day ago
Senior Aviation Project Manager
...Senior Aviation Project ManagerCKL is currently seeking enthusiastic individuals who... ...infrastructure planning, engineering, and construction management services to a variety of public and private clients. CKL is looking for talented leaders to build upon our strengths to...
Senior
Temporary work
Work at office
CKL Engineers LLC
Chicago, IL
4 days ago
Senior Talent Manager
WPP Production Job Opportunity Interested in building your career at WPP Production? Get future opportunities sent straight to your email. WPP Production
Senior
WPP Production
Chicago, IL
1 day ago
Senior Construction Project Manager
Ryan Companies Inc. is seeking a Project Manager II to oversee the administration of designated projects, ensuring efficient management... ...advanced knowledge of estimating techniques and will lead construction teams while actively engaging with clients and subcontractors....
Senior
For subcontractor
Ryan Companies Inc.
Chicago, IL
5 days ago
Senior Electrical Project Manager
...Senior Electrical Project ManagerGpac is a national executive search firm specializing in recruitment for the electrical construction industry. We have been retained by a local electrical contractor... ...find a Senior Electrical Project Manager to join their team.Compensation...
Senior
For contractors
For subcontractor
Local area
gpac
Chicago, IL
2 days ago
Senior Manager
...Senior Manager Job Level: Senior Manager Job Location: Hybrid Travel Expectations... ...who enjoys mentoring others, developing talent, and fostering high-performing teams.... ...selection process. Please advise the talent acquisition team if you require accommodations...
Senior
Full time
Local area
Remote work
Flexible hours
Centric Consulting India
Chicago, IL
5 days ago
Senior Manager
...Senior Manager In this role, you will: Lead complex projects and programs, ensuring successful delivery, stakeholder alignment... ...all aspects of the selection process. Please advise the talent acquisition team if you require accommodations during the application or...
Senior
Full time
Local area
Remote work
Flexible hours
Centric Consulting
Chicago, IL
2 days ago
Senior VDC Manager
$150k - $190k
...complex projects? Gilbane is seeking a Senior VDC Manager to lead Business Unit(s) (BUs) VDC... ...recognized as one of the most reputable construction management firms in the country,... ..., engaging, developing, and retaining talented individuals through motivation and discipline...
Senior
For contractors
Local area
Gilbane Building Company
Chicago, IL
4 days ago
Senior Project Manager - Commercial Construction
$150k - $175k
...services industry, based in Chicago. Job Description Manage all phases of commercial construction projects, from initiation to completion. Oversee... .... The Successful Applicant A successful Senior Project Manager - Commercial Construction should have:...
Senior
For subcontractor
Local area
Michael Page International Inc.
Chicago, IL
2 days ago
Senior Construction Project Manager - Owner's Rep & GC Lead
Green Key Resources is seeking a qualified professional to join its construction arm as a GC Project Manager and Owner's Representative for out-of-town projects. You will manage budgets, schedules, subcontractors, procurement, field operations, and project documentation...
Senior
For subcontractor
Green Key Resources
Oak Brook, IL
3 days ago
Senior Electrical Project Manager
Huen Electric is seeking a Project Manager to provide overarching operational oversight for electrical construction projects. The role combines scheduling, cost estimation, and field coordination to ensure on-time delivery and budget compliance. The ideal candidate has...
Senior
Full time
Huen Electric
Broadview, IL
5 days ago
Construction Senior Project Manager
...Multifamily rehabs/renovations looking for an experienced Senior Project Manager based around Chicago, IL, with the experience and skills to... ...close out with building and engineering officials Manage construction scheduling and sequencing, anticipate long lead items, and...
Senior
For contractors
For subcontractor
Local area
Pyramid ETC Companies, LLC
Chicago, IL
1 day ago
Senior Construction Site Superintendent
Paylocity is seeking a Project Superintendent III to supervise construction job sites, lead field staff, and ensure safe, timely completion of trade work. You will work closely with the Project Manager to maintain quality and schedule adherence. Responsibilities include...
Senior
Paylocity
Chicago, IL
5 days ago
Senior Talent Manager
$60k - $140k
...strategic counsel in a single company - powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients... ...hiring team during the interview process.What does a Talent Manager do at WPP Production?This role is responsible for talent estimates...
Senior
Contract work
Work at office
Hogarth Worldwide
Chicago, IL
4 days ago
Senior Quality Assurance Lead - Rail & Transit Construction
...WSP Global Inc. in Chicago, IL is seeking a Quality Assurance Manager to lead oversight of the CM Quality Assurance Plan and monitor contractor QA activities. You will partner with the Quality Lead to ensure compliance with contract documents and industry standards,...
Senior
Contract work
For contractors
Jobleads-US
Chicago, IL
1 day ago
Senior Project Manager of Reroofing
...Hara’s Son Roofing (OSR) has provided new commercial roof construction, commercial roof replacement, commercial leak repair service... ..., we invite you to apply. Job Description As a Senior Project Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing retail...
Senior
For contractors
For subcontractor
OSR Holding Company LLC
Chicago, IL
18 days ago
Senior Manager, HR Business Partner
$115k - $130k
...software and services for the management of master data, product... ...always looking to identify talented individuals to join our team... ...our Chicago location** The Senior Manager, HRBP , is a strategic... ...(HR Operations, Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards) to ensure seamless...
Senior
Full time
Temporary work
Work at office
Flexible hours
2 days per week
Syndigo
Chicago, IL
more than 2 months ago
Senior Project Manager - Mechanical
...Senior Project Manager – Mechanical Piping/HVACGeneral Skills/RequirementsProficiency in EnglishStrong interpersonal and oral/written communication... ..., and suppliersPhysically able to navigate an active construction siteClean criminal background and credit historyAbility to...
Senior
For contractors
For subcontractor
Nenni and Associates
Chicago, IL
3 days ago
Senior Customer Success Manager - On site
$85k - $95k
...field since 1958, specializes in home additions, kitchens. Interior and exterior, remodeling and new custom home construction, is seeking a Customer Success Manager to interact and support its customers through their remodeling and building journey. The company is committed...
Senior
Full time
Temporary work
Airoom Companies, LLC Careers
Lincolnwood, IL
3 days ago
Senior Electrical Project Manager & Estimator
EMCOR Group, Inc. seeks a Project Manager / Estimator to lead the preparation of bid estimates and manage bid packages for diverse electrical construction projects. The role combines estimating rigor with project oversight to ensure accurate pricing and scheduling from...
Senior
For subcontractor
EMCOR Group, Inc.
Lyons, IL
2 days ago
Senior Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Construction Management
$130k - $160k
..., cost, asset and commercial management, controls and performance, procurement... ...is seeking an experienced Senior Cost Manager / Quantity... ...change orders throughout the construction lifecycle. Provide estimate and... .... Identify, coach and mentor talent to realize their potential...
Senior
Contract work
For contractors
For subcontractor
Work at office
Flexible hours
Turner & Townsend
Chicago, IL
14 hours ago
Senior Project Engineering Manager - Substation
$155.62k - $259.88k
...Senior Project Engineering Manager - SubstationTogether, we own our company, our future, and our shared... ...possibilities and use their diverse talents and perspectives to solve humanity'... ...engineering, procurement, consulting and construction, together we are building a world...
Senior
Full time
Contract work
Part time
Relocation
Visa sponsorship
Black & Veatch
Chicago, IL
2 days ago
Senior Project Manager
$100k - $137.5k
...Technical Services is undergoing rapid growth, and we are seeking Senior Project Managers with the leadership experience and technical expertise to... ...environmental standards are met or exceeded on telecom construction sites Lead the planning and execution of large-scale...
Senior
Contract work
For subcontractor
Local area
Remote work
Ledcor
Chicago, IL
1 day ago
Senior Director, HR Partner, JLL Technologies
$190k - $225k
...committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them... ...services and investment management firm specializing in real... ...JLL.What the job involves:The Senior Director HR Business Partner... ...hiring strategy, ensuring talent acquisition reflects the capability...
Senior
Full time
Work at office
Local area
Jones Lang LaSalle
Chicago, IL
14 hours ago

Do you want to receive more vacancies?

Subscribe and receive similar vacancies to Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition - Construction. Be the first to apply!