Talent Acquisition Specialist

Talent Acquisition Specialist

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. With nearly $700 billion of total assets being managed across the company's institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, more than $38 billion in revenues, and $2.4 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 109 on the 2025 FORTUNE 500 and was recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2026.

The Talent Acquisition Specialist leads full-cycle recruiting efforts for Financial Advisors and future business leaders owning the talent pipeline from sourcing through selection. The Talent Acquisition Specialist builds strategic relationships across professional, community, and referral networks to identify exceptional candidates and promote Northwestern Mutual's industry-leading career opportunity. Partnering closely with leadership, this individual will drive recruiting performance, develop talent acquisition strategies, and contribute directly to the office's growth, advisor development, and long-term business success.

This position is full-time, direct hire, located in Houston, Texas.

Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition & Pipeline Development

• Lead full-cycle recruitment for Financial Advisors and emerging business leaders.
• Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified candidates through networking, referrals, direct sourcing, and community engagement.
• Conduct initial interviews and guide candidates through the selection and hiring process.
• Coordinate all stages of the interview process and ensure an exceptional candidate experience.
• Partner with leadership to develop and execute recruiting strategies aligned with growth objectives.

Relationship Building & Business Development

• Build and maintain strong referral networks with Centers of Influence (COIs), professional organizations, community leaders, and business networks.
• Promote the Northwestern Mutual career opportunity through networking events, professional associations, and community involvement.
• Develop and foster a referral culture throughout the network office.
• Partner with leadership and advisors to identify and attract top talent.

Recruiting Performance & Process Improvement

• Track, analyze, and report recruiting activity, pipeline metrics, selection ratios, and hiring outcomes.
• Identify opportunities to improve sourcing effectiveness, candidate quality, and recruiting efficiency.
• Maintain accurate candidate records utilizing applicant tracking systems and recruiting platforms.
• Provide regular recruiting performance updates to leadership.
• Drive achievement of annual recruiting goals, including advisor hires, contracts, and unit premium objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years of experience in talent acquisition, recruiting, sales recruiting, business development, or professional talent sourcing.
• Proven success sourcing, attracting, assessing, and hiring top-performing professionals.
• Strong relationship-building, networking, and business development skills.
• Excellent interviewing, communication, presentation, and influencing abilities.
• Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and applicant tracking systems (ATS), CRM platforms, or recruiting technologies.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to leverage recruiting metrics and data to drive results.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience recruiting within wealth management, financial services, insurance, banking, consulting, or professional services.
• Established network within the Houston business and professional community.
• Experience utilizing LinkedIn Recruiter, Salesforce, Workday, iCIMS, or similar recruiting technologies.

Benefits

Northwestern Mutual Houston is committed to building a team that loves what they do and creating a work environment that supports long-term career growth. The compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive medical coverage with employer contribution.
• Safe Harbor 401(k) with employer match.
• Annual discretionary bonus opportunity.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday pay.
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance.
• Dynamic career growth opportunities.
• Employer-sponsored licensing, professional development, and education opportunities.
• Flexible work arrangements, where applicable.

Compensation & Bonus Opportunity

Base salary: $65,000-$75,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.

Uncapped performance-based bonus opportunity.

We reward results and provide meaningful financial rewards for professionals who successfully attract, engage, and onboard top wealth management talent.

Successful recruiters are rewarded with additional earning opportunities tied directly to recruiting outcomes, talent development, and business growth in a growing wealth management organization.