Strategic Talent Acquisition Manager (AEC - Gulf Coast)

Job Description

Job Description

Position SummaryAt Thompson, talent acquisition isn't transactional, it's ownership-driven. The Strategic Talent Acquisition Manager plays a critical role in fueling the company's growth by attracting, engaging, and hiring top AEC talent across the Gulf Coast and beyond.This role serves as a strategic partner to the business, aligning recruiting efforts with operational demands, backlog, and long-term workforce planning. As part of an employee-owned (ESOP) organization, this leader will prioritize candidates who not only bring technical expertise, but who will thrive in and contribute to a culture of ownership and accountability.The ideal candidate brings a deep, active network across the Gulf Coast AEC market and has a proven ability to scale recruiting efforts in a high-growth, high-volume environment. Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Workforce Planning & Business PartnershipPartner with business leaders to align hiring plans with project backlog, regional growth, and strategic prioritiesAct as a trusted advisor to leadership on talent availability, hiring risks, and workforce strategiesDrive proactive workforce planning across multiple offices and disciplinesHigh-Impact, High-Volume RecruitingLead full-cycle recruiting efforts across engineering, environmental, construction, disaster relief, software engineering and corporate functionsSupport and help scale a recruiting engine capable of sustaining 300+ hires annuallyPrioritize speed, quality, and candidate experience without sacrificing long-term fitGulf Coast Market Expertise & NetworkingLeverage and continuously expand a strong network of AEC professionals across AL, MS, LA, FL, and TXBuild relationships with passive candidates, competitors, trade groups, and universitiesRepresent Thompson in industry associations, career fairs, and community eventsESOP Culture ChampionIdentify and attract candidates who align with an employee-owner mindsetEducate candidates on the value of ESOP ownership and long-term wealth buildingReinforce Thompson's "It's Up to Me" culture throughout the hiring processProcess Optimization & Technology (BrassRing ATS)Utilize and optimize IBM Kenexa BrassRing ATS to drive efficiency, consistency, and reportingMaintain accurate pipelines, requisitions, and candidate dataLeverage recruiting metrics (time-to-fill, source effectiveness, quality of hire) to continuously improve outcomesEmployer Branding & InnovationStrengthen Thompson's presence as an employer of choice across the Gulf CoastPartner with HR leadership on branding initiatives, early career programs, and referral strategiesUtilize modern sourcing tools, AI, and data-driven approaches to stay competitive  QualificationsBachelor 's degree in HR, Business, or related field5–10+ years of talent acquisition experience, with strong experience in the AEC industryDemonstrated success in high-volume recruiting environmentsEstablished network of AEC professionals across the Gulf Coast region and beyondExperience recruiting for technical roles (engineers, project managers, environmental scientists, construction professionals)Strong understanding of regional labor markets and competitor landscapeExperience with ATS platforms; BrassRing experience preferred Key CompetenciesStrategic mindset with strong business acumenRelationship-driven with exceptional networking abilityAbility to operate with urgency in a fast-paced environmentData-driven decision makingStrong communication and influencing skillsHigh level of ownership, accountability, and confidentiality Why This Role MattersThis role directly supports Thompson's ability to grow, deliver projects, and maintain its reputation across the Gulf Coast and beyond. By bringing in high-quality, ownership-minded talent at scale, this leader will have a measurable impact on the company's performance, culture, and long-term success.