Role Overview for SVP, Global Talent Acquisition Strategy with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a globally recognized and innovative Automotive Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in their search for a transformative Senior Vice President (SVP) of Global Talent Acquisition Strategy. Based in the automotive heartland of Detroit, MI, this executive will architect and lead the company’s global strategy to attract, engage, and hire the world-class talent needed to drive the future of mobility.
The automotive industry is undergoing its most significant transformation in a century, driven by electrification, autonomous technology, connectivity, and software-defined vehicles. Our client is at the forefront of this revolution, and this role is pivotal to ensuring they have the human capital to win in a fiercely competitive market. The SVP will be a visionary leader, a strategic partner to the C-suite, and the driving force behind a modern, data-driven, and globally integrated talent acquisition function. This individual will not only lead a large, international team but will also redefine the company’s employer brand and value proposition to attract talent from both traditional automotive and emerging technology sectors. You will be tasked to navigate the complex shifts in the future of the automotive workforce, positioning our client as the premier destination for innovators, engineers, and leaders. Reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), this is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on a legendary company during a period of unprecedented change.
Key Responsibilities of SVP, Global Talent Acquisition Strategy with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
The SVP, Global Talent Acquisition Strategy will have a broad and impactful remit, responsible for all aspects of talent acquisition across the enterprise. Success in this role requires a blend of strategic vision, operational excellence, and inspirational leadership.
Global Strategy and Vision
- Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive global talent acquisition strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term business objectives, focusing on key growth areas such as electric vehicles (EV), software engineering, and artificial intelligence.
- Act as a strategic advisor to executive leadership and business unit heads on all matters related to talent acquisition, providing market intelligence, competitive analysis, and strategic recommendations.
- Champion a culture of proactive talent sourcing and pipelining, shifting the function from a reactive fulfillment model to a strategic talent consultancy.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the effectiveness of the TA function, including time-to-fill, cost-per-hire, quality-of-hire, and diversity metrics.
Leadership and Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a large, geographically dispersed team of talent acquisition professionals, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, continuous improvement, and accountability.
- Structure the global TA organization for optimal efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring clear roles, responsibilities, and career paths for team members.
- Implement robust training and development programs to upskill the TA team in modern sourcing techniques, candidate engagement, data analytics, and strategic partnership.
Employer Branding and Candidate Experience
- Partner with Marketing and Communications to design and launch a compelling global Employer Value Proposition (EVP) that resonates with diverse talent segments across technology, engineering, and corporate functions.
- Oversee the entire candidate journey, ensuring a world-class, seamless, and inclusive experience from initial contact to onboarding that reflects the company’s brand and values.
- Leverage digital and social media platforms to build brand awareness and create targeted recruitment marketing campaigns.
Technology, Analytics, and Operations
- Evaluate, select, and implement a cutting-edge HR technology stack (ATS, CRM, AI sourcing tools) to automate processes, improve efficiency, and provide actionable insights.
- Harness the power of data and analytics to inform strategic decisions, identify trends, forecast hiring needs, and demonstrate the ROI of talent acquisition initiatives.
- Ensure global TA processes are compliant, scalable, and consistent, while allowing for regional nuances and flexibility. Manage the global TA budget, vendor relationships, and agency partnerships effectively.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I)
- Serve as a passionate advocate for DE&I, embedding inclusive hiring practices into every stage of the recruitment lifecycle.
- Develop and execute strategies to attract and hire a diverse workforce that reflects the global communities the company serves. Partner with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and external organizations to build diverse talent pipelines.
Requirements for the SVP, Global Talent Acquisition Strategy with an Automotive OEM – Detroit, MI
We are seeking a seasoned and dynamic executive with a proven track record of building and leading world-class talent acquisition functions in complex, global organizations.
Professional Experience
- A minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in talent acquisition, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (Director, VP, or SVP level) overseeing a global function.
- Demonstrated experience building and leading large, high-performing, and geographically distributed teams within a Fortune 500 company.
- Direct experience within the automotive, heavy manufacturing, aerospace, or a large-scale technology company undergoing significant transformation is strongly preferred. Must understand the complexities of hiring for both hardware engineering and cutting-edge software roles.
- Proven success in developing and executing global talent strategies that have demonstrably impacted business outcomes.
Skills and Competencies
Strategic Mindset
Ability to think long-term, anticipate future talent needs, and connect talent strategy directly to business goals.
Executive Presence
Exceptional communication, presentation, and influencing skills with the ability to build credibility and strong relationships with C-level executives and senior stakeholders.
Data-Driven
A deep understanding of talent analytics and the ability to use data to tell compelling stories, drive decisions, and measure success.
Change Leadership
Experience leading a talent acquisition function through significant organizational change, technological implementation, and cultural transformation.
Global Acumen
Sophisticated understanding of global and regional talent markets, cultural nuances, and employment laws.
Inspirational Leader
A leader who can motivate, coach, and inspire a team to achieve ambitious goals, fostering an environment of innovation and excellence.
Education
- A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
- An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a comprehensive and highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a substantial long-term incentive plan (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units).
Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, along with robust mental health resources and wellness programs.
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) plan with a strong company match and potential for additional profit-sharing contributions.
Vehicle Program
Access to an executive vehicle lease program featuring the company’s latest and most exciting products.
Relocation
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package for candidates moving to the Detroit metropolitan area.
Time Off
Generous paid time off, company holidays, and flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, continuing education, and participation in industry conferences.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary talent leader ready to shape the future of a global automotive powerhouse, we encourage you to apply.
To express your interest, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and strategic vision for this role. JRG Partners is a leader in executive search within the automotive sector, and we are committed to a confidential and professional process for all our candidates. To learn more about our expertise in this space, please visit our Automotive Practice Area page. We look forward to connecting with you.
