Director of Talent (Retail)

About the role

SSG’s Client is seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Talent (Retail) to lead talent initiatives across the organization’s retail and field functions. This leader will play a key role in developing strong external and internal talent pipelines while supporting the continued growth and development of employees across the business. The ideal candidate brings deep experience across Talent Acquisition and Talent Management, with the ability to develop scalable talent strategies, advise senior leaders, and use data and market insights to guide decision-making. This position reports directly to the Head of Talent.

Responsibilities

• Create and execute innovative sourcing strategies designed to attract high-quality talent and support hiring at scale.
• Partner with Strategic Pipeline leadership to establish and strengthen relationships with universities, professional organizations, recruitment partners, and other external talent sources.
• Coach hiring managers on effective interviewing, candidate assessment, selection practices, and delivering a strong candidate experience.
• Evaluate market and talent trends and translate those insights into actionable recruiting strategies.
• Track and analyze qualitative and quantitative recruiting metrics to identify opportunities and improve hiring outcomes.
• Partner closely with HR Business Partners to lead retail and field talent reviews and succession planning efforts, identifying high-potential employees and future leadership talent.
• Develop talent strategies, tools, and content based on evolving business and leadership needs.
• Facilitate ongoing talent discussions with leaders and leadership teams, creating accountability around employee development and follow-through on action plans.
• Serve as an advocate for internal mobility, partnering with Talent Operations to connect employees with internal career opportunities, global mobility, stretch assignments, and project-based opportunities.
• Collaborate with department and business leaders to understand future talent requirements and align mobility and development strategies with organizational priorities.
• Partner with the Head of Talent Pipeline & Onboarding to identify opportunities for career development programming based on themes and insights uncovered through talent reviews.
• Measure the effectiveness of internal talent programs and recommend improvements to strengthen overall impact.

Requirements

• Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to connect business needs to talent strategies, ask thoughtful questions, and understand the broader "why."
• Demonstrated leadership experience across both Talent Acquisition and Talent Management.
• Experience designing, implementing, and continuously improving talent processes, programs, and initiatives.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across functions and influence stakeholders at multiple levels of an organization.
• A strategic, analytical, and data-informed approach to talent decisions.
• A strong commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout talent practices and programs.