Talent Acquisition Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Talent Acquisition Specialist is responsible for building Cadence's talent pipeline through active presence at universities, career fairs, industry conferences, and professional events, while also managing recruiting across assigned requisitions. This role combines field-facing relationship building with hands-on recruiting execution; representing Cadence externally, owning the candidate experience end-to-end, and partnering closely with hiring managers and leadership to fill roles with the right people at the right time.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the full talent acquisition lifecycle for assigned requisitions: post positions on ADP and social media platforms, source and screen candidates, coordinate interviews, prepare offer letters, manage background screening, and initiate onboarding.

• Establish an efficient standard operating procedure with leadership for screening candidates, moving through the interview process, and formal offer.

• Collaborate with regional business unit hiring managers to define talent needs, job requirements, and target candidate profiles.

• Proactively build and maintain a qualified talent pipeline using multiple sourcing channels including LinkedIn Recruiter, resume databases, referrals, and professional networks.

• Research, identify, and engage passive talent for open requisitions across social media platforms and industry-specific communities.

• Deliver a high-touch, inclusive candidate experience from first contact through day one, ensuring every candidate feels respected and informed throughout the process.

• Partner with regional operations teams to expedite internal candidate mobility and facilitate cross-business unit transfers.

• Represent Cadence at university career fairs, information sessions, classroom presentations, campus site visits, and national conferences.

• Own full logistics for all recruiting events: registration, travel coordination, and structured post-event follow-up.

• Build and maintain a target school list; track relationship history, visit Cadence, and engagement outcomes across all academic partners.

• Develop and sustain relationships with university career centers, student organizations, faculty contacts, and academic department leads.

• Identify and evaluate new campus and event opportunities aligned with Cadence's growth markets and workforce needs.

• Partner with Marketing to ensure all recruiting materials, print and digital, reflect current Cadence brand standards and employer messaging.

• Work in collaboration with business unit leaders to position Cadence as an employer of choice in target markets and at target schools.

• Champion and actively support Cadence's diversity and inclusion initiatives within the talent acquisition process.

• Administer D&I-focused recruiting programs to attract and build diverse applicant pools across all requisition types.

• Identify and engage historically underrepresented talent communities through targeted outreach, partnerships, and conference participation.

• Incorporate inclusive hiring practices and equity-focused review processes throughout the full candidate lifecycle.

• Assist with planning and logistics for Cadence's internship and co-op programs, including onboarding coordination and intern programming.

• Manage recruiting calendars, timelines, and task tracking across active campus and full-cycle initiatives.

• Maintain accurate candidate data and documentation within ADP; ensure all records meet compliance and data integrity standards.

• Support reporting and tracking of recruiting metrics, including event ROI, pipeline conversion rates, offer acceptance, and intern-to-hire outcomes.

• Promote Cadence culture and values in all candidate, university, and stakeholder interactions.

• Participate in company-wide initiatives and provide project support to leadership as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business, Communications, or a related field required.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in talent acquisition, campus relations, HR coordination, or a closely related role.
  • Experience managing full-cycle recruiting for professional or trades roles a plus.
  • Experience in construction, engineering, or large, multi-site organizations a plus.

• Skills & Competencies:

  • Polished, confident communicator with strong presentation skills - comfortable in front of student audiences, hiring managers, and senior leaders.
  • Genuine relationship builder who can represent Cadence's values and culture authentically both in the field and in the office.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills; able to juggle multiple requisitions and event timelines simultaneously without dropping the ball.
  • Data-driven mindset: tracks metrics, identifies trends, and communicates results clearly to stakeholders.
  • Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in practice, not just in principle.
  • High degree of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive candidate and employee information.
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local legislation governing recruiting and hiring practices.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (advanced Excel a plus); hands-on experience with ADP and CRM platforms required.
  • Experience with LinkedIn Recruiter, Smartsheet, and major job boards/sourcing platforms preferred.
  • Continuous improvement mindset; familiarity with lean concepts and practices a plus.
  • Willingness and ability to travel significantly, including evenings and weekends during peak recruiting seasons.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Cadence offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; 401(k) with company match; paid time off and holidays; paid parental leave; tuition reimbursement; and professional development support. We are committed to building a workplace where people come first.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Cadence is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.