Northwestern Mutual

Talent Acquisition & Growth Project Senior Specialist

Northwestern Mutual$98K — $147K *
Staffing
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Education, or related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in talent acquisition, recruiting strategy, learning & development, or related fields.
  • Strong understanding of recruiting strategies, including campus engagement, sourcing, and selection.
  • Ability to manage multiple strategic initiatives in a matrixed environment.
  • Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive alignment across teams.

Responsibilities

  • Define recruiter career pathing strategies and develop cohesive training experiences.
  • Build scalable learning experiences that reinforce core recruiting capabilities.
  • Engage continuously with field offices to gather feedback and align on recruiting strategies.
  • Create practical tools and frameworks for executing recruiting practices consistently across the field.
  • Provide strategic guidance to improve recruiting effectiveness across key talent segments.
  • Lead the design and delivery of strategic initiatives that strengthen recruiter capability.
  • Monitor program effectiveness and refine based on insights and performance.

Benefits

  • Professional development opportunities in career progression.
  • Hybrid work environment for improved work-life balance.
  • Access to leadership coaching and development resources.
  • Opportunities for cross-functional collaboration.
  • Emphasis on continuous improvement and innovation in recruitment practices.
Full Job Description

About the Job:

TheField Talent Acquisition Sr. Program Manageris responsible for strengthening recruiter capability and driving continuousfield engagement across talent acquisition strategy initiatives.This role servesas the subject matter experton Field Talent Acquisition processes & best practices across leader developmentand recruiter development serving as a critical enablementleadto ensure the field is employing best-in-class talent strategies.As a key partner across Field Talent, this role helps build tools, insights, frameworks, training, and sessions to supportrecruiting performance with a focus on recruiting strategy, campus engagement, sourcing, andselection.This role focuses on career pathing for talent teams in the field and drivingexperiences forwardthat aid in retention.

What You'll Do

Recruiter Development Strategy & Career Progression 

  • Partner across Talent Acquisition and Development to define recruiter career pathing strategies and shape cohesive experience design and curriculum that supports progression across the full career lifecycle from onboarding through advanced career stages. 

  • Build scalable learning experiences that reinforce core recruiting capabilities, best practices, and performance expectations. 

  • Continuously evolve development programs to align with business priorities and emerging talent needs. 

Field Engagement & Enablement 

  • Drive ongoing engagement with field offices to understand needs, gather feedback, and ensure alignment on recruiting strategies and initiatives. 

  • Partner closely with field leaders and offices to translate enterprise strategy into practical, actionable guidance. 

  • Create tools, resources, and frameworks that enable consistent execution of recruiting practices across the field. 

Recruiting Strategy & Subject Matter Expertise 

  • Serve as a subject matter expert in recruiting strategy, including campus engagement, sourcing, and selection best practices. 

  • Provide strategic guidance to enhance recruiting effectiveness and improve outcomes across key talent segments. 

  • Ensure alignment with industry standards, compliance requirements, and evolving market dynamics. 

Program Design & Execution 

  • Lead end-to-end design and delivery of strategic talent acquisition initiatives that strengthen recruiter capability. 

  • Build scalable, repeatable programs that drive consistency while allowing flexibility for local market needs.

  • Monitor program effectiveness and continuously refine based on feedback, performance data, and evolving business needs.

Leadership Development & Coaching Enablement

  • Equip field leaders with the knowledge, tools, and frameworks needed to effectively coach and develop recruiting talent.

  • Lead leadership development efforts through key forums, academies, and engagement sessions focused on recruitingexcellence.mKeypartner in designing recruitment focused content across TalentWorks, Leadership Development and other field focused programs.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with Talent Acquisition, Field Leadership, Learning & Development, and other key stakeholders to align strategy and execution.

  • Act as a connector across teams to ensure consistent messaging, prioritization, and delivery of recruiting initiatives.

  • Foster strong relationships to drive engagement and adoption across diverse stakeholder groups.

Performance Measurement & Continuous Improvement

  • Define and track success metrics tied to recruiter development, engagement, and recruiting effectiveness.

  • Leverage insights and feedback to continuously enhance programs, tools, and overall talent acquisition strategy.

  • Identifyopportunities to improve how recruiters and leaders learn, grow, and perform over time.

What You'll Bring to the Role

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Education, or related field. 

  • 7+ years of experience in talent acquisition, recruiting strategy, learning & development, or related field experience. 

  • Strong understanding of recruiting strategies, including campus engagement, sourcing, and selection. 

  • Organizational Skills: Ability to manage multiple strategic initiatives and priorities across a matrixed environment. 

  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate business needs into scalable development solutions that drive measurable impact. 

  • Leadership & Influence: Proven ability to build credibility, influence stakeholders, and drive alignment across field and corporate partners. 

  • Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with ability to engage both leadership and field audiences. 

  • Analytical Skills: Data-driven mindset with ability to measure outcomes and continuously refine strategies. 

  • Field Orientation: Strong ability to stay connected to field needs and translate insights into practical, actionable solutions. 

  • Adaptability: Comfortable operating in a dynamic environment with evolving priorities and ambiguity. 

  • Collaboration: Demonstrated success partnering across teams to design and deliver impactful programs at scale. 

Skills You Have:

  • Attention to Detail: Focuses on specific details to spot and correct errors in advance of them being found and surpass quality expectations. Performs work with thorough proofreading for presentation, content, accuracy, and overall quality.

  • Cross Functional Partnering & Planning: Facilitates collaboration, communication, coordination, and planning with individuals and teams from different functions within the organization, and who have different areas of expertise, to achieve common goals.

  • Talent Acquisition Strategy: Engages candidates and managers throughout hiring process to uncover needs and motives. Articulates and sells value and benefits of the hire to address priorities and preferences of both parties. Negotiates between parties and drives to secure the best possible hire in a timely and cost-effective manner.

  • Visual Storytelling: Communicates a message or idea through visualization of concepts such as images, videos, graphics, narratives, mock-ups and data. Designs visuals that convey a narrative, evoke emotion, and engage the viewer.

#LI-Hybrid

Compensation Range:

Pay Range - Start:

$98,320.00

Pay Range - End:

$147,480.00

Geographic Specific Pay Structure:

Structure 110:

$108,160.00 USD - $162,240.00 USD

Structure 115:


$113,040.00 USD - $169,560.00 USD

We believe in fairness and transparency. It’s why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you’re living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click to learn more.


About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 160 years. Through a holistic 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. Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to millions with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. The company manages billion of dollars of investments owned by its clients and held or managed through its wealth management and investment services businesses. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance).

Northwestern Mutual Careers

Joining Northwestern Mutual presents a unique opportunity to be part of a team that is dedicated to empowering personal and professional growth, innovation, and leadership in the financial services industry. As a company renowned for its commitment to excellence and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, Northwestern Mutual offers unparalleled job opportunities for both seasoned professionals and those at the start of their careers.

Work You’ll Do

At Northwestern Mutual, we believe in building strong relationships not only with our clients but also among our team members. By joining our team, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the industry, all united in their commitment to leadership and innovation. Our employees are equipped with top-tier benefits and diversity training that ensure their career journey is both rewarding and inclusive.

Explore Professional Growth and Development

Northwestern Mutual is committed to fostering an environment where career growth is not just a possibility but a priority. With a variety of positions available, from financial representatives to internships for budding professionals, our company is a place where your skills and passion can thrive. We provide extensive training programs and leadership development opportunities that prepare you for success in your current role and beyond.

Innovative Work Environment

Our team at Northwestern Mutual is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology and innovative financial strategies to provide exceptional service to our clients. This focus on innovation is not just about staying current; it's about leading the way in the financial sector. Employees at all levels are encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative, driving the company forward as a leader in the financial industry.

Be Part of Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords at Northwestern Mutual; they are integral to our company culture and business strategy. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees can flourish. Our diversity training programs are designed to enhance understanding and foster an inclusive environment for all team members.

Networking and Career Advancement

Networking within Northwestern Mutual opens doors to expansive career advancement opportunities. We encourage our employees to engage in internal networking events, which often lead to mentorship and further career development. Whether you are looking to enhance your resume, prepare for an interview, or step into a leadership role, Northwestern Mutual provides the resources and support to help you achieve your professional goals.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to the next level. Explore the job opportunities and internships available at Northwestern Mutual and find out how you can contribute to our legacy of innovation and leadership.

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SEARCH NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL JOBS

Join us and start your journey at Northwestern Mutual today, where your career is nurtured, your skills are honed, and your achievements are celebrated.
Learn more about Northwestern Mutual
Size
7,000 employees
Industry

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