Head of Talent Acquisition (Director)

project44•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

At project44, we believe in better. We challenge the status quo because we know a better supply chain isn’t just possible—it’s essential. Better for our customers. Better for their business. Better for the world. With our Decision Intelligence Platform, Movement, we’re redefining how global supply chains operate. By transforming fragmented logistics data into real-time, AI-powered insights, we empower companies to connect instantly, see clearly, act decisively, and automate intelligently. Our Supply Chain AI enhances visibility, drives smarter execution, and unlocks next-generation applications that keep businesses moving forward. Headquartered in Chicago, IL, with a 2nd HQ in Bengaluru, India, project44 is powered by a diverse global team tackling some of the toughest logistics challenges with innovation, urgency, and purpose. If you’re driven to solve meaningful problems, build exceptional teams, and help shape a high-performance culture, we should talk. As Head of Talent Acquisition, you will lead and evolve project44’s global recruiting function at an important stage of growth and transformation. We are looking for a hands-on talent acquisition leader with startup experience who can build, lead, and evolve talent acquisition in a fast-moving, high-growth environment. This leader will bring strong executive presence, sound judgment, and a high bar for performance. You will partner closely with senior stakeholders, lead critical searches, build scalable recruiting programs, use data to improve delivery, and help ensure project44 attracts the talent needed to achieve its ambitions. This role requires equal parts strategy and execution: someone who can think ahead, operate with urgency, and deliver through ambiguity and change.

Requirements

At least 12 years of talent acquisition experience, including at least 5 years of experience leading recruiting teams in high-growth, fast-changing environments.
At least 3 years of experience leading global TA at a company at either the build out stage or during a significant transformation event
Demonstrated success building, scaling, or transforming talent acquisition functions through periods of growth, ambiguity, or change.
Strong executive recruiting credibility, with the ability to lead senior searches directly and influence executive stakeholders with confidence.
Experience partnering with external search firms while maintaining strong internal ownership and execution.
Proven ability to design and implement scalable recruiting programs, operating rhythms, and change initiatives.
Strong command of talent analytics, recruiting operations, and the use of data to drive accountability and improve outcomes.
Exceptional stakeholder management skills, including the ability to build robust executive relationships in challenging circumstances.
A hands-on leadership style and willingness to dive into searches, coach teams, and improve broken processes directly.
Strong communication skills, sound judgment, resilience, and a relentless focus on quality and execution.

Nice To Haves

Experience in B2B SaaS, enterprise software, logistics, supply chain, or other complex global operating environments.
Experience supporting teams across North America, India, and Europe.
A track record of building recruiting capability during periods of business transformation or shifting growth priorities.
Strong functional depth across executive hiring, talent acquisition operations, workforce planning, and talent market intelligence.
A practical, high-accountability leadership style grounded in urgency, clarity, and follow-through.

Responsibilities

Lead the global talent acquisition strategy and operating model in support of project44’s business priorities, growth plans, and organizational needs.
Build, mentor, and elevate a high-performing recruiting team across executive, technical, commercial, and corporate hiring.
Serve as a trusted advisor to executives and hiring leaders, bringing credibility, candor, and strong stakeholder management in complex or high-pressure situations.
Personally lead critical executive and leadership searches, while effectively managing and partnering with external search firms when appropriate.
Build and scale recruiting programs, processes, and mechanisms that improve hiring quality, speed, consistency, and candidate experience.
Create a more data-driven recruiting organization by defining success metrics, reporting cadences, forecasting practices, and operational rigor across the function.
Partner cross-functionally with People, HRBPs, Finance, and business leaders to align on hiring plans, headcount priorities, and workforce needs.
Raise the bar on talent assessment, interview quality, and selection discipline across the company.
Identify gaps, solve problems quickly, and implement practical solutions that improve performance and execution.
Strengthen project44’s employer brand by ensuring the story we tell in market reflects the experience we create for candidates and employees.