Talent Acquisition & HR Specialist

Position Summary The Talent Acquisition & HR Specialist is primarily responsible for attracting talent, building relationships within the community, and promoting the Company as an employer of choice. This position leads recruiting outreach efforts, develops partnerships with technical schools, colleges, and community organizations, identifies qualified candidates, and builds a pipeline of talent to support current and future workforce needs. As a representative of the Company, this individual communicates the Company’s culture, career opportunities, and long-term growth potential to prospective employees. The position requires a proactive, outgoing professional who enjoys networking, relationship-building, and connecting people with career opportunities. In addition to talent acquisition, the position supports selected Human Resources and Organizational Development functions, including benefits administration, 401(k) coordination, payroll support, employee onboarding, training, and employee development initiatives. The individual also serves as a backup to the HR & Organizational Development Manager for designated responsibilities. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Talent Acquisition & Recruiting — Primary Responsibility Manage recruiting activities for assigned positions, from candidate identification and screening through interview coordination and offer support. Partner with department managers to understand staffing needs, position requirements, and workforce planning priorities. Review resumes, assess candidate qualifications against job requirements, conduct initial screenings, and present qualified candidates to hiring managers. Maintain an active pipeline of prospective candidates for current and anticipated vacancies, particularly for technical, service, parts, and other specialized dealership positions. Develop and maintain relationships with technical schools, colleges, universities, trade programs, workforce development organizations, and community partners. Coordinate campus recruitment activities, career fairs, job fairs, internships, apprenticeship outreach, and other talent pipeline initiatives. Identify opportunities to attract students, graduates, and individuals interested in technical careers and long-term employment with the Company. Promote the Company as an employer of choice by communicating career opportunities, culture, employee development programs, and growth potential. Coordinate recruiting campaigns, job postings, candidate communications, interview schedules, and follow-up activities. Maintain accurate candidate records, recruiting documentation, and applicant tracking information. Track recruiting activity and outcomes, including applicant flow, qualified candidates, time to fill, source effectiveness, and hiring results. Recommend improvements to recruiting processes and outreach strategies based on hiring needs and recruiting results. Represent the Company professionally at school events, career fairs, industry events, and community activities. Collaborate with the HR & Organizational Development Manager on employer branding and workforce development initiatives. Community Engagement & Employer Branding Build meaningful relationships with educational institutions, community organizations, professional associations, and workforce development partners. Establish the Company as a desirable employer and a resource for career exploration, technical training, and professional growth. Coordinate Company participation in community events, career presentations, school visits, and other outreach opportunities. Develop and maintain a recruiting calendar to ensure consistent engagement with key schools and community partners. Identify opportunities for internships, job shadowing, apprenticeships, and other programs that introduce prospective employees to the Company’s career paths. Collaborate with internal departments to showcase career opportunities and employee success stories. Ensure the Company’s image and messaging are consistent, professional, and aligned with organizational values. Human Resources Administration — Secondary Responsibility Support employee onboarding, new-hire documentation, orientation, personnel records, and HRIS maintenance. Assist with employee status changes, transfers, promotions, separations, and related documentation. Respond to routine employee questions and refer complex or sensitive matters to the HR & Organizational Development Manager. Assist with maintaining HR policies, procedures, forms, and employee communications. Support compliance activities and maintain confidential employee information. Prepare HR reports, correspondence, and documentation as needed. Benefits, 401(k) & Payroll Support Assist with benefits enrollment, employee questions, qualifying life events, and coordination with benefits providers. Support 401(k) administration, including enrollment communications, employee education, contribution changes, and coordination with the plan administrator. Assist with benefits reconciliation, employee records, and required documentation. Provide payroll processing support, including timekeeping review, follow-up on discrepancies, and maintenance of payroll records. Coordinate routine payroll and benefits inquiries with appropriate internal contacts and external providers. Maintain accurate, confidential records and escalate discrepancies or complex issues appropriately. Organizational & Employee Development Support employee development initiatives, career-pathing programs, and training coordination. Assist with stay interviews, employee development meetings, and follow-up activities. Maintain employee training and development records. Support employee engagement initiatives and committee activities. Help coordinate leadership development, technical training, and other learning opportunities. Assist with initiatives designed to improve employee engagement, retention, and internal career growth. Manager Support & Backup Provide backup coverage for designated HR and Organizational Development responsibilities when the Manager is unavailable. Maintain continuity of routine HR services and employee support. Assist with special projects, reporting, and implementation of HR initiatives. Escalate sensitive employee relations matters, significant compliance concerns, and decisions requiring management approval. Exercise independent judgment within assigned authority and established Company policies. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field. Strong communication, networking, relationship-building, and organizational skills. Ability to present the Company and its career opportunities confidently and professionally. Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple recruiting activities and deadlines. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn HRIS, payroll, and applicant tracking systems. Ability to handle confidential information responsibly. Willingness to attend recruiting and community events, including occasional events outside normal business hours. Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally for recruiting and outreach activities, as required. Preferred Qualifications Experience in recruiting, talent acquisition, campus recruitment, sales, marketing, or community engagement. Familiarity with technical education, skilled trades, diesel technology, power systems, marine, or other industrial environments. Experience building relationships with schools, colleges, or workforce development organizations. Familiarity with employee benefits, 401(k) plans, payroll, or HR administration. Experience using applicant tracking systems and recruiting metrics. Core Competencies Relationship building and networking Recruiting and candidate assessment Communication and presentation skills Initiative and follow-through Organization and attention to detail Professionalism and confidentiality Customer service and collaboration Adaptability and problem-solving Commitment to employee development Physical and Work Environment Requirements The position is primarily performed in a professional office environment and routinely requires use of a computer, telephone, and standard office equipment. The employee may be required to sit or stand for extended periods, move throughout the workplace, transport light event materials, and travel locally for recruiting and outreach activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Additional Information This job description summarizes the primary responsibilities and qualifications of the position. It is not intended to list every duty. Responsibilities may change based on business needs. The FLSA classification is subject to final review of the position’s duties and approval. Nothing in this job description alters the at-will employment relationship, where applicable.