Talent Acquisition Strategy & Transformation Lead

As the Talent Acquisition Strategy & Transformation Lead, this role is responsible for overseeing and driving complex, cross-functional initiatives that translate talent acquisition strategy into real, measurable change. The individual operates as a hands-on, execution-driven leader who is comfortable working independently, navigating ambiguity, and making sound decisions in grey areas. This role partners closely with Talent Acquisition leadership, talent advisors, HR, technology, and business stakeholders to design, build, and deliver initiatives that modernize how the organization attracts, engages, and hires talent. Success requires flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to shift priorities while ensuring initiatives are executed effectively and deliver meaningful impact.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

Working independently to lead and execute talent acquisition strategy and transformation initiatives, using best practices and a strong understanding of internal and external business drivers to improve hiring outcomes, processes, and experiences. This includes translating strategy into clear project plans with defined scope, milestones, timelines, and deliverables, and personally driving execution end-to-end.

Partnering with cross-functional stakeholders to identify needs, align expectations, and deliver solutions that improve quality of hire, speed, and overall experience for candidates, hiring managers, and recruiters.

Leading change initiatives that redesign hiring processes, introduce new tools, automation, or AI-driven capabilities, and drive adoption through effective change management and communication.

Acting as a trusted advisor and resource to colleagues and leaders, providing guidance, mentorship, and problem-solving support while fostering a collaborative and high-performing working environment.

Proactively identifying and managing risks, resolving issues in real time, and adapting plans as needed to ensure successful delivery of initiatives in evolving and ambiguous environments.

Ensuring appropriate governance and reporting by tracking progress, measuring impact, communicating status to senior leaders, and continuously identifying opportunities for improvement.

• Previous experience in Talent Acquisition, HR transformation, talent operations, program management, or related HR or Business Strategy roles, with demonstrated success leading complex, cross-functional initiatives from concept through execution.
• Strong strategic thinking skills combined with a bias for action, comfort working hands-on in the details, and the ability to operate independently in fast-changing or undefined environments.
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders, communicate effectively, solve complex problems, and adapt approach based on shifting priorities and business needs.
• Evidence of curiosity, continuous learning, problem solutioning, and tenacity

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree strongly preferred 
• Experience with HR technology platforms, AI, automation, or process redesign initiatives, as well as familiarity with agile or human-centered design approaches.

Hours and Work Schedule: (4 days in Johnston, RI office, 1 day remote)

Hours per Week: 8am-5pm EST

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday

Pay Transparency

The salary range for this position is $122,000-$150,000 per year, plus an opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. Actual pay is based on various factors including but not limited to the work location, and relevant skills and experience.

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, maternity/paternity leave, flexible work arrangements, education reimbursement, wellness programs and more. Note, Citizens’ paid time off policy exceeds the mandatory, paid sick or paid time-away policy of every local and state jurisdiction in the United States. For an overview of our benefits, visit https://jobs.citizensbank.com/benefits .

Equal Employment Opportunity

Citizens, its parent, subsidiaries, and related companies (Citizens) provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, citizenship, physical or mental disability, perceived disability or history or record of a disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, genetic characteristic, marital or domestic partner status, victim of domestic violence, family status/parenthood, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy/childbirth/lactation, colleague’s or a dependent’s reproductive health decision making, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws. At Citizens, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that enables all colleagues to bring their best selves to work every day and everyone is expected to be treated with respect and professionalism. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, performance and capability.

Equal Employment and Opportunity Employer

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Background Check

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the candidate successfully passing a background check, which may include initial credit, motor vehicle record, public record, prior employment verification, and criminal background checks. Results of the background check are individually reviewed based upon legal requirements imposed by our regulators and with consideration of the nature and gravity of the background history and the job offered. Any offer of employment will include further information.