Talent Acquisition Lead, Digital Engineering

About DEPT®

DEPT® is a Growth Invention company dedicated to helping ambitious brands accelerate their growth. Operating at the nexus of technology and marketing, our global team of over 4,000 specialists delivers Growth Invention services across Brand & Media, Experience, Commerce, CRM, and Technology & Data. We are a 50|50 tech and marketing firm, partner-led, and always first to move. Our esteemed client roster includes Google, Lufthansa, Meta, eBay, and OpenAI. DEPT® has proudly held B Corp and Climate Neutral certifications since 2021.

Job Purpose

As the Talent Acquisition Lead, you will be instrumental in shaping the future of our agency by developing and implementing strategic talent acquisition initiatives for our Experience & Engineering service teams across EMEA. These teams specialize in creating exceptional digital experiences through technical solutions and innovative design. You will recruit the talent responsible for these solutions, including Frontend Developers, Backend Developers, Adobe Specialists, AI Engineers, and Data Analysts. You will serve as a primary ambassador for DEPT®'s culture, ensuring a seamless and positive candidate experience throughout the recruitment journey. Through close collaboration with leadership teams, you will gain a deep understanding of role requirements, provide regular hiring progress updates, and offer valuable market insights to drive informed decision-making.

What You'll Do

• Collaborate with the Head of TA to develop and implement talent strategies for Digital Engineering services across key EMEA markets, focusing on senior and strategic hires.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, managing expectations, challenging briefs when necessary, and transforming ambitious requests into actionable hiring mandates.
• Utilize data to drive strategic decisions, transforming hiring intelligence into actionable insights that proactively address potential challenges.
• Drive innovation within the TA function by pioneering new sourcing channels, leveraging AI-enabled tools, and developing advanced assessment approaches.
• Build and maintain proactive talent pipelines and market maps to ensure a ready pool of top-tier candidates.
• Directly headhunt senior, passive talent from competitor networks and specialized firms.
• Represent DEPT® in the market at industry events and on panels, building employer brand and professional networks.
• Champion an exceptional candidate experience across EMEA, reflecting DEPT®'s approachable culture.
• Elevate the recruiting team's capabilities through sharing best practices and mentorship.

What You'll Bring

• Significant in-house talent acquisition experience within a digital or integrated agency, with a strong understanding of billability, utilization, and agency dynamics.
• Proven track record of hiring across Development, AI Engineering, and Data Analytics roles, with deep knowledge of these fields and candidate sourcing strategies.
• Experience recruiting in multiple EMEA markets, adapting strategies for diverse locations like London, Amsterdam, and Berlin.
• Proficiency in managing senior stakeholders within a matrix organization, with the confidence to lead hiring strategies and provide constructive pushback.
• Demonstrated direct sourcing expertise, including Boolean search, market mapping, and competitor analysis.
• Data fluency, with the ability to build and defend hiring strategies using metrics.
• Strong navigational intelligence to effectively operate within a global, fast-paced, partner-led organization.
• A proactive, autonomous mindset combined with a relentless curiosity for improving hiring processes.
• Proficiency in both Dutch and English.

What You'll Get

• Opportunities for social and cultural engagement through organised activities and celebrations.
• Inspirational talks and guest speakers.
• Continuous learning and development opportunities.
• A Buddy Programme to support your onboarding.
• Recognition as a Certified B Corp® and award-winning 'Agency of the Year'.
• Exposure to a diverse range of exciting clients.

We Offer

• A flexible, hybrid working policy (2-3 days in office, with flexibility to work abroad for 13 weeks annually).
• 24 vacation days per year, with the option to purchase additional days.
• Access to the DEPT®/YOU Learning Menu and Special Programs for skill development.
• Wellness support through the OpenUp platform, gym discounts, and healthy office lunches.
• Discounts on lease bikes and commuter benefits (NS Business Card).
• Recognition as a Certified B Corp®, Great Place To Work (Netherlands), and award-winning 'Agency of the Year'.
• Opportunity to work with a variety of clients.
• Explore additional employee benefits here.

Why DEPT®?

We are a Growth Invention company focused on accelerating growth for the world's most ambitious brands. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, we pioneer ideas, act fast, and push boundaries. Our culture is built on curiosity, intent, and a drive to invent. We value collaboration ('better together'), relentless curiosity, and execution ('get sh*t done'). At DEPT®, you'll find the freedom to explore, the space to collaborate, and the trust to make a significant impact.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

DEPT® is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We actively seek diverse talent and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. If you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply as we believe in fair opportunities for growth and development. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed to support your recruitment process and tenure with us. Learn more about our DEI efforts here.