Talent Acquisition Lead

Location: [Not Specified]

About DEPT®:

DEPT® is a Growth Invention company dedicated to helping the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, our 4,000+ specialists deliver innovative services across Brand & Media, Experience, Commerce, CRM, and Technology & Data. We pride ourselves on being 50|50 tech and marketing, partner-led, and first to move. Our clients include industry giants like 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 play a pivotal role in shaping DEPT®'s future by developing and implementing strategic talent acquisition initiatives for our Experience & Engineering service teams across EMEA. These teams are responsible for creating exceptional digital experiences through technical solutions and beautiful design. You will be the initial ambassador for candidates, ensuring a seamless and positive recruitment journey. By collaborating closely with leadership teams, you will gain a deep understanding of role requirements, provide regular hiring updates, offer valuable market insights, and drive informed decision-making.

What You’ll Do:

• Talent Strategy Development: Partner with the Head of TA to develop and implement the talent strategy for Digital Experience services across key EMEA markets, focusing on senior and strategic hires.
• Leadership Advisory: Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, managing expectations, challenging briefs when necessary, and transforming challenging recruitment requests into actionable mandates.
• Data-Driven Insights: Utilize hiring intelligence to shape leadership decisions and proactively address potential hiring roadblocks.
• Innovation in Recruitment: Drive innovation across the function by pioneering new sourcing channels, leveraging AI-enabled tooling, and developing advanced assessment approaches.
• Proactive Talent Pipelines: Build and own proactive talent pipelines and market maps to ensure a ready pool of top talent.
• Direct Sourcing: Actively headhunt senior passive talent through LinkedIn Recruiter, personal networks, and competitor analysis.
• Employer Branding: Represent DEPT® in the market at industry events and on panels, building our employer brand and talent community.
• Candidate Experience Champion: Ensure an exceptional candidate experience across EMEA, embodying DEPT®'s approachable culture.
• Team Mentorship: Raise the bar for the recruiting team by sharing best practices, mentoring colleagues, and enhancing our overall hunting capabilities.

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 life.
• Proven track record of hiring across UX/UI Design, Digital Strategy, Account Management, and Technical Project Management roles.
• Experience recruiting in multiple EMEA markets, with adaptability to different regional hiring landscapes (e.g., London, Amsterdam, Berlin).
• Comfort managing senior stakeholders in a matrix organization, with the confidence to lead hiring strategies and provide constructive pushback.
• Expertise in direct sourcing methodologies, including Boolean search, market mapping, and pedigree mapping.
• Data fluency, with the ability to build and defend hiring strategies using metrics.
• Strong navigational intelligence for effectively operating within a fast-paced, global, partner-led organization.
• A proactive and autonomous mindset, coupled with relentless curiosity for reinventing hiring processes.
• Proficiency in both Dutch and English.

What You’ll Get:

• Social & Cultural Events: Opportunities to connect with colleagues through organized activities.
• Inspirational Talks: Regular guest speakers and events to bring external perspectives.
• Learning & Development: Continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill advancement.
• Buddy Programme: Support from a dedicated buddy during your initial weeks.
• Company Recognition: Certified B Corp®, 'Agency of the Year' awards (The Lovies, The Webby Awards).
• Client Exposure: Opportunity to work with a diverse range of awesome clients.

We Offer:

• Flexible Hybrid Work: Enjoy a hybrid policy (2-3 days in the office) with the flexibility to work abroad for 13 weeks annually.
• Generous Vacation: 24 vacation days per year, with the option to purchase unlimited additional days.
• Learning & Development: Access to DEPT®/YOU Learning Menu and Special Programs for skill development.
• Health & Wellness: Support for your well-being through OpenUp platform, gym/wellness discounts, and healthy office lunches.
• Commuting Benefits: Discount on lease bikes and NS Business Card for hassle-free commutes.
• Company Recognition: Certified B Corp®, Great Place To Work (Netherlands), and 'Agency of the Year' awards.
• Client Exposure: Opportunity to work with a diverse range of awesome clients.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Discover more employee benefits here.

Why DEPT®?

We are a Growth Invention company driven by pioneering ideas, rapid action, and a commitment to moving further. Our culture is built on three core values: better together, relentlessly curious, and get sh*t done. At DEPT®, you'll find the freedom to explore, the space to collaborate, and the trust to make a real impact.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

DEPT® is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek diverse talent and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. If you're unsure about meeting every qualification, please apply – we value potential and are committed to giving everyone a fair chance. We also welcome discussions regarding any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.