Talent Acquisition Manager

About Our Company

Lids Sports Group is the largest licensed sports retailer in North America, selling fan and fashion-oriented headwear and apparel across the US and abroad. Operating out of Indianapolis, IN, our retail stores offer officially licensed headwear and apparel from collegiate and professional sports teams, plus top brands like Nike, New Era, Lululemon, and Mitchell & Ness. In addition, to our wide assortment we are the industry leader in on demand customization.

We currently operate 1,300 brick and mortar locations, including specialty concept stores for the NBA, NHL, Paris Saint-Germain, and the two largest MLB franchises, via our Yankees & Dodgers Clubhouse. Lids has built partnerships and collaborations with iconic global brands including Marvel/Disney, Playboy, Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack, and Post Malone. Creating a community where fans, fashion, and culture collide.

General Summary

The Manager of Talent Acquisition will play a critical role in developing and executing the recruitment strategy to attract, evaluate, and hire top-tier talent across both corporate and retail positions. This role will oversee and lead the full-cycle recruitment efforts, partnering closely with hiring managers, HR teams, and business leaders to understand staffing needs, develop sourcing strategies, and ensure a seamless and positive candidate experience. The Manager will be responsible for mentoring and guiding the corporate and retail talent acquisition teams, driving process improvements, and shaping the future of recruitment at Lids. This position requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills, a passion for talent acquisition, and the ability to balance high-volume retail hiring with specialized corporate recruitment efforts.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Embody, uphold, and champion Lids Core Values: Leadership, Integrity, Dedication, and Service in all work performed, interactions, and communications throughout the organization.
• Develop, implement, and manage recruitment and placement strategies, policies, and systems to attract and retain top talent across corporate and retail teams.
• Lead and mentor the corporate and retail talent acquisition teams, providing guidance, coaching, and development opportunities to enhance team performance and effectiveness.
• Establish best practices for sourcing strategies, employer branding, and recruitment marketing to engage both active and passive candidates.
• Oversee and optimize the use of the applicant tracking system (ATS) and other recruitment tools to ensure efficiency and compliance with hiring processes.
• Collaborate with business leaders and hiring managers to stay abreast of current and future hiring needs, providing expertise on workforce planning and talent pipeline development.
• Partner with hiring managers to develop effective interview techniques and ensure alignment with Lids' culture and values.
• Create and implement standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for key recruitment metrics, including time-to-fill, candidate experience, and retention outcomes.
• Develop and maintain relationships with universities, professional organizations, and external partners to support pipeline development, and internship programs initiatives.
• Analyze recruitment data and trends to drive continuous improvement in hiring processes, candidate experience, and overall recruitment effectiveness.
• Manage and oversee third-party vendors, including recruitment agencies and job boards, ensuring strong partnerships and cost-effective solutions.
• Ensure adherence to all legal compliance requirements in recruitment and hiring processes.
• Oversee external recruitment marketing, job postings, and employer branding initiatives to enhance Lids' presence as an employer of choice.
• Conduct and analyze exit interview data to identify trends and provide recommendations for improving retention and employee satisfaction.
• Drive innovation in recruitment practices, leveraging technology, data analytics, and new sourcing methodologies to enhance hiring success.
• Other duties as needed.

Job Required Knowledge, Skills, and Education

• Bachelor’s degree and five or more years of experience in Talent Acquisition, Recruiting, or Human Resources, with at least two years in a leadership role.
• Experience managing corporate high-volume retail recruitment.
• Proficiency in talent analytics, applicant tracking systems (ATS), and sourcing tools.
• Strong strategic, research, and analytical skills with a data-driven approach to talent acquisition.
• Ability to coach and develop team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills with stakeholders at all levels.
• Thorough understanding of recruiting methods and best practices, as well as applicable policies and federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• High level of professionalism and confidentiality in handling sensitive recruitment data.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with recruitment marketing and employer branding strategies.

Physical/Travel Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and stoop or kneel.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• This position requires up to 15% travel to support recruitment events, corporate initiatives, and retail hiring efforts.

Reports to

Sr Director of Employee Relations