Talent Acquisition Manager

Elgin, IL 60121

Employment Type: Permanent Job Category: Human Resources Job Number: 48301233 Compensation: $109000-155000 / year

Job Description

Title: Talent Acquisition Manager
Location: Western Chicagoland Suburbs (ONSITE)
$$$: 140-155k 
Industry: Research/Science 


We’re searching for a bold, strategic, and forward-thinking Talent Acquisition Manager to join a major research facility located in the Western Chicagoland Suburbs. This isn’t your typical TA role—this is your chance to lead transformation, shape the future of recruitment, and be the driving force behind hiring top-tier talent across executive, scientific, and high-level technical functions.

As the TA Manager, you’ll step into a high-impact leadership position where your vision and execution will directly influence the growth and innovation of a nationally recognized institution. This is your moment to be a true change agent—to build, optimize, and elevate the entire talent acquisition strategy from the inside out. Salary for the role is 140-155k.

Why You’ll Love This Role:

✅ High Visibility & Impact – Report directly to senior leadership and partner with decision-makers to recruit the minds that will drive groundbreaking research and technical innovation.
✅ Own the Strategy – You’ll lead and evolve full-cycle recruiting efforts while championing diversity, process excellence, and employer branding.
✅ Build Something Bigger – Be a part of transforming the talent engine of a facility known for cutting-edge discovery and global impact.
✅ Unmatched Growth Potential – Step into a leadership role with room to grow into senior HR or strategic operations roles.
✅ Incredible Benefits – Enjoy generous PTO, top-tier healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and work-life flexibility that respects your expertise.
✅ Mission-Driven Environment – Surround yourself with some of the smartest minds in science, engineering, and research—all working toward world-changing goals.

What You’ll Be Doing:

  • Lead & Elevate the Talent Function – Oversee all strategic recruiting efforts, ensuring alignment with long-term organizational goals.
  • Recruit for Impact – Manage and execute searches for executive, scientific, and technical leadership roles, ensuring we hire the best and brightest.
  • Develop & Drive Strategy – Refine recruitment processes, implement data-driven decisions, and build scalable systems to support a growing pipeline.
  • Coach & Inspire – Lead and mentor a small but mighty recruiting team, fostering a high-performance culture and passion for talent excellence.
  • Champion DE&I – Promote inclusive hiring practices that reflect the values and diversity of the organization.
  • Be a Brand Ambassador – Own the employer brand, from job postings to candidate experience to the organization’s presence in the talent marketplace.
  • Partner Cross-Functionally – Collaborate with HR, department heads, and leadership to forecast talent needs and refine workforce planning strategies.

What We’re Looking For:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field
  • 8+ years of full-cycle recruiting experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management capacity
  • Experience hiring in technical, engineering, scientific, or research environments
  • Proven success recruiting for senior-level and executive roles
  • Strong understanding of ATS platforms, metrics, employer branding, and innovative sourcing strategies
  • Confident communicator, trusted advisor, and adaptable leader with a growth mindset
  • Experience working in complex or mission-driven organizations (R&D, biotech, academia, etc. a huge plus)

Meet Your Recruiter

Erik Butzen
Technical Recruiter

Erik Butzen is a skilled and compassionate Senior Recruiter passionate about empowering individuals to advance in their careers. With two years of dedicated service at Sterling, Erik has already significantly impacted the organization's talent acquisition efforts.

Having honed his expertise over five years in the field of recruiting, Erik possesses a deep understanding of the industry's intricacies. His journey began with the desire to assist individuals in finding opportunities that would propel their professional growth forward.

As a Senior Recruiter, Erik takes great pride in his ability to help people make meaningful advancements in their careers. Whether it's guiding a candidate through the interview process, providing valuable insights into the job market, or matching the right talent with the perfect role, Erik is committed to positively impacting the lives of those he interacts with.

One of Erik's most valuable pieces of advice to both hiring managers and fellow recruiters is to ask a lot of questions. Understanding the needs and expectations of both candidates and employers is essential to finding the best fit for both parties.

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About Elgin, IL

Explore exciting job opportunities in the vibrant Elgin, Illinois area! Nestled along the Fox River, Elgin offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty, cultural attractions, and abundant career growth prospects. From the historic Grand Victoria Casino and the stunning Elgin Symphony Orchestra to the charming Gail Borden Public Library and the delightful array of dining options ranging from traditional American fare to diverse global cuisines, Elgin has something for everyone. With proximity to the acclaimed Hemmens Cultural Center, the gorgeous Lords Park, and a short drive to Chicago's famed professional sports teams and iconic landmarks, Elgin is both a peaceful retreat and a bustling hub of activity. Take the first step towards an exciting career path by exploring our job listings in this enchanting region today!