Director, Talent Acquisition Operations & Programs

Director Of Talent Acquisition Operations & Programs

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

This role is part of Blue Origin corporate functions, providing centralized support across Blue Origin business unit teams, functions, and locations.

The Director of Talent Acquisition Operations & Programs drives measurable efficiency improvements and builds the "recruiter of the future" through disciplined process optimization, AI-enabled technology advancement, and strategic program management. This transformational leader serves as both strategic visionary and operational heartbeat, optimizing for efficiency while stabilizing current operations and architecting the future state of talent acquisition at Blue Origin. You will lead value stream mapping, automation initiatives, and technology-driven solutions to transform how we plan, execute, and scale recruiting as we build the road to space.

As a forward-looking leader, you'll architect and lead Blue Origin's central Program Management Office (PMO) for talent acquisition, bringing a true programs mindset, project portfolio governance, crisp roadmaps, disciplined intake and prioritization, to power our end-to-end recruiting engine. You'll own and mature our centralized coordination and scheduling capabilities, establish clear accountability frameworks across multiple HR and Tech teams, and implement strong change management practices. Your North Star is to deliver scalable programs, including automation and AI technology, measured experimentation, strategic resource allocation, and seamless cross-functional collaboration that elevates execution across the entire TA function.

Responsibilities:

• Build and lead the central TA PMO managing complex programs such as Interview Experience, Recruiting Workflows, Internal Process Optimization, Recruiting Coordination, Profile-Based Hiring, and Candidate Engagement Branding
• Assess, stabilize, and create program teams to align with future operational needs and efficiency goals
• Establish governance structures and KPIs that measure efficiency gains and support strategic decision-making
• Build change management capabilities and frameworks to support organizational transformation

Operational Efficiency & Process Design:

• Drive measurable efficiency improvements through process optimization, technology advancement, and strategic resource allocation
• Lead value stream mapping and time studies to identify automation opportunities and eliminate operational waste
• Standardize and optimize processes at the program level, focusing on time savings and scalable solutions
• Design process flows that support compliance requirements while maximizing efficiency and candidate experience
• Architect the "recruiter of the future" by evaluating, piloting, and partnering to implement AI tools and advanced automation
• Co-lead ATS/CRM strategy and integrations with focus on efficiency gains and predictive analytics
• Partner with People Operations to drive technology roadmap that anticipates future hiring needs and scales recruiting operations efficiently
• Establish frameworks for responsible AI adoption with appropriate governance and compliance guardrails

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Team Development:

• Build cross-collaboration frameworks with HR teams, focusing on process flows, efficiency gains, and compliance alignment
• Establish clear RACI matrices that eliminate redundancies and optimize resource utilization
• Conduct organizational assessment of current team capabilities against future-state operational needs

Strategic Business Partnership:

• Support executive decision-making with scenario planning, efficiency modeling, and strategic recommendations
• Provide insights on talent acquisition investments, technology ROI, and organizational efficiency opportunities
• Drive rhythm of business processes focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement

Requirements:

• 10+ years of talent acquisition leadership with demonstrated track record of driving significant efficiency improvements
• 5+ years leading PMOs or program management organizations with focus on optimization and transformation
• Proven experience in organizational assessment, team rebuilding, and change management
• Expert knowledge in process optimization, automation, and technology-enabled efficiency gains
• Strategic thinking capabilities with experience in scenario planning and operational optimization
• Hands-on experience with AI tools, advanced recruiting technologies, and system integrations
• Strong analytical background with ability to measure and demonstrate efficiency improvements and ROI
• Advanced program/project management methodology experience with focus on continuous improvement
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with AI implementation and "future of work" technology strategies
• Background in organizational design and team optimization initiatives
• Lean Six Sigma or similar process improvement certification
• Track record of successful large-scale operational transformations
• Experience with predictive analytics and automation tools
• Demonstrated record of measurable efficiency gains (e.g., time-to-fill reduction, throughput per recruiter, automation-driven hours saved).

Compensation Range for WA applicants is $182,450.00-$255,429.30. Other site ranges may differ.

Culture Statement:

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations:

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check:

• Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check
• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
• Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits:

• Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
• Discretionary bonus: Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.
• Eligibility for benefits varies by role type, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated workforce. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the