HR Manager, Talent Management

About Empire and Co.

Empire and Co. is a leader in delivering innovative workplace solutions nationwide. With over 80 years of industry experience and more than 565 full-time employees, we partner with leading architects, designers, brokers, craftsmen, and manufacturers to create high-performing, cost-effective environments that solve business challenges and activate brands.

Our continued growth reflects our commitment to operational excellence, client service, and delivering complex projects with precision and professionalism.

Overview

Empire and Co. is seeking a proactive, strategic, and experienced HR Manager, Talent Management to join our team in our NYC or Secaucus office. This role will play a key part in shaping and advancing our people strategy.

The ideal candidate will lead initiatives across performance management, talent development, succession planning, and employee engagement, in close partnership with the SVP of HR & Talent Management and business leaders. This individual brings strong interpersonal skills, a proven track record of implementing talent programs, and thrives in a fast-paced, creative, and entrepreneurial environment.

As part of a highly collaborative HR team, this role will be both strategic and hands-on, owning the design and execution of talent programs while also supporting day-to-day recruiting, internal mobility, and broader people initiatives. This position will serve as a key resource in elevating HR capabilities across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Talent Management & Development

• Partner with the SVP of HR & Talent Management and executive leadership to define the organization’s talent philosophy, success profiles, and performance expectations.
• Design and implement end-to-end talent management programs, including performance management and goal-setting frameworks, talent assessment and calibration processes, succession planning and high-potential identification, and career pathways and development planning.
• Lead and administer performance management programs, including annual goal setting and performance reviews. Co-facilitate talent reviews and calibration sessions with the SVP of HR & Talent Management.
• Establish a consistent, organization-wide approach to talent management while allowing flexibility for departmental needs.
• Design and implement training and upskilling programs across departments.

Talent Acquisition

• Support full-cycle recruiting across all lines of business in partnership with hiring managers.
• Standardize recruiting practices, interview frameworks, and candidate evaluation tools to ensure consistency and quality of hires.
• Partner with Marketing to support employer branding and enhance the candidate experience.

Employee Engagement & Retention

• Provide guidance and coaching to managers on employee performance, development, and retention strategies.
• Partner with employees on career development planning and progression conversations.
• Support employee engagement initiatives and broader HR programs as needed.

HR Operations

• Maintain and analyze talent data and metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and inform decision-making.
• Leverage HRIS and talent management tools to streamline processes and ensure consistency.
• Continuously assess and refine HR programs to support organizational growth while ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or a related field.
• Salary: $100,000 – $125,000, based on experience.
• 5–7+ years of progressive HR experience with strong exposure to talent management, performance management, employee development, talent acquisition, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to translate business strategy into effective talent and workforce initiatives.
• Strong written and verbal communication, project management, and relationship-building skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, analyze data, and drive initiatives from concept through execution.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).