Leading recruiting strategy and execution for Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta is the core of this Director role, bringing deep design and brand recruiting expertise, strong people leadership, and operational excellence to how the company attracts and hires outstanding talent. The team supports design, creative, product development, merchandising, inventory management, marketing, digital, and related brand functions. This role partners with senior business and HR leaders to translate each brand’s strategy, product direction, and evolving capability needs into effective talent strategies.
Responsibilities
Lead, coach, and develop the Brands TA team, setting clear expectations, managing performance, and building judgment through feedback and practice while fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and shared learning
Own the Brands recruiting strategy, translating distinct brand identities, business priorities, product direction, and workforce needs into actionable talent plans aligned with the broader TA strategy
Advise senior brand and HR leaders, using business context and market intelligence to identify talent needs, challenge assumptions, and recommend trade-offs that advance business priorities
Bring deep design and creative recruiting expertise to sourcing and assessment, building external talent relationships and proactive pipelines for critical and emerging capabilities
Lead recruiting across functional pods, balancing capacity against search complexity and business priorities, clarifying ownership, resolving barriers, and establishing effective operating rhythms
Build hiring manager capability and shared accountability for clear success criteria, high assessment standards, timely decisions, and an inclusive, thoughtful candidate experience
Use recruiting data and business feedback to diagnose root causes, remove barriers, and measure improvements in hiring quality, effectiveness, and business outcomes
Personally lead selected critical searches within the Brands remit and partner with Executive Search on leadership hiring
Partner with HR, Talent Management, and Early Talent leadership to support internal mobility, anticipate capability needs, and deliver recruiting support for relevant programs
Lead the adoption of TA playbooks, technology, and AI, guiding the team through change and simplifying work to create capacity for talent relationships, assessment, and advising the business
Requirements
Deep design and creative recruiting expertise within apparel, fashion, or a closely related environment, including established talent networks and experience partnering with leaders on portfolio and capability assessment
Demonstrated success leading and developing sizable recruiting teams across multiple functions or brands, with the ability to coach experienced recruiters and team leaders, elevate performance, and build accountability
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
200,000+
New jobs added daily
7,000,000+
Verified job listings
1,000,000+
Tailored applications submitted
Strong understanding of brand and product organizations, with experience translating business strategy, customer needs, and product direction into recruiting priorities and talent strategies
Proven ability to develop recruiters who ask insightful business questions, assess talent challenges, and influence leaders with clear, evidence-based recommendations
Credibility and influence with senior business and HR leaders, with the ability to build relationships, communicate clearly, constructively challenge assumptions, and navigate a matrixed organization
Strong operational leadership, including prioritizing complex search portfolios, managing capacity, establishing effective ways of working, and delivering measurable results
Experience using recruiting data, talent intelligence, sourcing technologies, and AI-enabled tools to improve decision-making, productivity, and hiring outcomes
Demonstrated ability to lead through change with sound judgment, curiosity, openness to feedback, and a commitment to inclusive practices, team development, and continuous learning
Benefits
Merchandise discount for our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta, and 30% off at Outlet for all employees
One of the most competitive Paid Time Off plans in the industry
Employees can take up to five “on the clock” hours each month to volunteer at a charity of their choice
Extensive 401(k) plan with company matching for contributions up to four percent of an employee’s base pay
Employee stock purchase plan
Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
About the Company
At Gap Inc., the company creates culture as much as it creates clothes. Its ambition is to become a high-performing house of iconic American brands that shape culture. Its portfolio—Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta—each brings a distinct point of view to how it shows up in the world and serves its customers. Old Navy democratizes style with quality and value for all. Gap champions originality through essential pieces that celebrate individuality. Banana Republic is rooted in a spirit of discovery, creating modern pieces inspired by craftsmanship and travel. Athleta champions the Power of She through confidence, strength, and movement. The company is driven by a shared purpose: to bridge gaps—between people, perspectives, and possibilities—to create a better world. It is building a team that performs at a high level—people who think boldly, take ownership, and turn ideas into impact. In 2022, it was recognized by Forbes as one of the World's Best Employers and one of the Best Employers for Diversity.
Forget what you know about old-school industry rules.