KRISTEN GUINN
Summary
Results-oriented Talent Acquisition Leader with over 15 years of experience in executive recruiting and enterprise talent strategies. Led executive search operations and recruitment transformations across diverse sectors, including technology, healthcare, and retail . Developed high-performing teams and modernized recruiting processes to drive data-informed hiring decisions and enhance organizational performance.
Overview
1
1
Certification
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Executive Search Operations
Walmart Inc.
Bentonville, AR
05.2025 - Current
- Lead enterprise executive search operations strategy across Walmart, overseeing Talent Intelligence, Executive Talent Sourcing, and Executive Project Management & Coordination teams to deliver scalable, data-driven leadership hiring solutions supporting enterprise growth and transformation.
- Directed executive search operations for senior leadership hiring across multiple business units and enterprise functions to enhance talent acquisition effectiveness.
- Drove proactive executive talent strategies leveraging competitive intelligence, talent mapping, market research, and leadership pipeline development to align talent with business needs.
- Partner closely with C-suite executives, HR leadership, and key stakeholders to align executive hiring strategies with long-term business priorities.
- Implemented scalable operational frameworks and governance models for executive search processes, enhancing efficiency, consistency, and candidate engagement.
- Utilize labor market analytics and talent insights to influence executive hiring decisions and strengthen enterprise leadership capabilities.
- Champion inclusive executive hiring practices that support diversity, equity, and representation goals across leadership teams.
Associate Director, Executive Recruiting
Chewy.com
Hollywood, Remote
09.2021 - 05.2025
- Partnered with executive leadership to lead talent acquisition efforts for executive roles across Tech, Product Management, Healthcare, Supply Chain, Merchandising, and Marketing functions.
- Designed and implemented startup-style recruitment strategies for multiple business units under the Chewy umbrella.
- Facilitated C-suite client meetings, delivering insights on search progress, market analytics, candidate engagement, and qualified talent pools.
- Identified and implemented process improvement opportunities to enhance executive recruiting effectiveness and operational efficiency.
- Advocated for inclusive hiring practices through participation in Employee Resource Groups and DEI-focused recruiting initiatives.
Director, Strategic Talent Sourcing
Lowe’s Companies
Mooresville, Remote
04.2018 - 09.2021
- Reported to Senior Director of Talent Attraction while managing a team of 30+ employees.
- Directed enterprise sourcing strategies supporting Technology, Supply Chain, Field Operations, and Corporate functions.
- Served as Interim Director of Tech Recruiting, leading an additional team of 20 recruiting professionals.
- Reduced external vendor reliance by transitioning global executive recruitment in-house, generating $4M in first-year savings.
- Led hiring initiatives for a large-scale transformation effort, onboarding 486 Talent Acquisition professionals.
- Developed enterprise mentorship programs supporting recruiter and sourcer development across multiple business verticals.
Sourcing Manager, Talent Acquisition
Sears Holdings Corporation
Chicago, Remote
05.2015 - 04.2018
- Directed a remote team of eight sourcers supporting high-volume and executive-level recruitment initiatives.
- Developed innovative sourcing strategies that filled 25 Ph.D.-level Data Scientist positions within 120 days under aggressive timelines and budget constraints.
- Partnered with executive leadership and HR stakeholders to achieve recruitment goals, resulting in $8M in agency fee savings over three years.
- Championed EEOC compliance and advised leadership on compensation strategy and recruiting best practices.
Executive Recruiter
Noble Energy
Houston, TX
03.2014 - 05.2015
- Managed full-cycle recruitment for international and domestic positions specializing in Geoscience, Deepwater Engineering, and executive-level placements.
- Built strategic talent pipelines supporting offshore project expansion and organizational growth.
- Partnered closely with leadership teams to assess workforce needs and refine recruiting strategies for specialized technical talent.
Corporate Recruiter / Senior Sourcing Analyst
Insperity
Houston, Remote
08.2011 - 03.2014
- Recruited and placed mid- to executive-level talent across Accounting, Sales, Engineering, and Light Industrial sectors.
- Managed 30+ requisitions simultaneously while consistently achieving 10–12 placements per month.
- Partnered with hiring managers to develop job descriptions, execute sourcing strategies, and provide market intelligence and compensation benchmarking.
Executive Recruiter
The Daniel Group
Houston, TX
11.2009 - 08.2011
- Managed recruitment for contract and permanent positions across Accounting, Human Resources, and Administrative functions.
- Oversaw more than 80 active placements simultaneously while maintaining exceptional client service and delivery standards.
- Supported business development initiatives and strengthened long-term client relationships to expand branch growth.
Director, Recruiting
Employer Flexible
Houston, TX
05.2007 - 09.2009
- Managed a team of 12 employees while overseeing P&L operations, training, payroll, and performance management for more than 360 contract workers.
- Increased billable hours by more than 3,600 within 90 days through operational improvements and strategic business development initiatives.
- Led recruiting operations and workforce planning efforts supporting rapid organizational growth.
Education
Coursework - Management, Computer Science, Nursing
Tyler Junior College
Skills
- Executive Search Operations
- Leadership recruiting
- Talent sourcing strategy
- Market mapping
- Workforce planning
- Executive Stakeholder Management
- Organizational Transformation
- Change Management
- Process optimization
- Talent analytics
- Inclusive hiring
- Team Leadership & Development
- Supplier Relationship Management
- ATS/CRM Platforms: Workday
Certification
- Certified Social Sourcing Recruiter (CSSR)
- LinkedIn Certified
Timeline
Director, Executive Search Operations
Walmart Inc.
05.2025 - Current
Associate Director, Executive Recruiting
Chewy.com
09.2021 - 05.2025
Director, Strategic Talent Sourcing
Lowe’s Companies
04.2018 - 09.2021
Sourcing Manager, Talent Acquisition
Sears Holdings Corporation
05.2015 - 04.2018
Executive Recruiter
Noble Energy
03.2014 - 05.2015
Corporate Recruiter / Senior Sourcing Analyst
Insperity
08.2011 - 03.2014
Executive Recruiter
The Daniel Group
11.2009 - 08.2011
Director, Recruiting
Employer Flexible
05.2007 - 09.2009
Coursework - Management, Computer Science, Nursing
Tyler Junior College