Stacey Laidlaw
Cary,IL
Summary
Talent Acquisition Leader with deep expertise in Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations within major global agencies. Demonstrated success in strategic recruitment, aligning top talent with organizational objectives. Employs an authentic and empathetic leadership style to build strong relationships and improve team performance.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Talent Acquisition
Ogilvy
Chicago, IL
12.2021 - 07.2025
- Oversaw public relations talent acquisition efforts across Ogilvy North America locations.
- Developed a national strategy for recruiting in corporate, social, and public affairs sectors.
- Attracted leading talent for high-profile clients such as Coca-Cola, Verizon, Google, FEMA, and L'Oréal.
- Implemented AI tools to optimize recruitment workflows and interview efficiency.
- Provided support to recruiters focused on data-driven and inclusive hiring methodologies.
- Delivered training sessions quarterly aimed at refining interviewing techniques for PR teams.
- Nurtured impactful connections with hiring teams, colleagues, and leadership.
Associate Director, Talent Acquisition
Ogilvy
Chicago, IL
04.2019 - 12.2021
- Directed non-creative recruitment initiatives for Chicago, LA, and SF in strategy, account, and operations.
- Developed sourcing plans to enhance hiring process efficiency and candidate experience.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to align departmental goals with company strategy.
- Analyzed market trends to guide strategic planning and decision-making processes.
Freelance Talent Acquisition Consultant
Various
Chicago, IL
02.2018 - 04.2019
- Consulted for agencies including Havas and TracyLocke, focusing on creative, project management, and account.
- Executed full-cycle recruitment during high growth and transitional phases.
- Collaborated with hiring managers to define candidate profiles and job requirements.
- Managed candidate pipelines through effective communication and follow-up strategies.
Associate Director, Talent Acquisition
Geometry Global (WPP)
Chicago, IL
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Managed talent acquisition for North American offices.
- Recruited across creative and experiential disciplines.
- Led and drove collaboration with internal teams and partners to meet expected timelines, budget and quality standards.
Senior Recruitment Manager
Edelman
Chicago, IL
01.2015 - 11.2016
- Recruited for corporate and digital teams for Edelman's U.S. offices.
- Advised leadership on compensation, internal mobility, and talent planning.
- Managed compensation, insurance and vacation days within employee benefits programs.
- Implemented innovative sourcing strategies to attract top-tier candidates effectively.
- Developed and maintained a strong employer brand through engaging outreach initiatives.
- Conducted interviews and assessments to evaluate candidate qualifications and fit.
- Utilized applicant tracking systems to track candidates and improve recruitment efficiency.
Freelance Senior Recruiter
Various
Chicago, IL
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Focused on digital, strategy, and media recruitment across agencies Razorfish, Havas, Rise, Starcom.
- Supported rapid team growth through targeted recruitment initiatives.
- Collaborated with various agencies to identify talent needs and streamline hiring processes.
Talent Agent
Vitamin T (Aquent)
Chicago, IL
11.2011 - 01.2013
- Sourced and matched creative, UX, and marketing professionals with freelance and full-time positions.
- Established and deepened partnerships with third-party organizations such as recruitment agencies to maintain strong pipeline of high-quality candidates.
Healthcare Talent Acquisition & Staffing Roles
Various
Chicago, IL
01.2003 - 01.2011
- Held leadership and recruiting positions at Med-Call, Kforce, Skipstone, Therapy Staff, and Supplemental Health Care.
- Built candidate pipelines for clinical and administrative roles across healthcare verticals.
- Conducted market research to identify trends in healthcare recruitment.
- Developed active and passive candidate pipelines through research, networking and screening.
Skills
- Talent acquisition
- Stakeholder management
- Leadership and supervision
- Employer branding
- AI recruitment tools
- Analytical thinking
Affiliations
- Over the past three years, I’ve solo-traveled across Africa to safari and trek with gorillas and chimpanzees, part of a 29-country journey. These experiences have shaped my leadership approach by challenging me to navigate uncertainty, build cross-cultural empathy, and lead with both courage and curiosity.
Timeline
Director, Talent Acquisition
Ogilvy
12.2021 - 07.2025
Associate Director, Talent Acquisition
Ogilvy
04.2019 - 12.2021
Freelance Talent Acquisition Consultant
Various
02.2018 - 04.2019
Associate Director, Talent Acquisition
Geometry Global (WPP)
01.2017 - 01.2018
Senior Recruitment Manager
Edelman
01.2015 - 11.2016
Freelance Senior Recruiter
Various
01.2013 - 01.2014
Talent Agent
Vitamin T (Aquent)
11.2011 - 01.2013
Healthcare Talent Acquisition & Staffing Roles
Various
01.2003 - 01.2011
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