Lead Talent Management Partner

About Us

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world.

The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone.

Role Summary

As Talent Management Lead, you will shape how we set goals, assess performance, and plan for succession,then make those programs work in our systems and in the hands of HR Business Partners (HRBPs) and managers.

This is a role that blends strategy and hands-on execution. You will help set direction across the talent lifecycle, own the build and delivery of key programs, and act as the go-to expert who educates and enables the HR community and business leaders. Your work will directly influence how we drive performance, develop talent, and scale the business. This role will be onsite in our Palo Alto, California Office 3 days a week.

Responsibilities

Performance Management & Calibration

• Lead the planning, communication, and execution of quarterly performance and feedback cycles.

• Design and facilitate semi-annual calibration sessions across business units, ensuring consistency, fairness, and transparency in talent assessments.

• Research and recommend modern performance management practices that support high performance and continuous growth.

Succession & Development Planning

• Partner with HRBPs and business leaders to support talent review and succession planning, including process design, facilitation, and follow-through.

• Help leaders identify critical roles, high-potential talent, and development needs, and connect those insights to action.

Goal Setting

• Design and launch our goal-setting framework. This is a new program, so you will help build it from the ground up.

• Coach teams and managers on setting effective goals and tracking progress.

Systems & Process Excellence

• Configure, optimize, and maintain talent processes in our people systems, working closely with the systems team and HRBPs.

• Document, maintain, and continuously improve processes for performance, feedback, talent review, and internal mobility.

Enablement & Education

• Train and advise HRBPs and business leaders on talent programs, tools, and best practices.

• Build clear guides, playbooks, and communications that make programs easy to adopt and consistent across the company.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in HR, Talent Management, People Analytics, or a related field.

• Proven experience managing company-wide performance management cycles.

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to turn data into compelling narratives and actionable recommendations.

• A process-engineer mindset, with a strong focus on documentation and continuous improvement.

• Excellent change management, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

• A proactive, analytical approach to diagnosing problems and implementing practical solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building new programs and re-engineering existing ones.

• Working knowledge of OKR methodology and how to apply it.

• Experience facilitating performance calibration discussions.

• Experience with Workday Talent modules or a comparable HRIS.

• Experience with succession planning or talent review processes.

• Curiosity and a genuine passion for creating an exceptional employee experience.

Total Rewards

We build the exceptional — and we believe the people doing that work should be rewarded accordingly. In addition to a competitive base salary, full-time positions may be is eligible to participate in our annual company performance bonus program.

Payments are discretionary and not guaranteed; actual amounts depend on company results and the terms of the plan in effect, and require active employment at the time of payout. This role is also eligible for equity in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), subject to board approval and the terms of our equity incentive plans, including applicable vesting requirements.

In addition to our compensation programs, we invest in our people with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, wellbeing, and financial future for full-time employees — including health coverage, retirement savings, time off, and family planning programs. Offerings vary by country. Learn more about our global benefit programs .

External candidates can apply for this role through the Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies careers site ( https://rivianvw.tech/#careers ). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board .

Equal Opportunity

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.