Cir Derek Caldera

Professional Background

Derek Caldera is a seasoned Talent Acquisition Manager with an impressive track record spanning over 10 years in the realms of recruitment, consulting, and account management. With a career that expertly bridges both in-house and agency roles, Derek has honed his skills through full-life cycle recruitment covering diverse sectors, including media, technology, creative, marketing, and management. His extensive professional journey has imbued him with a robust understanding of the entertainment, digital media, and staffing industries, enabling him to deliver tailored recruitment solutions that meet the unique needs of organizations.

Derek currently holds the position of Talent Acquisition Manager with a focus on Diversity & Inclusion at Tastemade. In this role, he is committed to fostering a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment that encourages innovation and creativity. His previous experience includes significant roles such as Senior Talent Acquisition Partner at Tastemade and as a Senior Talent Acquisition Partner at Hawke Media. Although his tenure at Hawke Media was cut short by the challenges posed by COVID-19, Derek’s contributions were invaluable, and his ability to adapt to changing environments showcases his resilience and commitment to excellence in talent acquisition.

Further on in his career, Derek served as Manager of Talent Acquisition for the West Coast Region at IPG Mediabrands, where he excelled in linking top-tier talent with leading companies in the marketing sector. Previously, he also held the position of Senior Creative & Digital Recruiter and Account Manager at Aquent, providing him with insights into the recruitment needs of creative and technical talent. His foundation in recruitment was laid during his time as a Senior Professional Recruiter at Aerotek, and earlier as a Regional Recruiter at the same organization. Derek's robust experience even stretches into academia, where he served as a Graduate & Undergraduate Admissions Advisor at DeVry University, giving him a well-rounded perspective on education and recruitment.

Education and Achievements

Derek completed his Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Criminal Justice at California State University-Fullerton. This academic background has not only provided him with valuable analytical and critical thinking skills but also a keen understanding of the legal and ethical aspects of recruitment, which is essential in today’s HR landscape. His education complements his extensive work experience, allowing him to approach talent acquisition with a unique blend of insight and practicality.

Skills and Tools

Throughout his career, Derek has developed a comprehensive skill set that enables him to effectively navigate the complexities of modern recruitment. His proficiencies include:

• Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft suite and Google suite, ensuring efficient communication and productivity.
• Recruitment Technologies: Vast experience with various Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) including Talent Hub, Greenhouse, Lever, Salesforce, JazzHR, and MaxHire, which aids in streamlining the recruitment process.
• Sourcing and Engagement: Expertise in sourcing candidates using Boolean search techniques, leveraging platforms like LinkedIn/LinkedIn Recruiter, which is critical in identifying the best talent in a competitive market.
• Communication Tools: Familiarity with tools such as Dropbox, Zoom, Slack, HelloSign, DocuSign, Blue Jeans Network, and Calendly enhances collaboration and the efficiency of workflows.
• Employee Management Systems: Proficient in Paylocity, showcasing his ability to integrate recruitment with workforce management and payroll systems.

Community Involvement and Future Aspirations

Derek’s professional journey reflects a deep commitment to fostering a collaborative environment built on diversity and inclusion. He actively seeks opportunities to connect with professionals and organizations that value innovative recruitment practices. Eager to continue making a significant impact in the field of talent acquisition, Derek is enthusiastic about bringing fresh ideas and strategies to the table in every role he undertakes.

With a proactive approach to networking and building lasting relationships, Derek is always open to connecting with fellow recruitment professionals and organizations seeking to harness the power of effective talent acquisition strategies. You can easily reach out to him via his LinkedIn profile at Derek Caldera LinkedIn or via email at derek.caldera@tastemade.com.

Derek Caldera embodies the qualities of a modern talent acquisition leader, adept at leveraging technology while maintaining a human-centric approach to recruitment. As the industry continues to evolve, his readiness to adapt and embrace new challenges ensures that he remains at the forefront of talent acquisition trends and practices.