Eric Buchanan
Los Angeles
Summary
Senior recruitment and talent strategy leader with 20+ years of experience designing, leading, and scaling recruitment programs in complex, mission-driven organizations. Proven success in improving recruitment outcomes through data-driven decision making, team leadership, and inclusive pipeline development. Passionate advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, with a strong track record of aligning recruitment strategy to institutional mission and long-term growth.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Talent Advisor
King’s Hawaiian
Gardena
11.2023 - Current
- Advised senior leaders on recruitment and pipeline strategy to align talent acquisition with business goals.
- Reduced time-to-fill from ~90 days to just over 45 days by redesigning recruitment workflows and improving hiring-leader alignment.
- Recruited key members of King’s Hawaiian’s Innovation team, enhancing team capabilities.
- Integrated DEIB principles into sourcing, screening, and selection processes to foster inclusive hiring.
- Co-architected and launched the company’s first enterprise-wide internship program.
Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition
The Wonderful Company
Los Angeles
12.2020 - 02.2023
- Managed recruiting teams and collaborated with senior stakeholders to enhance talent acquisition processes.
- Developed and executed recruitment strategy to align with organizational goals across multiple functional areas.
- Led cross-functional teams to develop and execute strategic initiatives.
- Managed project timelines and resource allocation for key programs.
- Facilitated communication between departments to enhance collaboration and efficiency.
Principal Recruiter / Manager, Social Impact Recruiting
The Wonderful Company
Los Angeles
05.2019 - 12.2020
Director of Talent Acquisition
Golin / Canvas Blue
Los Angeles
03.2016 - 09.2017
- Directed internship programs and strategic recruiting initiatives, aligning talent acquisition with organizational goals.
- Oversaw West Coast recruitment operations, enhancing candidate experience and employer brand.
- Facilitated recruitment for 75 full-time positions, streamlining processes to attract top talent.
Recruiting Manager
R&C PMK (Formerly PMK•BNC)
Los Angeles
10.2014 - 03.2016
- Directed recruitment for 100+ full-time positions across multiple departments, enhancing talent acquisition strategies.
- Coordinated recruitment efforts for LA and New York offices, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Developed and implemented internship programs alongside ATS for streamlined candidate tracking.
Talent Acquisition Manager / HR Manager / Recruiting Leader
01.2001 - 01.2014
- Led recruitment and internship programs for organizations with 500–600 employees, enhancing talent pipeline.
- Represented organizations at college recruitment fairs, engaging with potential candidates to attract top talent.
- Reduced recruiting agency spend by over 60%.
Education
B.A. - Psychology
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Chester, PASkills
- Recruitment strategy
- Pipeline development
- Recruitment operations and compliance
- ATS and recruitment systems
- Data analysis and reporting
- Process optimization
- Continuous improvement
- DEIB integration
- Stakeholder partnership
- Team leadership and staff development
- Consultative approach
- Program design and implementation
Timeline
Senior Talent Advisor
King’s Hawaiian
11.2023 - Current
Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition
The Wonderful Company
12.2020 - 02.2023
Principal Recruiter / Manager, Social Impact Recruiting
The Wonderful Company
05.2019 - 12.2020
Director of Talent Acquisition
Golin / Canvas Blue
03.2016 - 09.2017
Recruiting Manager
R&C PMK (Formerly PMK•BNC)
10.2014 - 03.2016
Talent Acquisition Manager / HR Manager / Recruiting Leader
01.2001 - 01.2014
B.A. - Psychology
West Chester University of Pennsylvania