who's on your
implementation team?
Who should be on the team responsible
for working with the RPO provider to drive
implementation? It is important to include all
relevant stakeholders – not just those involved
with talent acquisition. In addition to HR leaders
and procurement, the RPO implementation should
involve members of the C-suite, line leaders,
hiring managers, marketing, finance, information
systems and legal whenever possible.
3
executive sponsor.
As with any major initiative, the RPO
implementation will require that a member of
the C-suite provide oversight and guidance of
the entire program while building alignment with
overall company strategy. While the executive will
not be involved with the day-to-day aspects of the
implementation, this sponsor will play a lead role,
committing their time as required for success.
Often times, the executive sponsor will be a chief
human resources officer, chief people officer or
another member of the C-suite.
project sponsor.
At the next level down, the RPO implementation
will need a project sponsor, typically the
individual who leads talent acquisition at the
hiring organization.
project stakeholder.
Project stakeholders, which can include individuals
from both the company and the RPO provider,
will play a key role in process development of
the program. Devoting as much time as required
according to the implementation plan, project
stakeholders will also be responsible for data
collection and validation throughout the process,
while contributing to training and communication.
project manager.
Requiring a great deal of dedication – one to
two days per week – is the project manager, who
serves as the core implementation team member.
This individual will lead implementation activities,
manage all stakeholders, and see that timelines and
milestones are met. The project manager will also
be involved in all subteam meetings to make sure
teams are on track and the implementation is going
smoothly. The person selected for this role should
have good knowledge of their company's overall
objectives, as well as a solid understanding of the
main drivers for the RPO project and what the
company hopes to accomplish. A strong project
manager will also be someone who has influence
within the organization, with an understanding of
the current business and available resources, and
can navigate accordingly.
