Jordan Pedersen

About Jordan Pedersen

As a Strategic HR and Talent Acquisition Leader, I’m passionate about connecting people, purpose, and performance. I’ve led recruitment and people operations strategies across high-growth startups and established enterprises, spanning industries including technology, data analytics, marketing, finance, hospitality, retail, entertainment, and professional sports.My expertise includes building and scaling talent acquisition functions, workforce planning, compensation analysis, performance management, culture initiatives, and change management, all anchored in aligning talent strategy to business goals while strengthening a people-first culture and employer brand.I believe every individual brings a unique combination of experiences, passions, and goals. My focus is helping top talent recognize their strengths, achieve their ambitions, and grow in environments where they can thrive. Known for my data-driven approach, integrity, and clear communication, I take pride in building high-performing teams and lasting relationships rooted in trust and authenticity.Outside of work, you’ll find me cheering on the Iowa State Cyclones and Kansas City Chiefs, exploring Kansas City’s restaurant and coffee scene, and spending time with my wife, daughter, and our spoiled pup, Oliver.Core Competencies: Talent Acquisition Strategy, Full Life Cycle Recruitment Leadership, Workforce Planning, Organizational Design, Talent Analytics, Performance Management, Compensation Analysis, Change Management, Employee Engagement, Executive Search, HRIS Implementation and Optimization, People Operations LeadershipHR Technology and ATS Expertise: Greenhouse, Workday, iCIMS, JazzHR, LinkedIn Recruiter, Rippling, 15Five, EasyLlama, Coderpad, Stack Overflow, Textio, Carta, OpenComp, PayscaleRecruiting Expertise: Information Technology, Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, Data Science, Engineering, Product, Sales, Research & Development, AI & Machine Learning, Systems Engineering, Simulation Engineering, Marketing, Digital/Creative, Client Services, Customer Success, Project Management, Accounting, HR, Finance, Administrative, and Executive (C-Level).

Experience

1. Head of People & Talent

   Cavnue

   Apr 2025 — Present

   Cavnue (Series A start-up funded by Alphabet\'s Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners) is developing and integrating the next-generation of mobility technology and infrastructure that will power the world\'s most advanced roadways (\"cavnues\").Cavnue is bridging vehicle technology and road infrastructure to rapidly deliver safer roads today while accelerating the adoption of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) moving forward. With ongoing deployments in Michigan and Texas, Cavnue is the only company in North America that uses Smart Road technology to improve performance for road operators and deliver a safer, more efficient experience for all road users while preparing for a future with more CAVs. Our mission is to set the new standard for road performance and safety.Lead talent acquisition and HR strategy throughout all facets of the organization, for a high-growth Series A startup spun-out of Alphabet’s Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners. Delivering measurable improvements in hiring efficiency and candidate experience while implementing scalable systems for recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and leadership development. Serving as strategic advisor to our Leadership Team on workforce planning, organizational design, change management, compensation analysis, and culture strategy.

Education

• Iowa State University

  Bachelor's degree, Marketing and Management

  2008 — 2012

Skills

• Sales
• IT Recruitment
• Technical Recruiting
• Advertising
• Recruiting
• Marketing
• Prospecting Skills
• Customer Service
• Leadership
• Brand Awareness
• Strategic Planning
• Business Development
• Corporate Branding
• Employer Branding
• Staffing Services
• Training
• Prospect Research
• Human Resources
• Strategic Partnerships
• Sourcing
• Talent Management
• Relationship Management
• Interviewing
• Talent Acquisition
• Social Media
• Customer Relationship Management (Crm)
• Business Strategy
• Marketing Strategy
• Cold Calling
• Account Management
• Branding & Identity
• Sales Management
• Hiring
• Strategic Human Resource Planning
• Sales Process
• Management
• Sales Prospecting