Driving Talent Strategy and Operational Excellence

Jared McDonald is the director of talent acquisition at Walker Engineering, a top-tier electrical contractor with a strong footprint across Texas. With over a decade of experience in staffing and workforce strategy, McDonald leads with a mission: to attract, engage and retain the talent that drives company performance. Supporting offices in Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio, he plays a critical role in building the high-performing teams that enable Walker Engineering’s success in a competitive market.

Turning Talent Acquisition into a Growth Engine

He collaborates closely with the VP of human resources to implement forward-thinking hiring strategies rooted in both innovation and compliance. With dual certifications as a Certified Staffing Professional (CSP) and Certified Search Consultant (CSC) from the American Staffing Association, McDonald brings a high level of professionalism and legal expertise to every decision, from temporary staffing partnerships to pay negotiations.

By embedding key performance indicators, refining vendor engagement and integrating data-driven tools, McDonald has elevated the function of talent acquisition into a strategic asset. He also leads Walker’s college recruitment program, further strengthening the company’s talent pipeline and long- term workforce sustainability. His comprehensive understanding of coemployment law and labor regulations ensures that every process meets the highest standards of compliance and efficiency.

Building a High-Impact Workforce that Fuels Innovation

McDonald’s leadership is grounded in the belief that great teams build great companies. He’s not only focused on recruitment efficiency, he’s focused on workforce quality, team performance and long-term retention. Through mentorship, streamlined hiring practices and a strong internal culture, he empowers his recruitment team to meet ambitious targets while elevating the overall candidate experience.

Before becoming director, McDonald served nearly five years as senior recruitment manager at Walker Engineering, where he implemented top-grading methodologies, shaped policy development and scaled recruitment across multiple locations. His earlier career in staffing and business development sharpened his ability to connect regional workforce needs with strategic business goals, an asset that now helps Walker stay ahead of industry shifts.

McDonald’s style is both hands-on and visionary. Whether optimizing sourcing techniques, building employer brand equity or mentoring recruiters, he consistently brings measurable impact to the organization. His deep knowledge of staffing operations, combined with his commitment to innovation and relationship-building, has positioned him as a key leader within Walker’s executive team.

As the construction and contracting industries evolve, Jared McDonald remains focused on future-ready strategies that align talent acquisition with operational excellence. By anticipating workforce trends, adapting to compliance shifts and leading with clarity, McDonald is helping shape the next generation of Walker Engineering’s workforce—built to last, perform and lead.