Matt Lavery: How UPS Hiring Showcases Internal mobility and AI: LIVE from UNLEASH 2025
We proudly share #thePOZcast interviews from Unleash 2025 in Las Vegas with guest host Rhona Pierce!
Matt Lavery currently serves as the UPS Director of Global Sourcing, Recruiting, & Onboarding. In this role, Matt develops and executes the company’s strategic plans for talent acquisition and the systems that support them. Candidate experience is the primary driver behind every decision, with a focus on consistently meeting and exceeding expectations. With over 28 years at UPS, Matt has led transformative initiatives across sourcing automation, internal mobility, and the ethical use of AI in hiring.
He is a frequent speaker on workforce strategy, hiring tech, and operational efficiency. Over the course of his career, he has overseen the recruitment of more than 200,000 individuals annually, supporting UPS’s global workforce at scale. Matt began as a seasonal package handler in 1991 and became an employment specialist in 1997. He has since served in various leadership roles across campus recruitment, workforce planning, and employment systems. Based in Chicago, Matt enjoys sailing, attending sporting events, collecting baseball cards, and spending time with his extended family.
Connect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewlavery/
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Summary:
In this episode of #thePOZcast, host Rona Pierce speaks with Matt Lavery, Director of Global Sourcing, Recruiting, and Onboarding at UPS. They discuss Matt's journey from a seasonal handler to a leadership role, the impact of AI and automation on hiring processes, and the importance of internal mobility and career progression within UPS. Matt shares insights on enhancing candidate experience, ethical considerations in AI usage, and valuable leadership lessons learned throughout his career.
Takeaways
- Matt Lavery's journey at UPS showcases the value of internal mobility.
- AI and automation have significantly improved the hiring process at UPS.
- Speed and transparency are key factors in candidate experience.
- Understanding the problem is crucial before implementing AI solutions.
- Leadership involves providing clarity and empowering teams.
- UPS hires around 200,000 people annually, especially during peak seasons.
- NPS scores indicate high candidate satisfaction with the hiring process.
- Internal mobility pathways are essential for employee retention.
- Technology can enhance the candidate experience and streamline processes.
- Change management requires careful planning and communication.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the POScast and Guest Background
01:21 Matt Lavery's Journey at UPS
03:58 The Impact of AI and Automation on Hiring
10:21 Enhancing Candidate Experience through Technology
13:42 Internal Mobility and Career Progression at UPS
17:50 Lessons Learned in Implementing AI in Hiring
20:30 Leadership Insights and Hiring Myths
22:12 Proud Moments and Closing Thoughts
