"Talent Acquisition Manager (Early and Future Careers)"

A rare and exciting opportunity to lead and implement a high-impact early careers and outreach project while overseeing our recruitment coordination service. This fixed-term role, to cover maternity leave, offers a unique opportunity to be creative, shaping and delivering our future talent approach to realise our longer term ambitions.

About the role

You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping how we attract, engage, and develop future talent across the University. You'll lead our school work experience programme and will have an amazing opportunity to work closely with the Head of Talent Acquisition to develop our early careers and future approach; from internship programmes, central graduate scheme and returnship initiatives, this role is all about building a diverse, inclusive, and future-ready workforce.

You’ll also maintain oversight of our core recruitment operations, having responsibility for the Recruitment Team Leader and indirectly a team of Recruitment Coordinators, ensuring continuity and excellence in service delivery.

About You

You’re an experienced talent acquisition professional with a track record of designing and delivering early careers programmes or similar future talent initiatives. You bring strategic thinking, strong project management skills, and a passion for inclusive opportunity.

You’re confident working with stakeholders at all levels, and you know how to turn ideas into action. Whether it’s leading a team, managing recruitment campaigns, or building partnerships with schools and community organisations, you’re proactive, collaborative, and driven by impact.

You’ll also bring:

• Excellent knowledge of recruitment best practice and employment legislation
• A starter-finisher mentality
• Experience managing recruitment services and leading teams
• A commitment to social mobility and inclusive talent development
• CIPD Level 5 (or an equivalent level of experience)

About the team

Our HR Recruitment team is a small, agile group that works closely with colleagues across the University to deliver a high-quality, customer-focused recruitment service. We’re proud of our Recruitment Brand and our values of pace, innovation, and service.

This maternity cover role is a chance to build on our strong foundations while helping us take a bold step forward in how we engage future talent. You’ll be joining a team that’s open to ideas, committed to progress, and ready to support you in making a real difference.

For an informal conversation about the role please contact Sarah Sutton, Head of Talent Acquisition or Francis Ondoro, Talent Acquisition Specialist.