Head of Talent and Recruitment

We are seeking an experienced Head of Talent and Recruitment to lead our Talent and Recruitment team and drive innovative recruitment strategies that attract, engage, and retain exceptional people. This is a pivotal leadership role within our HR Operations function, supporting the delivery of the University's Great Place to Work strategy.

About the team:
Our People and Organisational Development (P&OD) Directorate is central to delivering Manchester Met's ambition to be a Great Place to Work. Within HR Operations, the Talent and Recruitment team plays a critical role in attracting, engaging, and retaining exceptional people. We are a collaborative, forward-thinking team committed to innovation, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. Joining us means shaping strategies that make a real impact on the University's future.

About the role:
This pivotal leadership role will oversee the design and delivery of recruitment strategies, embedding our Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and inclusive culture.

You will:

• Lead and inspire a high-performing Talent and Recruitment team, ensuring optimal structure, capability, and professional development.
• Design and deliver innovative recruitment strategies that position Manchester Met as a sector leader, embedding our Employee Value Proposition (EVP) and inclusive culture.
• Drive transformation through creative approaches to recruitment campaigns, technology enhancements, and process improvements.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders across the University to influence decision-making and shape talent strategies aligned with organisational goals.
• Oversee senior-level recruitment ownership of exceptional senior-level recruitment, leading and managing high-impact campaigns and initiatives that attract top leadership talent. Ensure seamless delivery, strategic oversight, and continuous improvement of all senior hiring activities.
• Champion data-driven insights to evaluate recruitment effectiveness, benchmark against sector best practice, and inform future initiatives.
• Represent Manchester Met externally, building networks and partnerships to enhance our reputation and attract diverse talent.

About the candidate:
We are looking for a strategic leader with substantial experience in recruitment and talent management. Leadership skills and experience are essential for this role.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• substantial experience in recruitment and talent management,
• a proven ability to manage complex projects and deliver innovative solutions in a fast-paced environment,
• strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills (at all levels),
• expertise in recruitment technology, social media, and data analytics,
• a CIPD (or equivalent) with a track record of continuous professional development,
• creativity, resilience, and a passion for delivering exceptional candidate experiences.

To apply:
Please submit a CV and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) that clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the job description (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button).

Use your cover letter to provide specific examples of your skills and experience relevant to the role. In addition, you will be asked to answer a small number of application questions under the Supporting Information section to help us understand your experience in key areas.

Further information: 
Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the Job Description for that vacancy.

This vacancy is expected to attract a high volume of applications. Therefore, under the Disability Confident Scheme, only disabled people who apply under the scheme and best meet the essential criteria will be offered an interview.