Talent Acquisition Lead

We are looking for a strategic, influential and high‑calibre Talent Acquisition leader to shape and elevate recruitment across UK&I Retail. You ll bring expertise, credibility and a passion for exceptional hiring experiences 1partnering with senior leaders, developing a high‑performing TA team, and driving a modern, insights‑led recruitment model that delivers real value. If you thrive in a fast‑paced, people‑centric environment and are excited by the opportunity to build capability, challenge thinking, and enhance our employer brand, we d love to meet you.

• Reporting to the UK&I Retail HR Director and in close partnership with the Group Head of Talent Acquisition, champion and deliver recruitment best practice and high‑touch business partnering to embed and promote our enhanced recruitment model, demonstrating clear ROI and value.
• Lead, coach, and inspire a high‑performing TA team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Act as the primary TA partner to senior UK&I Retail stakeholders, building trust, influencing decisions, and elevating the TA and HR brand internally.

• Work with senior leaders to understand capability needs and develop strategic, innovative, and scalable recruitment plans.
• Diagnose TA performance, identifying opportunities for process optimisation, technology adoption, and improved delivery outcomes.
• Proactively build diverse talent pipelines, market maps, and talent intelligence aligned to current and future business needs.

• Collaborate with HRBPs and TA COEs to continuously refine and scale our Group-wide hiring processes, specifically aligning them to the needs of UK&I Retail.
• Partner with the Talent Excellence (Operations) team to embed recruitment technology, drive adoption, and ensure strong governance and reporting disciplines.
• Be an ambassador for Howden s employer brand, ensuring a consistently exceptional candidate experience across all touchpoints.

• Provide expert and inclusive guidance throughout the selection process, advising on the best assessment methods and acting as an influential voice in all key hiring decisions.
• Partner with wider TA colleagues on strategic TA initiatives spanning emerging talent, executive hiring, inclusive hiring, employer brand, onboarding, and other group-wide priorities.
• Use data, metrics, and insights to support strategic decision-making and drive continuous improvement across the TA lifecycle.

• Proven senior-level recruitment experience with the ability to identify and attract top‑tier talent for both immediate and future needs.
• Strong background in insurance recruitment or retail recruitment - or a deep understanding and personal interest in this area.
• Minimum of three years line management experience, with a track record of building, supporting, and developing high‑performing teams.
• Demonstrated experience implementing new recruitment processes, driving consistent excellence for both candidates and hiring managers.
• Strong understanding of TA technology and process governance;
  Workday experience is highly desirable.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to support senior HR and TA leaders in delivering wider people priorities.
• Collaborative team player with a positive, ambitious mindset and a genuine passion for elevating the hiring experience.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills, with the ability to navigate competing priorities and complex organisational dynamics.
• Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced environment, delivering high‑quality talent pipelines under tight deadlines.
• Adaptable, solutions‑oriented, and able to think on your feet with a pragmatic, can‑do approach.
• Committed to delivering an outstanding candidate and hiring manager experience from first engagement through to onboarding.

Core

Skills:

Hiring, Brand, Employee onboarding, Line management
Other

Skills:

Stakeholder Management
Seniority:
Lead