Talent Manager

People & Talent Manager About Specialist Group

Specialist Group is a leading provider of bespoke joinery, fit-out, glass, metal and specialist interior solutions, delivering complex projects for clients across the UK, Ireland and internationally.

As the Group continues to grow and develop, we are seeking to appoint a People & Talent Manager who will take ownership of the people function and help ensure we have the people, capability, culture and processes required to support the next stage of our growth.

This is a broad, influential and highly visible role within the business. Working closely with the Board, Directors, department heads and managers across the Group, the People & Talent Manager will lead our approach to attracting, developing, engaging and retaining great people.

This is a standalone role, supported by external specialist partners where appropriate, and offers significant scope to shape how the people function develops as the organisation grows.

The People & Talent Manager will have responsibility for the effective delivery and continued development of the people function across Specialist Group.

The role encompasses the complete employee lifecycle, including workforce planning, recruitment and resourcing, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, learning and development, early careers, employee engagement, succession planning and people reporting.

A major focus will be developing the structures, processes and management capability that allow Specialist Group to continue scaling while maintaining a positive, high-performance culture.

The People & Talent Manager will also play an important role in developing future talent pipelines through our THRIVE Apprenticeship Programme, Higher Level Apprenticeship pathways, STRIVE schools programme and partnerships with schools, colleges and universities.

• Act as the key point of contact for employees, managers and Directors across all people-related matters, providing practical, commercially focused HR advice and guidance.
• Coach, develop and support managers in effectively managing their people, building greater management capability and ownership across the business.
• Provide guidance and support across employee relations matters including absence management, return-to-work processes, probation, grievances, investigations, disciplinary processes and performance improvement.
• Ensure employees receive a positive and consistent employee experience throughout their employment with Specialist Group.
• Maintain appropriate HR policies, processes and documentation, ensuring the business continues to operate in line with current employment legislation and good practice.

• Work with department heads, Finance and the Board to develop and maintain an annual workforce and resource plan aligned with the Group’s growth strategy and operational requirements.
• Oversee the full recruitment lifecycle across the Group, including advertising, sourcing, shortlisting, interviewing, selection, offers and onboarding.
• Ensure recruitment activity is delivered effectively and within agreed budgets while providing an excellent candidate experience.
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders and selected recruitment partners to ensure Specialist Group can access the skills and talent required by the business.
• Manage and coordinate international recruitment where local skills shortages exist, maintaining awareness of relevant immigration, visa and compliance requirements.
• Manage relationships with international recruitment partners and coordinate the internal selection, documentation and mobilisation process.
• Work closely with Finance and other stakeholders regarding visa costs, travel arrangements, accommodation and arrival dates for international employees.

• Develop a strong and sustainable pipeline of future talent through schools, Further Education colleges, universities and other educational partners.
• Continue to develop Specialist Group’s relationships with its network of primary and secondary schools through factory visits,…