Talent Acquisition Specialist

£28,.5 hours per week

Based in Leicester (LE3 1UT
), with hybrid working available upon successful completion of probation. The role is expected to be office-based for a minimum of three days per week, with up to two days working from home.

At RAFAKidz, we are committed to providing exceptional childcare and early years education to children of RAF families across the UK. We are looking for a passionate and proactive Talent Acquisition Advisor to help us attract, engage and appoint outstanding people who share our commitment to giving children the very best start in life. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced recruitment professional to make a real difference within a purpose-driven organisation.

Working closely with Nursery Managers and operational leaders, you will lead recruitment activity across our nurseries and central support functions, ensuring we attract high-quality candidates while maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding and compliance.

RAFAKidz is a multi-award-winning nursery group located on, or close to, RAF and MOD stations throughout the UK. Our nurseries are designed to meet the childcare needs of both military and civilian families. Every day, we create experiences that are special, unique and child-focused. For every child who comes through our doors, regardless of their ability, background or circumstances, we provide opportunities that help them grow, build confidence and reach their full potential.

• Manage end-to-end recruitment processes across nursery and central support roles.
• Create engaging and effective job advertisements.
• Source candidates through job boards, social media, CV databases and community networks.
• Screen applications and conduct initial candidate interviews.
• Coordinate interviews and selection activities with hiring managers.
• Manage offer processes and pre-employment checks.

• Build strong relationships with Nursery Managers and operational leaders.
• Provide advice and guidance on recruitment strategies and market trends.
• Support managers with effective interviewing and values-based selection techniques.
• Act as a trusted recruitment partner across the organisation.

• Ensure all recruitment activity meets safeguarding and safer recruitment requirements.
• Manage DBS/PVG checks, references, right-to-work checks and qualification verification.
• Maintain accurate recruitment records and ensure compliance with organisational and statutory requirements.

• Deliver a positive and professional candidate journey.
• Promote RAFAKidz as an employer of choice within the Early Years sector.
• Support recruitment marketing campaigns and employer branding initiatives.
• Champion the organisation's values and commitment to children's wellbeing.

• Build talent pools for key and hard-to-fill vacancies.
• Develop relationships with colleges, training providers and community organisations.
• Support apprenticeship and entry-level recruitment initiatives.

• Monitor recruitment metrics including time-to-fill, candidate quality and recruitment effectiveness.
• Identify opportunities to improve recruitment processes and efficiencies.
• Support innovative recruitment and attraction initiatives.

You will be an organised and proactive recruitment professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys building strong relationships with stakeholders and candidates alike.

• Previous experience in an in‑house recruitment or talent acquisition role.
• Proven experience…