Head of Talent

Job details

Posted Thursday 07 May 2026
Location Midlands
Job type Permanent
Reference 1883
Recruiter Name Briony Jenkins

We are excited to be working with a leading law firm on a newly created Head of Talent opportunity.

This is a senior, commercially important appointment within a growing professional services environment where talent acquisition is a key driver of business performance. The role will lead and evolve a high-performing talent function, partnering with senior leadership to shape hiring strategy, strengthen capability and support long-term growth.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and delivery of a proactive talent acquisition strategy aligned to business growth objectives
  • Build and execute direct sourcing capability, reducing reliance on external agencies through market mapping, talent pipelining and targeted engagement
  • Partner closely with senior leadership to shape workforce planning, identifying future capability needs, succession risks and hiring priorities
  • Act as a visible ambassador in the external market, building credibility and networks to attract high-performing talent
  • Deliver a high-quality, consistent candidate experience from initial engagement through to onboarding
  • Use data, market intelligence and insight to inform hiring decisions and improve recruitment outcomes
  • Develop and enhance employer brand positioning, increasing visibility across relevant talent markets
  • Lead and develop the talent function, ensuring a commercially focused, high-performing team
  • Identify opportunities to broaden the remit, including areas such as talent intelligence, workforce data and wider people initiatives

 

Person Specification

  • Demonstrable experience in strategic recruitment, talent acquisition or executive search within professional services or comparable environments
  • Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to align hiring strategy to business performance and growth priorities
  • Track record of building and delivering direct sourcing strategies that improve quality of hire and reduce agency dependence
  • Credibility and confidence to influence senior stakeholders and operate at leadership level
  • Well-developed external network and ability to engage high-performing candidates in competitive markets
  • Data-led approach, with experience using insight and analytics to drive decision-making and continuous improvement
  • Strong understanding of workforce planning principles and talent market dynamics
  • Experience developing or contributing to employer brand and attraction strategies
  • Pragmatic, hands-on approach, suited to a growing environment requiring both strategic input and delivery

 

Equal Opportunities

As a responsible business, it is important that we represent the diversity of our people, our clients and our communities. We believe that the firms that thrive are those with the most diverse team; that's why we work so hard to source the best talent from the broadest pool possible. As an equal opportunities employer we strive to accommodate anyone who may have specific needs. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the selection process, please talk to a member of the recruitment team so that any required adjustments can be made in advance.