At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead talent acquisition and development strategies to build a thriving workforce.
- Company: Join CarSupermarket.com, part of Aramis Group, a leader in online car sales.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team influencing workforce strategy and making a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of talent at a fast-growing company with ambitious goals.
- Qualifications: Experience leading a talent function and a passion for developing internal talent.
We've never had a Head of Talent & Development before. That's not a gap - it's your opportunity. CarSupermarket.com is part of Aramis Group, Europe's leader in B2C online refurbished car sales, €2 billion turnover, and genuinely ambitious about becoming the UK's number one. We're growing fast, investing seriously in our people, and ready to build a talent function that matches our ambition.
What you'll be leading:
- Finding great people
- Owning talent acquisition end-to-end - strategy, direct sourcing, employer brand
- Reducing agency reliance by building real internal capability
- Ensuring every candidate - hired or not - leaves with a great impression of CSM
- Growing the people we have
- Mapping internal talent and identifying who's ready to grow, and into what
- Building succession plans for critical roles so we're never exposed
- Creating career pathways that give people a reason to stay and a route to progress
- Partnering with leaders on learning and development that's targeted, not ticked off
This isn't a coordination role. You'll be operating at leadership level shaping workforce strategy, influencing the SLT, and making decisions that affect how hundreds of people experience working at CSM.
You'd be a strong fit if:
- You've led a talent function, not just worked within one
- You're as focused on developing internal talent as you are on external hiring
- You think commercially, connecting people decisions to business outcomes
- You're energised by building, not maintaining
- You understand Lean thinking or are genuinely curious about it
This probably isn't for you if:
- You prefer a well-defined process to follow rather than one to create
- You're looking for a purely operational role without strategic responsibility
- You find it difficult to influence without authority
What success looks like at 12 months:
- Leaders trust the talent function and see it as a genuine business partner
- Our best internal people are visible, developed, and progressing
- Critical roles have succession plans behind them
- Agency spend and time-to-hire are measurably reduced
- CarSupermarket.com has a reputation as a place to build a career
The details:
- Based in Hull — with genuine flexibility on hybrid working
- Reporting to the Business Support Director
- CIPD qualified or equivalent — we value experience and results above credentials
Interested? Send your CV and a short note on:
- A talent initiative you built from scratch and what it delivered
- How you've developed or retained someone who made a real difference to the business
CarSupermarket.com | Part of Aramis Group | Building careers worth staying for
Head of Talent & Development employer: CarSupermarket.com
CarSupermarket.com is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of talent and development within a rapidly growing company. With a strong focus on employee growth, a commitment to building internal capabilities, and a culture that values innovation and strategic thinking, you'll find a rewarding environment where your contributions directly impact the success of the business. Located in Hull, the company provides genuine flexibility with hybrid working options, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and fulfilling careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Talent & Development
✨Dive into the Talent Acquisition Community
Get involved with communities specifically aimed at talent acquisition and recruitment. Follow popular forums, like the HR and recruitment threads on LinkedIn Groups or join Talent Acquisition Meetups in your area. Networking with fellow recruiters and industry experts can lead to hidden job opportunities and insider tips!
✨Show Off Your Expertise at Recruitment Events
Attend recruitment fairs and industry conferences where companies, including CarSupermarket.com, often showcase their hiring needs. Not only can you meet potential employers face-to-face, but you can also demonstrate your passion and knowledge about the field. Make sure you've got some thoughtful questions ready to impress!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still connected to your university, tap into their career services. Many universities have exclusive job boards and connections with companies eager to hire fresh talent in recruitment roles. Plus, you never know who might be able to put in a good word for you at places like CarSupermarket.com!
✨Tailor Your Digital Footprint
Make sure your online presence reflects your passion for talent acquisition. Share articles, join discussions, and post about trends in recruiting to establish yourself as a knowledgeable candidate. Recruiters often check candidates out online, so use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your insights and enthusiasm for discovering the right talent!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Talent & Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Passion for Talent Acquisition:In your cover letter, let your passion for recruiting shine through! Talk about what drew you to talent acquisition. Share experiences where you helped others find their dream jobs or any times you've been involved in hiring processes – it’ll show us at CarSupermarket.com that you're genuinely invested in the field.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Certifications:Make sure your CV includes any relevant skills or certifications related to recruiting. Mentioning your knowledge of applicant tracking systems, personality assessments, or even any HR-related qualifications can set you apart. This way, we can see straight away that you're not just any candidate but one with the necessary tools for talent acquisition.
Tailor Your CV for the Job:When applying for Head of Talent & Development at CarSupermarket.com, tailor your CV to reflect the job description. Highlight previous experiences in recruitment, candidate sourcing, or employee engagement that align with what we’re after. Personalisation shows we’re not just another checkbox on your job applications!
Bring Your Unique Perspective:In your cover letter, don't hesitate to share your unique perspective on what makes a good recruiter. Whether it's building strong candidate relationships or your approach to diversity in hiring, your insights can resonate well with our team. We love a fresh take, so let it shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at CarSupermarket.com
✨Know Your Sourcing Strategies
In the talent acquisition world, it’s all about knowing the best sourcing strategies. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques you’ve used to find and attract top talent, whether that’s through social media, networking events, or innovative outreach methods. Bring examples that showcase your capability!
✨Value of Employer Branding
Employer branding is a huge part of recruitment, so be ready to chat about how you’ve contributed to building an attractive company image. Think about how you’d pitch CarSupermarket.com to potential candidates and maintain a consistent brand image across platforms.
✨Demonstrate Your Interviewing Skills
Since this is a full-time gig, hiring managers will want to see your interviewing prowess. Prepare for mock interview scenarios where you might need to assess candidates' cultural fit and skill set. Practise asking competency-based questions to demonstrate your systematic approach.
✨Engage with Data and Metrics
Being data-driven is key in talent acquisition! Expect to discuss how you’ve used recruiting metrics to refine your strategies. Familiarise yourself with common KPIs, like time-to-fill and candidate satisfaction scores, and be ready to back up your insights with data!
