At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead talent and development strategies to shape a thriving workforce.
- Company: Join Clarion Housing Group, a forward-thinking organisation focused on learning and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and flexible hybrid working options.
- Other info: Exciting career growth potential in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing talent and creating opportunities for others.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading talent and learning functions with a strategic mindset.
The predicted salary is between 129808 - 129808 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid with flexible base location
London: £103,847 to £129,808 per annum plus £5k car allowance
National: £91,696 to £114,620 per annum plus £5k car allowance
Hours: 36 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
It's an exciting time to join Clarion Housing Group as we deliver our new People Strategy and continue our ambition to become a sector-leading, learning-led organisation. We're looking for an inspiring and strategic Head of Talent & Development to lead our Learning & Development, Talent, Early Careers and ED&I functions. You'll play a pivotal role in shaping how we attract, develop and grow talent, building the skills and leadership capability needed to deliver our ambitions and support our colleagues to thrive.
Reporting to the Director of People, you'll shape and deliver an integrated approach to learning, talent and workforce capability. From leadership development and succession planning to early careers and skills-based workforce development, you'll help create clear pathways for growth and ensure equitable access to opportunities across the organisation.
What you'll be doing:
- Developing and delivering talent and development strategies aligned to organisational priorities and future workforce needs.
- Leading the development of inclusive and equitable organisational learning frameworks across leadership, technical and professional capability, as well as shaping early careers programmes, including apprenticeships and graduate pathways.
- Driving a skills-based approach to talent management, workforce capability and internal mobility.
- Championing equitable access to development opportunities and embedding inclusive practices across talent and learning activities.
- Building strong partnerships with external providers and industry bodies to bring innovation and best practice into Clarion.
About you:
You'll bring significant experience of leading talent, learning, workforce capability and/or ED&I functions within a complex organisation, together with a strong track record of developing organisational capability and delivering strategic people initiatives. You'll have expertise in leadership development, talent management, succession planning and workforce capability, alongside the ability to influence senior stakeholders, lead high-performing teams and translate strategic ambition into practical, measurable outcomes.
If you're a CIPD Chartered Member who combines strategic thinking with delivery excellence and a passion for developing people, building capability and creating opportunities for others to thrive, we'd love to hear from you.
Please review the full role profile and Behaviours & Mandatory Accountabilities on our website before applying. Salaries are just the starting point. Here at Clarion we're dedicated to rewarding hard work and commitment, and providing benefits that support you and your lifestyle.
Closing Date: Sunday 28th June 2026 at midnight. Interviews will be held in London on 15 and 16 July 2026. This is a hybrid role with a base location at the nearest office to your home address. Candidates will be expected to travel to our Head Office in London on a regular basis. You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy; Clarion are not able to offer visa sponsorship. You are required to reside in England or Wales for the duration of your employment. This vacancy may close without notice.
Head of Talent & Development employer: Clarion Housing
Clarion Housing Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development through its innovative People Strategy. With a strong commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to opportunities, employees can thrive in a supportive work culture that values strategic thinking and collaboration. The hybrid working model offers flexibility, while competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits ensure that your hard work is recognised and rewarded.
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 Clarion Housing, 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 Clarion Housing!
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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 Clarion Housing 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 Clarion Housing, 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 Clarion Housing
✨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 Clarion Housing 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!
