At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead recruitment and retention for a high-volume frontline workforce, improving processes and candidate experience.
- Company: Established care provider in West London with a focus on people operations.
- Benefits: Performance-related bonus and competitive salary of £50,000–£60,000.
- Other info: Dynamic role with senior-level scope and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Take ownership of recruitment and make a real impact on people's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume recruitment and managing teams; social care background is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced recruitment or people leader looking for a role where you can genuinely take ownership of recruitment, retention and the wider people operation?
We're partnering with a confidential, established care provider in West London to appoint a Senior People / Recruitment & Retention Lead.
This is a hands‑on leadership position for someone who can take ownership, improve recruitment delivery and help build a stronger people operation across a high‑volume frontline workforce.
The Opportunity
You’ll take responsibility for recruitment, onboarding and retention, while managing and developing an existing recruiter.
The business is looking for someone who can bring structure, improve candidate quality and conversion, strengthen onboarding and have a tangible impact on early‑stage retention.
This isn’t a purely administrative HR or recruitment position.
You’ll have genuine ownership and work closely with senior leadership to identify and implement improvements across the people function.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead recruitment delivery across a high-volume frontline workforce.
- Manage, coach and develop an existing recruiter.
- Improve candidate quality, screening and recruitment conversion.
- Introduce greater structure and consistency to onboarding.
- Develop initiatives to improve early‑stage retention.
- Take ownership of the wider recruitment and people operation.
- Work closely with senior leadership on recruitment and people strategy.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, performance and candidate experience.
- Operate confidently within a fast‑paced, people‑led environment.
- The Ideal Candidate
We’re looking for someone with strong high‑volume recruitment, talent acquisition or people operations experience.
Social care or healthcare experience would be highly advantageous, but the business is open to transferable backgrounds where candidates have recruited and retained large frontline or dispersed workforces.
Relevant backgrounds could include
- Hospitality
- Retail
- Recruitment / Staffing
- Education
- Logistics
- Multi‑site services
- Talent Acquisition
- HR / Recruitment Operations
Most importantly, you’ll need to be someone who can lead rather than simply support recruitment, manage and develop others, work with senior stakeholders and take genuine ownership of improving recruitment and retention.
Requirements
- Proven experience in high-volume recruitment, talent acquisition or people operations.
- Experience managing, mentoring or developing recruitment/people team members.
- Strong understanding of candidate screening, recruitment conversion and onboarding.
- Experience working with frontline, high-volume or dispersed workforces.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Commercial and operational mindset with a focus on measurable improvement.
- Ability to work predominantly from an office, West London.
- Right to work in the UK – sponsorship is not available.
Package
- Performance‑related bonus
- Senior‑level scope and genuine ownership of the recruitment and people function
- Location
West London – predominantly office based with some local/community activity.
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Senior People / Recruitment & Retention Lead employer: Compass Associates
Compass Associates is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Aesthetic Nurse Prescribers to thrive in a prestigious private clinic located in the heart of Central London. With a focus on work-life balance through a 4-day week, competitive earnings, and a commitment to professional growth, employees can expect a supportive and dynamic work culture that values their contributions and fosters long-term career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior People / Recruitment & Retention Lead
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Compass Associates!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Compass Associates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior People / Recruitment & Retention Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Compass Associates. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Compass Associates and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Compass Associates. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Compass Associates's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Associates
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Compass Associates.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Compass Associates will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Compass Associates and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
