At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform talent acquisition for a major rail organisation.
- Company: Join DFTO, a dynamic and evolving organisation in the rail industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £110,000 plus benefits and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive employer that values diverse applications and promotes work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on recruitment strategies and enhance the railway's performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading recruitment in large, complex organisations is essential.
The predicted salary is between 110000 - 110000 £ per year.
An opportunity to transform talent acquisition across one of the most complex and important organisations in the rail industry. DFTO is looking for an exceptional Group Head of Talent Acquisition to lead and transform our approach to recruitment and strategic resourcing across the Group.
This is much more than a recruitment leadership role. DFTO is a growing and evolving organisation, working across a diverse group of publicly owned train operating companies. Our ability to attract, recruit and secure exceptional leadership, specialist skills and critical capability is fundamental to delivering a safe, reliable and high-performing railway.
Reporting directly to the Group HR Director and operating as a senior member of the HR leadership team, you will lead the development of a modern, high-performing and strategically aligned talent acquisition function across the DFTO Group. Working closely in partnership with the sister function in Network Rail, you will shape our Group-wide talent acquisition and strategic resourcing approach; lead executive, specialist and scarce-skills recruitment; modernise recruitment processes and technology; strengthen our employer brand and employee value proposition; and use data and insight to drive better recruitment decisions and outcomes.
A significant part of the role will be building greater capability, consistency and collaboration across a complex federated Group. You will work closely with our operating businesses, creating scalable approaches that improve quality of hire, candidate experience, diversity outcomes and recruitment performance, while recognising the different operational environments in which our businesses operate.
We are looking for a strategic talent acquisition leader who can think big — and deliver. You will bring significant experience of leading recruitment or strategic resourcing in a large, complex organisation. You will understand executive and specialist recruitment, innovative sourcing strategies, recruitment technology and analytics, and what it takes to build and lead a high-performing recruitment function.
You will be an influential and collaborative leader, comfortable working with senior executives and stakeholders across organisational boundaries. You will have the credibility to challenge established approaches, the judgement to navigate complexity and the energy to turn strategy into practical delivery. Experience of regulated, unionised or public sector environments would be valuable, alongside a strong understanding of inclusive recruitment and equitable selection practices.
This is a genuine opportunity to build and transform a critical Group capability and make a visible impact across DFTO and our operating businesses.
Vacancy Details:
- Duration: Fixed Term Contract/Secondment
- Location: London Waterloo/Birmingham/Leeds/Hybrid
- Salary: Circa £110,000 plus Benefits
- Closing date: 14th Aug 2026
- Reports To: Group HR Director
Additional Information
Disclaimer: Candidates applying for this position on a secondment basis must inform their line manager prior to submitting their application. This is to ensure transparency and facilitate any necessary discussions regarding workload and responsibilities.
About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.
Contact: If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact sara.mclaughlin@networkrail.co.uk
Group Head of Talent Acquisition (based in either London Waterloo, Birmingham or Leeds) employer: DfT Operator
The DfT Operator is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the rail sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme, team members are supported in achieving both personal and professional goals while contributing to the significant transition to Great British Railways. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an attractive opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Head of Talent Acquisition (based in either London Waterloo, Birmingham or Leeds)
✨Get Involved in Recruitment Events
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✨Engage in Online Recruitment Communities
Join communities on platforms like LinkedIn or niche forums where recruiters hang out. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and post your availability for temporary roles. You never know, a connection might refer you to a role at a place like DfT Operator before it even hits job boards!
✨Flex Your Availability and Skills
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We think you need these skills to ace Group Head of Talent Acquisition (based in either London Waterloo, Birmingham or Leeds)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Recruitment Skills:As someone applying for a talent acquisition role, it’s key to highlight your experience in finding and placing talent. Talk about specific methods you’ve used in past roles—whether it’s social media sourcing, networking, or using ATS systems. Show us how you’ve made a difference in previous projects!
Tailor Your CV for Talent Acquisition:When you're putting together your CV for a temporary role in recruiting, focus on your measurable achievements—like the number of positions filled or the reduction in time-to-hire. Use bullet points to make it easy for us to see your contributions at a glance, and don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications or training you've undergone!
Craft a Relatable Cover Letter:For a temporary role, your cover letter should not only explain why you want this job but also why you’re suited for short-term projects. Mention your adaptability and any past experiences where you quickly integrated into a team or got up to speed with new processes. Let us know how you can hit the ground running!
Highlight Immediate Availability:Since this is a temporary position, it’s essential to emphasise your availability in your application. Make it clear when you can start and how flexible you are with hours. Frame it as a positive—your ability to jump in and help us right when we need you will definitely make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at DfT Operator
✨Show Off Your People Skills
Since you're getting into talent acquisition, it's crucial to highlight your communication and interpersonal skills. Think of a few scenarios where you've successfully dealt with candidates, managed relationships, or resolved conflicts—these will give you a solid edge in the interview with DfT Operator.
✨Research the Latest Recruiting Tools
Stay ahead of the game by familiarising yourself with popular ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) and recruitment tools that are trending in the industry. Be ready to discuss how you might use these tools in your role at DfT Operator, even if it's just a temporary role—they’ll want to know you can hit the ground running.
✨Understand the Urgency
Temporary roles often mean quick turnarounds. Show that you understand the nuances of urgent hiring processes, perhaps by sharing experiences where you had to source candidates under tight deadlines. It demonstrates you know the ropes and can adapt fast, which will definitely impress DfT Operator.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Temp roles can be unpredictable, so emphasise your flexibility and willingness to take on varying workloads or adapt to different company cultures. Prepare a few anecdotes where you've thrived in a dynamic environment—DfT Operator will want to see that you can roll with the punches!
