At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape innovative Talent Solutions, engaging with top-level clients to deliver impactful results.
- Company: Join Ford & Stanley, a leading executive search and talent advisory firm with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Remote work flexibility, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equal opportunities and sustainable growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in talent solutions while working with industry leaders and shaping the future.
- Qualifications: Strong HR advisory background and proven ability to deliver strategic solutions.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Candidate Opportunity Brief
Position: Head of Talent Solutions
Reporting to: The Board via Chief Operating Officer with a dotted line directly into Chairman of the Group.
About the Firm
Ford & Stanley Executive Search (Part of the Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group) is a leading executive search and talent advisory firm specialising in the following sectors:
- Rail & Transportation
- Civils & Construction
- Manufacturing & Supply Chain
- Technology & Cyber Security
- Logistics & Intermodal Freight
- Defence
Our search directors, search consultants and in‑house research team specialise in retained opportunities at the highest level of organisational leadership and management.
Key Deliverables within the First 12 Months
- Set the strategy, clearly establish and formalise the Talent Solutions offering, including scope, ownership, and positioning, with clear separation from traditional recruitment activity, identify the product suite apart from the Recruitment service.
- Successfully monetise the Talent Solutions Business, invoicing new or existing consultancy clients for pieces of work delivered by the Solutions Business.
- Create and lead a strategic campaign to elevate awareness of the Talent Solutions Business, clearly defining the offering and establishing a strong, consultancy‑led brand.
Essential Hard Skills (Skills & Experience)
- Strong background in HR advisory, people consulting, or talent solutions, with the ability to operate independently in client environments.
- Proven capability to take a client challenge from diagnosis through to solution design and tangible delivery, rather than offering strategic advice only.
- Understanding of areas such as IR35, strategic workforce planning, organisational design, employee relations, governance risk, and operating in regulated or complex organisational environments.
- Experience developed across multiple industries and business scales.
- Proven commercial acumen and project leadership, the ability to lead and deliver a transformation programme of work through a direct or Associate model (e.g., leading a TUPE process).
Essential Soft Skills (Attributes & Behaviours)
- Able to engage confidently at board and C‑suite level, quickly establishing trust and being viewed as a peer and strategic advisor rather than a supplier.
- Able to balance ambition with credibility and ensure solutions translate into measurable outcomes.
- Ability to inspire teams across business areas and integrate quickly.
- Pragmatic, commercially aware, and focused on delivery as well as strategic vision.
Working Arrangements & Location
This is a remote role primarily, whilst being on customers' sites or in the Consultancy's headquarters in the Midlands as required.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and shape the Talent Solutions proposition, owning the design, development, and evolution of the consultancy, ensuring clear differentiation from traditional recruitment services.
- Operate as a senior talent advisor to clients, engaging with HR Directors, MDs, and C‑suite stakeholders on Talent Solutions.
- Deliver commercially viable Talent Solutions, translating client needs into structured, outcome‑led solutions ensuring delivery drives measurable value and revenue.
- Deepen and expand client relationships, leveraging existing relationships to create broader, multi‑service partnerships distinct from the recruitment services.
- Own end‑to‑end solution delivery and oversee the design, execution, and evaluation of Talent Solutions engagements, ensuring quality, credibility, and client satisfaction.
- Build and manage delivery capability; coordinate internal teams and external specialist partners to deliver Talent Solutions effectively.
- Establish credibility and direction, acting as the internal authority on Talent Solutions, aligning stakeholders around scope, positioning, and go‑to‑market approach.
- Lay the foundations for sustainable growth of the Talent Solutions offering, identifying future opportunities, services, and routes to market.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an on‑going basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy.
Head Of Talent Solutions employer: Ford & Stanley Executive Search
Ford & Stanley Executive Search is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration in the talent solutions sector. With a commitment to employee growth and development, team members benefit from engaging with C-suite stakeholders and leading transformative projects across various industries. The remote working flexibility, combined with opportunities to connect at the Midlands headquarters, ensures a balanced and rewarding work environment for all employees.
Contact Details:
Ford & Stanley Executive Search Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Talent Solutions
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry leaders, attend events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Head of Talent Solutions role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create content or share insights on platforms like LinkedIn to position yourself as a thought leader in talent solutions. This will help you stand out when potential employers are looking for someone with your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like HR advisory and strategic workforce planning.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you an edge over other candidates. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Talent Solutions
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Talent Solutions role. Highlight your relevant experience in HR advisory and talent solutions, and show us how you can bring value to our team.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your impact! Use specific examples of how you've successfully delivered talent solutions or led transformation programmes in previous roles.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can engage confidently at board level, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for talent solutions and consultancy.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ford & Stanley Executive Search
✨Know Your Talent Solutions Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the Talent Solutions offering. Understand how it differentiates from traditional recruitment services and be ready to discuss your vision for its evolution. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but are genuinely invested in its success.
✨Engage with Real-World Examples
Prepare to share concrete examples from your past experiences where you've successfully diagnosed client challenges and delivered tangible solutions. Highlight your ability to operate independently in complex environments, as this will resonate well with the board-level stakeholders you'll be engaging with.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss how you've monetised talent solutions in previous roles. Bring up specific strategies you've implemented that led to measurable outcomes and revenue growth. This will demonstrate your understanding of the business side of talent solutions, which is crucial for this position.
✨Build Rapport with Board-Level Stakeholders
Practice establishing trust and credibility quickly, as you'll be interacting with HR Directors and C-suite executives. Use your soft skills to engage confidently, balancing ambition with a pragmatic approach. This will help you position yourself as a strategic advisor rather than just another supplier.
