Head of Talent Acquisition in London

Head of Talent Acquisition in London

London Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
G

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and inspire a dynamic Talent Acquisition team to drive innovative recruitment strategies.
  • Company: Join Global University Systems, a leader in higher education with a people-first culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a lasting impact on recruitment while shaping the future of talent acquisition.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in leading TA teams and expertise in high-volume recruitment.
  • Other info: Be part of a forward-thinking environment that values innovation and inclusivity.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Join to apply for the Head of Talent Acquisition role at Global University Systems.

Location: London (Hybrid – 3 days in office/on campus)

Reporting to: Head of Global Talent

Are you a charismatic, people-first leader who thrives on building high-performing teams and shaping exceptional recruitment strategies? Do you have a passion for innovation and the ability to turn Talent Acquisition into a true business driver? If so, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

About the Role:

As Head of Talent Acquisition, you'll own the end-to-end recruitment strategy for our College Division brands (London College of Contemporary Arts, London College of Contemporary Music, The Language Gallery etc) & FutureLearn, leading a talented team (6) and partnering with senior leadership to deliver best-in-class hiring outcomes. This is a highly commercial role where you'll balance strategic vision with hands-on delivery, ensuring we meet high-volume hiring peaks while building proactive talent pipelines for future growth.

What You'll Do:

  • Lead & Inspire: Transform our TA team into a proactive, high-impact function with a stellar internal reputation.
  • Drive Innovation: Champion the implementation and full adoption of our new ATS TeamTailor, using it as a change agent to revolutionize how we work, measure success, and tackle bottlenecks.
  • Strategic Impact: Design and deliver recruitment strategies for high-volume hiring cycles around student intake, embedding workforce planning, succession strategies, and talent pooling.
  • Partner at the Top: Act as the go-to TA expert for senior leadership, providing insights, challenging blockers, and driving best-in-class innovative practices.
  • Shape Our Brand: Collaborate on EVP and employer branding initiatives to attract diverse, top-tier talent and elevate the candidate experience.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Use analytics and insights to optimize processes, identify challenges, and deliver measurable improvements.
  • Set the Standard: Establish clear SLAs and KPIs that streamline workflows, elevate team performance, and showcase our impact across the business.
  • Elevate Hiring Excellence: Upskill hiring managers through dynamic training, bite-sized content, and practical tools, enhancing candidate experience, ensuring fair assessment, and embedding a culture that champions our EVP and brand.

What We're Looking For:

  • A natural team nurturer and leader with proven experience turning TA teams into high-performing, commercially aligned powerhouses.
  • Expertise in ATS implementation and adoption (TeamTailor experience is a big plus).
  • Strong background in high-volume recruitment environments, with proven proactive methodologies like talent pooling and succession planning.
  • Data-driven mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills and a commitment to inclusive hiring practices.
  • A sharp commercial mindset with a track record of reducing agency spend, accelerating time-to-hire, and enabling hiring managers to focus on their core roles.
  • Curiosity and a forward-thinking approach to human-centric AI tools and innovative processes that advance TA functions aligned with evolving business needs.

Seniority level: Mid‐Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Human Resources

Industries: Higher Education

Head of Talent Acquisition in London employer: Global University Systems

Global University Systems is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront. Located in London, this hybrid role offers the unique opportunity to lead a talented team in shaping recruitment strategies for prestigious college brands, while benefiting from professional growth opportunities and a commitment to employee development. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the higher education sector and elevate our talent acquisition practices to new heights.
G

Contact Detail:

Global University Systems Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Talent Acquisition in London

Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

Ace the Interview

Prepare for your interviews by researching the company and practising common questions. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers – it helps you showcase your skills and experiences effectively. Remember, confidence is key!

Show Your Passion

When you’re chatting with potential employers, let your enthusiasm shine through! Talk about why you’re excited about the role and how you can contribute to their team. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in making an impact.

Follow Up

After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you email! It’s a great way to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Talent Acquisition in London

Leadership Skills
Talent Acquisition Strategy
High-Volume Recruitment
ATS Implementation (TeamTailor)
Data-Driven Decision Making
Stakeholder Engagement
Employer Branding
Continuous Improvement
Succession Planning
Talent Pooling
Analytical Skills
Commercial Mindset
Training and Development
Innovative Thinking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Talent Acquisition role. Highlight your leadership experience and any innovative recruitment strategies you've implemented in the past.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your passion for talent acquisition and how you can transform our TA team. Be sure to mention specific examples of how you've driven innovation in previous roles.

Showcase Data-Driven Success: Since this role is all about making data-driven decisions, include metrics or outcomes from your past experiences. Whether it's reducing time-to-hire or improving candidate satisfaction, numbers speak volumes!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get you into our system quickly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Global University Systems

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into Global University Systems and their recruitment strategies. Familiarise yourself with their brands and understand their unique challenges in talent acquisition. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a Head of Talent Acquisition, you'll need to inspire and lead a team. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've transformed teams in the past. Highlight your people-first approach and how you've driven innovation in previous roles.

Bring Data to the Table

Prepare to discuss how you've used data to drive recruitment success. Whether it's optimising processes or improving candidate experiences, having concrete examples will demonstrate your data-driven mindset and commitment to continuous improvement.

Engage with Stakeholders

Since this role involves partnering with senior leadership, think about how you've successfully engaged stakeholders in the past. Be prepared to discuss your strategies for overcoming challenges and driving best practices in talent acquisition.

Head of Talent Acquisition in London
Global University Systems
Location: London

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

G
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>