Senior Talent Partner in Manchester

We’re part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). We’re looking for a Senior Talent Partner (SEO) to lead direct sourcing and search-style hiring for some of DSIT’s most critical SCS and digital roles. These are some of the most impactful technical hiring jobs in the UK right now. You’ll be a key part of the hiring engine that brings world‑class technologists into government to deliver national priority programmes: from public sector AI adoption and digital identity to cyber resilience, critical infrastructure, and the platforms millions rely on every day.

DSIT has huge ambitions, and our tech teams are growing fast. We’re hiring at pace across scarce and competitive markets and we want you to help us challenge what “good” looks like in government recruitment. We're shifting our hiring approach to look more like high-performing tech organisations: proactive sourcing, clear decision making, ‘high‑bar’, and a brilliant candidate experience.

This role is for people who love the challenge of finding talent in competitive markets, are a natural at building lasting relationships, and pride themselves in delivering an exceptional experience for their candidates. You’ll be part of our core Digital Talent team working closely with hiring managers to fill roles that really matter. This is a rare chance to shape how the UK government hires its most important technical talent for the next decade.

The Government Digital Service (GDS) is part of DSIT and is at the centre of digital government. We are responsible for setting, leading and delivering the vision for a modern digital government. We are home to the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence (I.AI), the world‑leading GOV.UK and at the forefront of coordinating the UK’s geospatial strategy and activity. We lead the Government Digital and Data function and champion the work of digital teams across government. DSIT is where talent translates into impact. From your first day, you’ll be working with some of the world’s most highly-skilled digital professionals, all contributing their knowledge to make change on a national scale. Join us for rewarding work that makes a difference across the UK. You'll solve some of the nation’s highest-priority digital challenges, helping millions of people access services they need.

As a Senior Talent Partner, you’ll:

• own search-style hiring from start to finish for priority Senior Civil Service & technical roles: build pipelines, map markets, approach candidates directly, take them successfully through the process
• partner with senior leaders: shape roles, challenge assumptions, and agree a realistic hiring plan
• use your expertise and market knowledge to help us find the best talent for the role
• run a candidate process you’d be proud of with crisp comms, strong relationships, respectful pace
• hold the hiring bar: help panels make consistent, evidence-based decisions
• close challenge hirings by developing an offer strategy that takes into consideration counteroffers, decision cadence, and stakeholder alignment
• manage a small recruitment pod (1x HEO, 1x EO) responsible for all recruitment logistics and operations

Person specification

We’re interested in people who have:

• experience with sourcing / search (in-house or agency) for senior appointments (c‑suite, directors, heads of), and, or, scarce technical roles (tech, AI, data, cyber, product)
• a ‘candidate first’ mindset. You have experience of facilitating great candidate journeys
• love communicating with different types of people (including influencing senior stakeholders)
• a collaborative and open mindset. You’ll be part of a busy but supportive team where everyone chips in
• the ability to thrive in fast‑paced, slightly messy environments. We like people who can figure things out on the fly!
• knowledge of the UK tech market, especially Manchester
• experience managing recruitment professionals with an operational focus