Head of Recruitment in Basingstoke

Join Grandir UK at an exciting time of growth as we continue to invest in our most valuable asset – our people. This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead a high-impact recruitment function within a purpose-driven organisation, where quality, safety, and care sit at the heart of everything we do. As Head of Recruitment, you will play a critical role in enabling the success and sustainability of the business. In a highly regulated environment, attracting and retaining high-quality talent is essential to delivering outstanding childcare.

You will lead a forward-thinking, data-driven recruitment function that is agile, commercially focused, and aligned to our long‑term growth ambitions. You will work closely with senior stakeholders across HR, Operations, and Marketing to build a scalable, innovative recruitment strategy, ensuring we continue to attract, engage, and retain the very best talent across our nurseries and support functions.

Role Purpose

The Head of Recruitment is accountable for leading a future‑ready, data‑led recruitment and resourcing function, delivering an exceptional, efficient, and commercially effective service. This includes optimising workforce deployment, evolving hybrid staffing models, and developing strategies to meet both current and future business needs. You will leverage technology, market intelligence, and data insights to drive continuous improvement, reduce cost pressures, and maximise return on investment across all attraction channels. A key part of the role is establishing and managing a robust Preferred Supplier List (PSL) to ensure quality, consistency, and commercial value.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement forward‑looking recruitment strategies aligned to business objectives
• Build and maintain a strong, sustainable pipeline of talent across nurseries and support functions
• Lead, develop, and inspire a high‑performing recruitment team
• Own and optimise recruitment systems, processes, and technology
• Use data and analytics to drive decision‑making, performance, and continuous improvement
• Partner with the Head of HR to ensure competitive pay, benefits, and market positioning
• Work in partnership with Marketing to deliver a targeted, insight‑led attraction strategy
• Drive initiatives to promote Early Years careers, including apprenticeships and alternative entry routes
• Shape a strategic workforce planning approach aligned to operational demand
• Establish and manage a Preferred Supplier List (PSL)
• Reduce agency reliance through improved direct attraction and pipeline strategies
• Ensure effective integration of new and acquired nurseries into recruitment processes
• Own and maximise the capability of the ATS and recruitment technologies
• Define, track, and report on KPIs to ensure transparency and accountability

Person Specification

• Strong decision‑making and problem‑solving capability, driven by data and insight
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills
• Results‑driven with a strong focus on performance and ROI
• Proven experience using recruitment data and analytics to drive strategy
• Strong knowledge of ATS platforms, HR systems, and recruitment technologies
• Ability to develop scalable strategic solutions while maintaining operational delivery
• Proven experience leading and developing high‑performing teams
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills with external partners
• In‑depth knowledge of recruitment legislation, compliance, and best practice
• Ability to operate effectively within a business partnering model
• Demonstrates leadership courage and accountability
• Strategic and forward‑thinking, with the ability to translate vision into execution
• Detail‑oriented while able to operate at pace and scale
• Calm, resilient, and effective under pressure
• Proactive, innovative, and solutions‑focused
• Commercially aware, with a focus on maximising value and impact
• Adaptable and open to continuous improvement

Core Benefits

• 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays), with 3 days allocated during the Christmas shutdown period
• Christmas and New Year shutdown
• Flexible working options available
• £500 refer a friend bonus
• Company pension scheme with employer contributions
• Statutory Sick Pay from day 1
• Life assurance
• Certified Great Place to Work, as voted by our colleagues

Enhanced Family and Wellbeing Benefits

• Maternity and adoption leave paid at 100% for the first 12 weeks
• Paternity leave paid at 100% for 4 weeks
• Parental bereavement leave – up to 4 weeks paid
• Compassionate leave – up to 2 weeks paid
• Miscarriage leave – up to 2 weeks paid
• Wellbeing Day – an extra day off just for you
• The Grand Event – up to an additional week of annual leave to attend a significant life event after 2 years’ service

Even More Benefits

• Employee benefits portal with hundreds of retail discounts, including ASOS, gym memberships, cinema, M&S and major supermarkets
• 24‑hour remote GP appointments
• Medical cashback for dental treatment, physiotherapy and alternative therapies
• Recognition, rewards and team celebrations throughout the year, with May dedicated to celebrating our teams
• Tailored in‑house training and genuine progression opportunities
• Strong sustainability focus, including Carbon Literacy trained teams and Eco Schools accreditation

Safeguarding and Compliance

Grandir UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An enhanced DBS check is required for this role and will be carried out by our approved third‑party provider.

Equal Opportunities and Recruitment Process

We are an equal opportunity employer and recruit based on merit. To support our recruitment process, we may use AI‑assisted tools for tasks such as application screening and reference checks. These tools help us manage applications efficiently, and all hiring decisions are made by our team.