Talent Acquisition Specialist – Hybrid (Care Recruitment)

Department: People Services - Talent Acquisition

Reporting to: Talent Acquisition Manager

Location: Tuctaway, Oaktree Drive, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 2DN – Hybrid Working (Minimum 3 days in service and 2 days home based, subject to business needs)

Organisation: Optimo Care Group is a specialist provider of high quality care and support services across the UK, working with individuals with moderate to complex needs to help them live fulfilling and independent lives. We are committed to delivering person centred care through a highly trained and compassionate workforce, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality and compliance.

As a growing organisation, we offer excellent opportunities for career development, continuous learning through our Optimo Learning Academy, and a supportive environment where our people can thrive and make a meaningful difference every day. Optimo Care Group currently operates across 16 branches, delivering services ranging from domiciliary care to specialist supported living services. With over 1,200 employees across the organisation, we continue to grow and expand our services, creating exciting opportunities for career development and progression.

About the Role: As a key member of the Talent Acquisition team, you will play a vital role in shaping an exceptional recruitment experience for both candidates and hiring managers across Optimo Care Group. You will manage the end-to-end recruitment process across your assigned region, ensuring vacancies are filled efficiently with high quality candidates who align with Optimo’s values and culture. Working closely with Branch Managers, Operations teams, and the wider People Services function, you will support workforce planning, identify the most effective attraction methods, and proactively build talent pipelines. This is a fast-paced and people-focused role that combines hands-on recruitment delivery with continuous improvement and relationship building.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the full recruitment lifecycle including advertising, screening, shortlisting, interview coordination, offers, and onboarding.
• Work collaboratively with Operations Managers to understand recruitment priorities and workforce planning requirements.
• Create engaging and inclusive job adverts that reflect Optimo Care Group’s values and employer brand.
• Drive direct sourcing activity through job boards, referrals, social media, and local networking opportunities.
• Maintain accurate candidate and recruitment records using the ATS and associated systems.
• Support hiring managers with recruitment best practice and ATS guidance.
• Build relationships with colleges, universities, and community groups to attract new talent.
• Deliver an excellent candidate experience through professional and timely communication.
• Monitor recruitment activity and identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Support recruitment activity for non-care roles where required.

About You: We are looking for an organised, proactive, and enthusiastic recruitment professional with experience working in a fast-paced environment. You will be confident managing multiple vacancies simultaneously and building strong relationships with stakeholders across the business. You will thrive in a collaborative and dynamic setting, demonstrate excellent communication skills, and be passionate about delivering an outstanding candidate experience. Experience within the care or healthcare sector would be highly beneficial.

Essential Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience within a recruitment or talent acquisition role.
• Experience managing high-volume recruitment activity.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and Google packages.
• Ability to work independently and prioritise workload effectively.
• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent).

Desirable:

• Experience working within the social care sector.
• Experience delivering recruitment events.
• Knowledge of recruitment compliance and onboarding processes.
• Experience supporting recruitment across multiple locations or regions.

Skills:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong planning and organisational abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
• Problem-solving and decision-making capability.
• High attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Customer focused approach.
• Ability to build strong working relationships across teams.

Why Join Optimo Care Group?

• Fixed Working Pattern – 40 hours across 5 days per week (9am–5pm).
• Hybrid Working – Minimum 3 days in service and 2 days home based, subject to business needs.
• Comprehensive Training – Access to the Optimo Learning Academy for ongoing development and support.
• Career Progression – Opportunities within our growing organisation.
• Supportive Team Environment – Join a friendly and collaborative team.
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 professional support via Health Assured.
• Reward Gateway – Access to retail discounts and recognition benefits.
• £500 Refer a Friend Scheme.
• Paid Birthday Leave – An additional paid day off each year.

Additional Information: This role is based at Tuctaway, Oaktree Drive, Clacton-on-Sea, with hybrid working arrangements. Travel within the region may occasionally be required. A DBS check may be required as part of the recruitment process. Working arrangements may vary depending on the needs of the business.