At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead recruitment efforts to find top talent for Virgin Active's clubs and support teams.
- Company: Join Virgin Active, a leader in wellness and leisure experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, complimentary gym membership, and health insurance.
- Other info: Access discounts across Virgin Group and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that transforms lives through wellness and community.
- Qualifications: Experience in talent acquisition and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Virgin Active are committed to changing people’s lives for the better through wellness. Our team are dedicated to delivering a unique leisure and relaxation experience throughout all our clubs. All our team members pride themselves on incorporating Virgin Active values and ensuring the highest Brand Standards into their work, so our members can experience the finest facilities and service.
We take value in recruiting the very best team members who work behind the scenes to support our clubs in delivering a world-class member experience. We are now looking for a Talent Acquisition Specialist to join our HR Team, supporting recruitment across Support Office and Club-based teams. It’s a truly exciting time to be joining Virgin Active. As we continue to evolve into a social wellness brand, our people are at the heart of everything we do. This role plays a key part in attracting the talent that brings our clubs to life and supports our business from behind the scenes — ensuring we hire people who embody our values and elevate both member and team experience.
The Talent Acquisition Specialist is responsible for delivering a high-quality in-house recruitment experience across Support Office functions and Club teams. You will partner closely with hiring managers to recruit directly, build talent pipelines, and ensure every candidate journey reflects Virgin Active’s culture, energy, and commitment to wellbeing.
The Role
- Deliver end-to-end direct recruitment for both Support Office teams and Club-based roles
- Act as a trusted recruitment partner to hiring managers, providing advice on attraction strategy, role design, and selection
- Manage vacancies from brief through to offer, ensuring a seamless and engaging candidate experience
- Proactively source and engage candidates using direct sourcing techniques, networks, and talent pools
- Build and maintain partnerships with colleges, training providers and early-careers organisations, and represent Virgin Active at careers fairs and recruitment events to support future talent pipelines
- Champion Virgin Active’s employer brand across careers platforms, social media, and candidate touchpoints
- Support recruitment campaigns and initiatives in partnership with Marketing
- Build and maintain strong talent pipelines to support current and future hiring needs across clubs and support teams
- Use recruitment data and insights to track performance, identify trends, and continuously improve outcomes
- Ensure ATS systems and recruitment data are accurate, compliant, and up to date
- Collaborate closely with TA colleagues to share best practice and support wider people initiatives
Experience
- Experience in an in-house talent acquisition or internal recruitment role
- Exposure to recruiting across both head office/support functions and operational or multi-site environments
- Strong stakeholder management skills with a consultative, partnership-led approach
- Confidence in direct sourcing and proactive candidate engagement
- A passion for delivering an excellent candidate and hiring manager experience
- Experience working in a multi-site or matrix organisation (nice to have)
- Familiarity with multiple ATS platforms
- Strong organisation, prioritisation, and communication skills
Our Perks
- 25 days (excluding bank holidays) annual leave, plus a Celebration Day – and we want you to take them
- Access to The Peoples Pension, with our contributions at 3%
- Complimentary Virgin Active membership for you and a buddy. You can also get free membership for your children too
- Private Dental and Healthcare Insurance
- Life Assurance 4x your salary
- Discounts across Virgin Active
- 20% off food and drink at our KAUAI branches located in clubs
- Access to Salary Finance
- BUPA employer assistance programme with 4 free counselling sessions
- Complimentary corporate letting services with Dexters
- Access to ePoints for online discounts
- Discount on all Academy courses
Talent Acquisition Specialist employer: Virgin Active
Virgin Active is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing lives through wellness, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. As a Talent Acquisition Specialist, you will enjoy generous benefits including complimentary gym membership, private healthcare, and access to professional growth opportunities, all while being part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation in the heart of a thriving leisure environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Talent Acquisition Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Virgin Active's values inside out! When you understand what makes them tick, you can tailor your conversations and show how you embody those values. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly fits the culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend careers fairs and recruitment events where Virgin Active is present. This is your chance to make a personal connection with the team and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great way to learn more about the company!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive in your approach! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to hiring managers or current employees on LinkedIn. Express your interest in the Talent Acquisition Specialist role and ask insightful questions about their experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure your online presence reflects your passion for wellness and recruitment. Share relevant content on social media that aligns with Virgin Active’s brand. This not only showcases your knowledge but also demonstrates your commitment to the industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Talent Acquisition Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wellness:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for wellness shine through! We want to see how you connect with Virgin Active's mission to change lives for the better. Share any personal experiences or insights that highlight your commitment to wellbeing.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Talent Acquisition Specialist role. Highlight relevant experience in recruitment and stakeholder management, and don’t forget to mention any direct sourcing techniques you’ve used. We love seeing how you can bring our values to life!
Be Authentic:We appreciate authenticity, so be yourself in your application! Share your unique story and what makes you a great fit for our team. This is your chance to stand out, so don’t hold back on showcasing your personality and passion for recruitment.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get you into the process smoothly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join the Virgin Active family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Active
✨Know the Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Virgin Active's values and mission. Understand how they aim to change lives through wellness and how you can contribute to that vision as a Talent Acquisition Specialist. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their culture.
✨Showcase Your Recruitment Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in end-to-end recruitment, especially in multi-site environments. Prepare examples of how you've successfully partnered with hiring managers and built talent pipelines. Highlight your proactive sourcing techniques and how they can benefit Virgin Active.
✨Engage with Their Employer Brand
Familiarise yourself with Virgin Active’s employer brand across various platforms. Be prepared to discuss how you would champion this brand during recruitment campaigns and at events. Showing enthusiasm for their brand will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about their current recruitment challenges or how they measure success in talent acquisition. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can make a real impact.
