Talent Acquisition Lead - UK&I Retail

Talent Acquisition Lead - UK&I Retail page is loaded Talent Acquisition Lead - UK&I Retaillocations: Londontime type: Full timeposted on: Posted 2 Days Agojob requisition id: RHowden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 23,000 employees spanning over 56 countries.People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It's what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities - work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering - you'll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.We are looking for a strategic, influential and high calibre Talent Acquisition leader to shape and elevate recruitment across UK&I Retail. You'll bring expertise, credibility and a passion for exceptional hiring experiences-partnering with senior leaders, developing a high-performing TA team, and driving a modern, insights led recruitment model that delivers real value. If you thrive in a fast paced, people centric environment and are excited by the opportunity to build capability, challenge thinking, and enhance our employer brand, we'd love to meet you. Lead & Elevate Talent Acquisition for UK&I Retail Reporting to the UK&I Retail HR Director and in close partnership with the Group Head of Talent Acquisition, champion and deliver recruitment best practice and high touch business partnering to embed and promote our enhanced recruitment model, demonstrating clear ROI and value. Lead, coach, and inspire a high performing TA team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Act as the primary TA partner to senior UK&I Retail stakeholders, building trust, influencing decisions, and elevating the TA and HR brand internally. Strategic Talent Advisory Work with senior leaders to understand capability needs and develop strategic, innovative, and scalable recruitment plans. Diagnose TA performance, identifying opportunities for process optimisation, technology adoption, and improved delivery outcomes. Proactively build diverse talent pipelines, market maps, and talent intelligence aligned to current and future business needs. Operational Excellence & Model Adoption Collaborate with HRBPs and TA COEs to continuously refine and scale our Group-wide hiring processes, specifically aligning them to the needs of UK&I Retail. Partner with the Talent Excellence (Operations) team to embed recruitment technology, drive adoption, and ensure strong governance and reporting disciplines. Be an ambassador for Howden's employer brand, ensuring a consistently exceptional candidate experience across all touchpoints. People, Culture & Inclusion Provide expert and inclusive guidance throughout the selection process, advising on the best assessment methods and acting as an influential voice in all key hiring decisions. Partner with wider TA colleagues on strategic TA initiatives spanning emerging talent, executive hiring, inclusive hiring, employer brand, onboarding, and other group-wide priorities. Use data, metrics, and insights to support strategic decision-making and drive continuous improvement across the TA lifecycle. Experience & Technical Expertise Proven senior-level recruitment experience with the ability to identify and attract top-tier talent for both immediate and future needs. Strong background in insurance recruitment or retail recruitment - or a deep understanding and personal interest in this area. Minimum of three years' line management experience, with a track record of building, supporting, and developing high-performing teams. Demonstrated experience implementing new recruitment processes, driving consistent excellence for both candidates and hiring managers. Strong understanding of TA technology and process governance; Workday experience is highly desirable. Leadership & Personal Qualities Strategic thinker with the ability to support senior HR and TA leaders in delivering wider people priorities. Collaborative team player with a positive, ambitious mindset and a genuine passion for elevating the hiring experience. Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills, with the ability to navigate competing priorities and complex organisational dynamics. Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment, delivering high-quality talent pipelines under tight deadlines. Adaptable, solutions-oriented, and able to think on your feet with a pragmatic, can do approach. Committed to delivering an outstanding candidate and hiring manager experience from first engagement through to onboarding.A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity - there is no one Howden type. Instead, we're looking for individuals who share the same values as us: Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond Reasonable adjustments We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours or hybrid working .If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it's the right fit for you, send us your application - if your profile fits the role's criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require. Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.Permanent