Talent Acquisition Lead

About the CompanyGo-Ahead Group is a leading international public transport operator providing bus and rail services across the UK and internationally. We play an important role in connecting communities and helping people travel safely and sustainably every day.About the RoleGo-Ahead Group is seeking a Talent Acquisition Lead to support all business areas across our Group head offices in London and Newcastle. This is a strategic, transformation-focused role, helping shape a more effective talent acquisition model across PSL management, internal mobility, referrals, direct sourcing and inclusive hiring. The role will focus on improving recruitment governance, reducing unnecessary agency reliance and strengthening the candidate and hiring manager experience.The role will be based 4 days per week from our London Blackfriars Head OfficeResponsibilitiesRecruitment Strategy & TransformationContribute to the thinking, design and continuous improvement of Go-Ahead’s talent acquisition approach, with a focus on scalable, inclusive and cost-effective hiring practices.Identify opportunities to improve recruitment governance, candidate experience, hiring manager experience, direct sourcing capability and agency controls.Use market insight, recruitment data and stakeholder feedback to recommend practical improvements to recruitment processes and sourcing strategy.Build effective relationships with stakeholders across Group head office business areas in London and Newcastle, travelling to Newcastle where required.PSL & Supplier ManagementSupport effective management of the Preferred Supplier List, monitor supplier performance and challenge off-PSL or unnecessary agency use where direct, internal or referral-led options are more appropriate.Internal Mobility & ReferralsChampion internal opportunities and support the design, implementation and continuous improvement of employee referral activity that is clear, inclusive, easy to use and aligned to recruitment governance.Direct Sourcing & Inclusive HiringHelp build a direct sourcing-first approach through talent mapping, market intelligence and proactive candidate engagement, while coaching hiring managers to follow fair, accessible and inclusive attraction, shortlisting, interview and selection practices.QualificationsExperience in an in-house Talent Acquisition, Recruitment Partner or Recruitment Consultant role.Required SkillsStrong talent acquisition knowledge with the ability to think strategically and improve recruitment models, processes and controls.Confident direct sourcing capability, including search, market mapping, outreach, talent pooling and candidate engagement.Experience managing recruitment suppliers or working within a PSL environment, with confidence to challenge agency use where appropriate.Experience partnering with hiring managers and using ATS, sourcing platforms and recruitment data to support informed hiring decisions.Preferred SkillsCommercially aware, strategic, curious and collaborative, with a strong commitment to inclusive hiring, positive candidate experience, stakeholder credibility and continuous improvement across the recruitment process.Pay range and compensation package24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing, financial, and emotional support.Flexible working to balance your needs.25 days holiday, pension, life Assurance travel pass, buy and sell holiday up to 5 days, Discount platform.Equal Opportunity StatementWe are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce where all our people feel valued, supported and able to succeed. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): age, race, religion or belief, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, caregiving responsibilities or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws. We will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. If you require adjustments to participate in the application or interview process, please let us know at tom.white@go-ahead.com.