Head of Talent & Early Careers

Howells Solutions Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction contractor is seeking a 'Head of Talent & Early Careers' based in East London. This role involves spearheading talent acquisition strategies, enhancing early careers programs, and collaborating with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in recruitment and a strategic outlook to build diverse talent pipelines.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in talent acquisition and early careers programme leadership.
• Strong understanding of AI recruitment tools and DEIB strategies.
• Track record of building high-impact partnerships with educational institutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and evolve talent strategy to align with business objectives.
• Design and scale early careers programmes including graduate schemes and internships.
• Champion employer branding across platforms.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Talent Acquisition

AI Recruitment Tools

Stakeholder Management

Communication

Budget Management

Job description

Head of Talent & Early Careers
Based in East London
Salary: £70,000 - £80,000
Full time, permanent

Here at Howells we are working with a leading Construction contractor to find a professional and experienced Head of Talent & Early Careers to join their team based in East London. You will lead on talent acquisition and early careers strategies, ensuring the organisation attracts, develops, and retains high-performing individuals across all career levels.

This is a unique opportunity to combine innovation, strategic leadership, and purpose in one impactful role.

What You'll Be Doing

As Head of Talent & Early Careers, you will:

• Lead and evolve the talent strategy, aligning it with long-term business objectives.
• Design and scale early careers programmes - including graduate schemes, apprenticeships, and internships.
• Leverage AI and workforce analytics to drive smarter hiring decisions, predict talent needs, and improve recruitment ROI.
• Champion employer branding, positioning the organisation as a top employer across all touchpoints.
• Collaborate with business leaders, schools, universities, and industry partners to build robust, diverse talent pipelines.
• Drive operational excellence in recruitment, process optimisation, and DEIB-focused hiring practices.
• Inspire and develop a high-performing Talent & Early Careers team.

What You'll Bring

We're looking for a strategic, tech-savvy leader with:

• Proven experience in talent acquisition and early careers programme leadership ideally within ideally within construction, property services, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of AI recruitment tools, DEIB strategies, and employer brand development.
• A track record of building high-impact partnerships with universities, schools, and community groups.
• Expertise in workforce planning, budget management, and talent ROI analysis.
• Outstanding communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.

You will be working for a modern, forward-thinking business; that believes the strengths, skills and personalities of their people are the key to the group's success.

Please apply online now!