Talent Acquisition Specialist

RAF Association; Leicester Forest East; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 33 days’ annual leave

Health cashback plan

Cycle to Work Scheme

Free virtual GP service

Mental health and wellbeing support

Job summary

RAFAKidz, based in Leicester, is seeking a Talent Acquisition Specialist to lead recruitment for nurseries and central teams. You will attract, engage and appoint great people, ensuring safeguarding and compliance across all recruitment activities.

The role offers hybrid working after probation with a minimum of three days in the office and up to two days from home, supporting RAF families and the organisation’s values.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in an in‑house recruitment or talent acquisition role.
• Proven experience managing end-to-end recruitment processes.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Knowledge of safer recruitment practices, ideally within a regulated environment.
• Experience using recruitment systems (ATS) and online recruitment platforms.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and produce accurate reports.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end recruitment across nursery and central support roles.
• Create engaging and effective job advertisements.
• Source candidates through job boards, social media, CV databases and community networks.
• Screen applications and conduct initial candidate interviews.
• Coordinate interviews and selection activities with hiring managers.
• Manage offer processes and pre-employment checks.

Skills

In-house recruitment

End-to-end recruitment

Stakeholder management

Safer recruitment practices

ATS experience

Organisational skills

Tools

ATS

MS Forms

Job description

RAFAKidz Talent Acquisition Specialist

£28,735.00 37.5 hours per week

Based in Leicester (LE3 1UT), with hybrid working available upon successful completion of probation. The role is expected to be office-based for a minimum of three days per week, with up to two days working from home.

Join RAFAKidz and Help Shape the Future of Early Years Education

At RAFAKidz, we are committed to providing exceptional childcare and early years education to children of RAF families across the UK. We are looking for a passionate and proactive Talent Acquisition Advisor to help us attract, engage and appoint outstanding people who share our commitment to giving children the very best start in life. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced recruitment professional to make a real difference within a purpose-driven organisation. Working closely with Nursery Managers and operational leaders, you will lead recruitment activity across our nurseries and central support functions, ensuring we attract high-quality candidates while maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding and compliance.

RAFAKidz is a multi-award-winning nursery group located on, or close to, RAF and MOD stations throughout the UK. Our nurseries are designed to meet the childcare needs of both military and civilian families. Every day, we create experiences that are special, unique and child-focused. For every child who comes through our doors, regardless of their ability, background or circumstances, we provide opportunities that help them grow, build confidence and reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

Recruitment & Attraction

• Manage end-to-end recruitment processes across nursery and central support roles.
• Create engaging and effective job advertisements.
• Source candidates through job boards, social media, CV databases and community networks.
• Screen applications and conduct initial candidate interviews.
• Coordinate interviews and selection activities with hiring managers.
• Manage offer processes and pre-employment checks.

Stakeholder Partnership

• Build strong relationships with Nursery Managers and operational leaders.
• Provide advice and guidance on recruitment strategies and market trends.
• Support managers with effective interviewing and values-based selection techniques.
• Act as a trusted recruitment partner across the organisation.

Safeguarding & Compliance

• Ensure all recruitment activity meets safeguarding and safer recruitment requirements.
• Manage DBS/PVG checks, references, right-to-work checks and qualification verification.
• Maintain accurate recruitment records and ensure compliance with organisational and statutory requirements.

Candidate Experience & Employer Branding

• Deliver a positive and professional candidate journey.
• Promote RAFAKidz as an employer of choice within the Early Years sector.
• Support recruitment marketing campaigns and employer branding initiatives.
• Champion the organisation's values and commitment to children's wellbeing.

Talent Pipelines & Future Recruitment

• Build talent pools for key and hard-to-fill vacancies.
• Develop relationships with colleges, training providers and community organisations.
• Support apprenticeship and entry-level recruitment initiatives.

Continuous Improvement

• Monitor recruitment metrics including time-to-fill, candidate quality and recruitment effectiveness.
• Identify opportunities to improve recruitment processes and efficiencies.
• Support innovative recruitment and attraction initiatives.

About You

You will be an organised and proactive recruitment professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys building strong relationships with stakeholders and candidates alike.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Previous experience in an in‑house recruitment or talent acquisition role.
• Proven experience managing end-to-end recruitment processes.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Knowledge of safer recruitment practices, ideally within a regulated environment.
• Experience using recruitment systems (ATS) and online recruitment platforms.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and produce accurate reports.

Desirable Experience

• Experience recruiting within the Early Years, education or care sector.
• Experience supporting multi-site or high-volume recruitment campaigns.
• Understanding of childcare regulations and inspection frameworks.
• Experience within the military or charity sector.
• Knowledge of the challenges faced by RAF families and the wider RAF community.
• Experience using MS Forms and supporting process improvement initiatives.

What We're Looking For

• Passionate about supporting children's outcomes through the recruitment of great people.
• Values-driven and committed to the RAFAKidz ethos.
• Resilient, adaptable and solutions-focused.
• A collaborative team player with a positive attitude.
• Highly organised and able to work independently.
• Committed to safeguarding and compliance excellence.

Additional Information

• The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
• Occasional travel to nursery settings and recruitment events will be required.
• Flexibility to work additional hours on occasion may be required, with time off in lieu provided.

Why Join RAFAKidz?

At RAFAKidz, you'll be part of a supportive and dedicated team committed to making a positive difference to children, families and communities across the RAF. You'll have the opportunity to shape recruitment strategies, influence organisational success and play a key role in ensuring our nurseries are staffed with exceptional people who share our values.

What you can expect from us

• Up to 33 days’ annual leave
• Company sick pay and life insurance
• Health cashback plan and free virtual GP service
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Discounted gym membership
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Subsidised short breaks at selected RAFA accommodation
• Close to Leicester Forest East Park & Ride

RAFAKidz and the RAF Association is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.