JOB DESCRIPTION
Join Kainos and Shape the Future
At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting-edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.
We believe in a people-first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.
Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.
About the Role
The Talent Acquisition team at Kainos is responsible for delivering a high-quality, efficient, and compliant recruitment service aligned to Business Unit (BU) workforce demand. Operating across the UK & Ireland, Europe, and North America, we partner with the business to deliver a best-in-class contingent workforce solution through a blend of direct sourcing and approved supplier channels.
As a Talent Acquisition Partner (Senior Associate) - 6 months Fixed Term, you will play a key role in the end-to-end delivery of contingent hiring. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to attract, engage, and onboard high-calibre contract talent, ensuring a seamless and compliant experience throughout.
Key Responsibilities
Contingent Hiring Delivery
1. Deliver contingent hiring aligned to commercial priorities and workforce demand
2. Partner with stakeholders, Workforce Planning, and Contingent Workforce teams to understand hiring needs by capability, location, and contract type
3. Execute sourcing strategies using a mix of direct sourcing and approved suppliers
Governance & Compliance
4. Ensure all contingent hiring activity complies with Kainos procedure and regulatory requirements
5. Adhere to processes covering supplier engagement, rate approvals, onboarding, and audit controls
6. Maintain accurate and auditable records across the full contingent hiring lifecycle
Supplier & Cost Management
7. Operate a ‘direct-first’ approach, leveraging suppliers where appropriate
8. Manage supplier relationships to ensure quality, speed, and compliance
9. Support cost-effective delivery through rate benchmarking and adherence to rate cards
Candidate Experience & Delivery Excellence
10. Deliver a consistent, high-quality candidate experience across all contingent channels
11. Ensure alignment to Kainos processes, values, and governance standards
12. Act as an escalation point for issues impacting candidates or supplier delivery
Data, Reporting & Performance
13. Use MI and reporting to track delivery performance (e.g. time-to-fill, cost, supplier effectiveness)
14. Support data-driven discussions with stakeholders to improve outcomes
15. Identify and proactively address risks or blockers to delivery
Talent Pipeline & Market Engagement
16. Build and maintain contractor talent pipelines to reduce reliance on reactive hiring
17. Partner with suppliers to access diverse, high-quality talent pools
18. Contribute to employer branding and market engagement activities
Tools & Process Optimisation
19. Use ATS and internal systems (e.g. Workday) to manage hiring activity and maintain data integrity
20. Identify opportunities to improve contingent hiring processes, governance, and efficiency
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
21. Work cross-functionally with TA, HR, and business stakeholders
22. Share insights on supplier performance, market trends, and best practice
23. Contribute to initiatives focused on improving contingent workforce governance and delivery
Essential Requirements
24. Degree educated or equivalent experience
25. Experience within Talent Acquisition or agency recruitment with strong exposure to contingent hiring
26. Strong understanding of contingent workforce models and supplier-led recruitment
27. Knowledge of compliance requirements relating to contingent hiring (e.g. right to work, background checks)
28. Excellent organisational and communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels
29. Experience managing sourcing strategies across both direct and supplier channels
30. Strong commercial awareness, including cost management and rate alignment
31. Experience using MI to drive performance and inform decisions
32. Proactive, solutions-focused mindset with strong problem-solving skills
33. Ability to work in a fast-paced, delivery-focused environment
34. Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams
35. Focus on continuous improvement and process optimisation
Desirable
36. Experience working within a global organisation
37. Exposure to contingent workforce governance and audit processes
38. Knowledge of IR35 legislation and its application in contractor engagements
Embracing our differences
At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive. We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are. We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field.
Our friendly talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way, so if you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out.
We understand that everyone's journey is different, and by having a private conversation we can ensure that our recruitment process is tailored to your needs.