Job Introduction
Are you looking for a career where you can make a real difference in people’s days? We are seeking a Talent Acquisition Specialist to join the People Team based at the Careers and Skills Hub in Ashford, Kent. This role requires at least three days a week in the office and travelling the network to support hiring managers on interview panels, as well as attending recruitment events such as career fairs and talks.
Candidate must live within a reasonable daily commute to Ashford, Kent and have access to the wider network.
What You’ll Do
Deliver high‑quality, inclusive and efficient recruitment for Train Driver positions, while also supporting recruitment activity across the entire organisation.
Your Duties
* Own the end‑to‑end recruitment for Train Driver positions across allocated depots, delivering timely and high‑quality hiring outcomes.
* Support recruitment across all other areas, being fully cross‑skilled in operational, specialist and assessment processes.
* Lead the delivery of assessment centres across all roles to support selection processes.
* Deliver consistent, inclusive and fair selection through structured assessments, interviews and candidate evaluation.
* Build and maintain healthy pipelines to support workforce plans and course allocation.
* Provide trusted guidance and recruitment expertise to hiring managers.
* Deliver attraction and sourcing activities tailored to different role types and diversity goals.
* Ensure recruitment processes remain barrier‑free for under‑represented groups.
* Maintain high standards of compliance, accuracy and documentation.
* Issue contracts of employment, arrange inductions and ensure new entrant documentation is complete and correct, including right‑to‑work status and criminal record checks.
* Provide an excellent candidate experience through timely, clear and supportive communication.
* Ensure accurate and up‑to‑date ATS records and support recruitment reporting needs.
* Champion inclusive hiring practices across every stage of the process.
* Support continuous improvement, including process reviews, system updates and new ways of working.
* Support outreach events engaging with target audiences and under‑represented groups.
* Manage your recruitment portfolio independently, prioritising activity to meet hiring needs.
* Progress diverse candidates fairly and consistently, supporting inclusive shortlists and hiring outcomes.
* Make informed sourcing and assessment decisions aligned to best practice and workforce needs.
* Resolve day‑to‑day recruitment issues quickly to keep processes and candidate journeys on track.
The Experience You’ll Need
* Extensive experience delivering high‑volume end‑to‑end recruitment across a range of roles in a fast‑paced, target‑driven environment.
* Extensive experience attracting, sourcing and conducting assessment activity within high‑volume recruitment.
* Excellent understanding of recruitment best practice and employment law requirements.
* Extensive experience managing candidate pipelines, assessments and hiring manager relationships within high‑volume recruitment.
* Ability to prioritise and manage volume at pace, with excellent organisation and attention to detail.
* Confidence using recruitment systems (ATS) or similar and experience supporting accurate data capture.
* Commitment to inclusive hiring, fair selection and barrier‑free candidate experience.
* Strong communication, judgement and customer‑focused decision‑making skills.
* Ideally hold required certifications such as Level A or RSSB MMI, or be willing and able to gain these qualifications upon starting the role.
Other Things To Know
* The vacancy may close early if a large number of applications are received.
* All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references, right‑to‑work verification, a basic criminal record check and a pre‑employment medical assessment.
* Work visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
* If you applied but were not successful in a similar role at the company, please wait six months before applying again.
What You’ll Get In Return
* Competitive salary.
* Final salary pension.
* 25 days annual leave allowance plus bank holidays.
* Free rail travel across the network.
J-18808-Ljbffr