Overview
Kilburn & Strode stands out in the patent and trade mark attorney sector. We are one of the top firms in Europe, acting for world-leading innovative companies and brand owners. We are focused on patents and trade marks, with a history of over 100 years and a progressive outlook as we execute our strategy for the next few years.
The team
This is a brilliant time to join our People & Culture (P&C) team of 9. We support employees across the full employee life cycle and help the firm achieve its ambitious five-year strategy. Our talent strategy is to become the IP firm for your career, whether you are just starting out or joining us as an experienced professional. We are proud of the work our P&C team is delivering and we want to stay at the forefront of new initiatives as our attorneys are.
The opportunity
This is a fixed-term contract commencing as soon as possible and ending in December 2026 to cover a period of maternity leave. Reporting to the People & Culture Director, the Senior Talent Acquisition Manager role balances strategic work with leading all lateral hiring and employer branding initiatives, and managing the Talent Acquisition and Development team (two other individuals). You will direct plans for attraction, recruitment, onboarding, training and trainee exam support. Applications for this role will be considered on a full-time or part-time basis.
Working closely with the Senior People & Culture Manager, the key elements of this role include:
* Leading the Talent Acquisition and Development team in day-to-day operations, ensuring high performance and promoting a strong employer brand with innovative and strategic hiring and retention initiatives to support the firm’s strategic objectives. This includes responsibility for graduate and lateral talent attraction and retention, and mentoring and developing our trainee population up to promotion to Associate.
* Personally managing our lateral hiring process for all fee earner positions and senior business support roles, including stakeholder liaison, process management from role approval to successful offer, with a focus on candidate experience and showcasing our unique employer offering.
* Maintaining a strong focus on direct hiring and continuing to build our employer brand to reduce reliance on agency support, while maintaining excellent relationships with chosen agency partners.
* Setting direction and strategic goals for the firm’s Early Careers Recruitment and Development Manager, aligned to the firm’s strategic vision, and supporting them in achieving these goals. Reviewing Trainee Recruitment and Development pathways, including attraction, exam provisions, training and support to maintain our market-leading position.
* Mentoring and managing the Talent Acquisition and Development Assistant in managing junior business services recruitment and their continued development.
* Leading the quarterly Employee Values Recognition programme, including managing communications, accepting nominations and chairing the judging panel.
* Partnering with the Head of Special Projects to drive technical training courses for Trainees and Associates, maintaining and improving through feedback.
* Maintaining external and client relationships to ensure the continuing success of the European Patent Pipeline (EPPP) and diversity access programmes; driving the firm’s diversity strategy and ensuring an inclusive culture with focus on candidate attraction and inclusive hiring.
* Building strong relationships with stakeholders as a trusted advisor for Talent Acquisition and Development initiatives, and providing market knowledge and recommendations.
* Playing a pivotal role in learning and development programmes across the firm, serving as a main point of contact for providers and coordinating internal arrangements and communications.
Key project areas
* Design, roll out and maintenance of the firm’s agency terms.
* Representative on the IP Paralegal Apprenticeship Trailblazer group, supporting and driving this project toward rollout in 2026.
* Review and update of recruitment processes in line with the new firm strategy, including standard job advert wording and interview processes.
* Drive the Careers page on the firm website and expand the firm’s social media presence to preserve the employer voice.
* Support the rollout of the expectations framework to all employee populations.
Person specification
This role suits someone experienced in lateral and early career recruitment and team management. Our ideal candidate would have:
* A strong track record in both lateral and early-years recruitment within a People & Culture or HR setting, with solid knowledge of HR processes in a fast-paced organisation.
* Ability to manage multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines.
* Experience arranging and implementing learning and development initiatives and assessing their success.
* Proven ability to manage strategic lateral hire briefs and implement them successfully.
* Experience building relationships, persuading, and influencing change.
* Strong commercial awareness within the legal or professional services sector.
* Proven ability to think creatively and devise new processes and initiatives for employees.
* Skill in using ATS and ideally LMS systems.
We are committed to diversity because it makes our firm a superb place to work. Whatever your background, you are welcome here and all candidates are treated on their merits regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, marital or parental status, disability, or socio-economic background.
If you would like to be considered for this vacancy please submit your application by hitting the “Apply” button.
Seniority level Mid-Senior level
Employment type Contract
Job function Human Resources
Industries Law Practice
We aren’t committed to diversity because it’s “good for business” or the “right thing to do.” We’re committed because it makes our firm a superb place to work.
You’re welcome here regardless of background; the firm values creativity that difference brings. We will consider all candidates on merit.
How to apply
If you would like to be considered for this vacancy please submit your application by hitting the Apply button.
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