Talent Acquisition Specialist

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. 
 
As our Talent Acquisition Advisor, you will be joining us at an exciting time in the growth and development of our central HR team. In this newly created role, you will take ownership of the full recruitment lifecycle, partnering with hiring managers to recruit talented Early Years professionals, including Early Years Educators, Room Leaders and Nursery Management teams. 
 
You will act as a trusted recruitment advisor, providing expert guidance on attraction strategies, candidate markets and recruitment best practice. You will also ensure all recruitment activities align with safer recruitment principles, compliance requirements and the values of RAFAKidz. Bringing your ideas, energy and recruitment expertise, you will play a vital role in ensuring our nurseries are staffed with talented and passionate Early Years professionals, while helping to promote RAFAKidz as an employer of choice across the sector. 

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 
We're seeking someone who is: 
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  
 
APPLY BY 8AM ON FRIDAY 20 NOVEMBER – we may close this advert early so please do not delay in applying 

RAFAKidz and the RAF Association is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. If you require any adjustments d