To strategically deliver the Talent Acquisition agenda for Arriva UK Bus on an interim basis covering maternity leave for a period of c 9-months. Leading a team of c2 2, you will deliver the defined strategy to ensure effective end-to-end recruitment for all Arriva UK Bus requirements. The role oversees high-volume hiring (2,000 annually) of Drivers, Engineers — from apprentices to fully skilled — as well as recruitment of specialist roles across Enabling functions. You will lead the delivery of critical strategic projects including attraction development, EDI, and Employer Brand. As part of the HR Leadership Team, you will be responsible for inputting to and helping to drive the overall People Agenda for UK Bus. We can be flexible on the base location for the role, but you will be required to spend at least 2 days per week in our Thurmaston location, with frequent travel to London and depots across the business. Responsibilities Functional Leadership Strategic delivery of the full end to end Talent Acquisition recruitment strategy for UK Bus Leads the Talent Acquisition team for UK Bus and manages performance proactively Facilitates the end-to-end recruitment of all senior hires (L4) Create a first-class, memorable candidate experience through the setting and maintenance of standards across the recruitment team. Proactively manage the reporting and achievement of KPIs through the Talent Acquisition funnel to achieve Establishment for Drivers and Engineers in UK Bus. Lead on projects and initiatives that will drive continuous improvement across the team and businesses Facilitate and administer the psychometric testing for UK Bus Facilitate and lead the UK Bus D&I approach to Talent Acquisition Management of labour and attraction spend in line with budget Manage the benchmarking exercise with Reward for all new or regraded roles Own the relationship with Workday Teams and and external suppliers, i.e. Creed Communications Own the relationship with Indeed, LinkedIn and other paid providers Maintain strong and effective working relationships across other operators via CPT facilitated events and ensure KPIs benchmark positively vs other UK Bus Operators Build and embed relationships with our internal senior stakeholders to ensure the model is being delivered effectively and efficiently Business Partnering Actively partner with ELT and SLT stakeholders as part of each functional Leadership Team, working with the HRDs and each team to determine strategic workforce planning requirements and drive UK Bus Talent Acquisition delivery Use data to determine recommendations and focused activity across all stakeholder groups and improve key People metrics: Establishment, Turnover etc Deliver strategic Talent Acquisition People plans for each functional area representing key functional priorities but aligned across the UK Bus People Agenda Support stakeholder groups in embracing and delivering change to drive a positive culture of engagement and retention Leadership Capability Build and maintain strong internal relationships, role modelling Arriva behaviours and working positively within the matrix structure Use positive relationships to ensure a focus on People activities and continuous improvement in People metrics across stakeholder groups Build credible and productive relationships with Trade Union colleagues to ensure successful partnership working Uphold all Health & Safety standards and enforce these through visible leadership Be an ambassador for Diversity by promoting and implementing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion activities across the business Contribute positively to CSR by upholding, safeguarding and promoting the reputation and values of the organisation throughout all internal and external business relationships and activities What we're looking for A Talent Acquisition expert with proven experience within a similar senior leadership position Experience within a high-volume frontline hiring environment Strong data and MI skills, including experience in workforce planning A high level of commercial and strategic awareness with understanding of financial management A proven record of success in the delivery of TA strategic initiatives including Employer Brand A professional that thrives in an environment of continuous improvement and change Experience operating at executive level and exposure to corporate agenda / strategy Line leadership experience including, leading motivating, engaging and performance managing high performing teams Technically astute with good knowledge of thought leadership on Talent Acquisition Strong leader with exceptional communication, presentation, influencing and negotiation skills, Collaborative and resilient, strong relationship building skills Excellent decision making & problem solving skills About Us At Arriva, we are united in our Purpose to connect people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably, enabling millions of people each day to go about their daily lives with ease. And we are motivated to deliver our transport services in a better way, every day. We are a leading European passenger transport company, with 34,400 colleagues in businesses in 11 countries across the UK and Europe. Our Arriva UK Bus business is the third-largest provider of bus services in regional markets (outside London) with rural, urban and inter-urban services. We have c.13,000 colleagues and operate c. 4000 buses. We are one of the market leaders in London, where we operate around 17% of all bus services operating in London, and we were the first company to operate an all-electric bus route. Our People Agenda strives for UK Bus to be a great place to work where colleagues are encouraged to be themselves, are supported to do the right thing, and feel inspired to make the difference every single day for our customers. We care passionately about creating an environment where colleagues enjoy coming into work, are proud to say they work for Arriva UK Bus, and feel empowered to grow and develop their careers with us.