Head of Talent Acquisition

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a progressive talent acquisition strategy aligned to the companys commercial objectives AI growth roadmap and long-term workforce planning requirements.
• Partner closely with Executive and Senior Leadership to anticipate capability gaps particularly in AI data digital transformation and emerging technologies.
• Build workforce models that support scalable growth including onshore nearshore and offshore capability strategies.
• Act as a strategic advisor to the business confidently challenging hiring assumptions workforce structures budget allocation and skill deployment to ensure optimal outcomes.

• Design and continuously evolve a company-wide skills matrix mapping current capability against future AI and technology requirements.
• Identify skill shortages reskilling opportunities and build vs. buy decisions to support AI innovation and automation objectives.
• Partner with Learning & Development to drive targeted upskilling programmes that enhance AI fluency and digital capability across the workforce.
• Ensure hiring strategies prioritise scarce AI talent while balancing cost control and long-term sustainability.

• Develop and implement a structured offshoring strategy with particular focus on expanding and optimising capability in South Africa where appropriate.
• Identify roles suitable for offshore deployment without compromising quality governance or cultural alignment.
• Ensure offshore hiring aligns to cost efficiency scalability and long-term workforce resilience.
• Build strong local recruitment partnerships and employer brand presence within key offshore markets.

• Oversee and manage the complete recruitment lifecycle across all functions and geographies.
• Leverage innovative sourcing strategies and ensure a seamless high-quality candidate experience.
• Drive employer branding initiatives across digital channels industry networks and talent communities.
• Manage coach and develop a high-performing recruitment team focused on delivery excellence and continuous improvement.

• Provide regular data-driven talent reports to the business tracking:
  • Skills shortages and future capability risks
  • Hiring pipeline and time-to-fill metrics
  • Cost per hire and recruitment ROI
  • Headcount tracking vs. budget
  • Overspend risks and resource forecasting
• Use analytics to identify inefficiencies duplication or structural workforce issues.
• Present insights confidently at leadership level driving accountability for workforce planning decisions.
• Implement dashboards that allow the business to monitor talent risks and workforce investment in real time.

• Collaborate with Finance and Business Leaders to align hiring with financial planning and budget governance.
• Actively challenge unnecessary hiring requests and ensure robust justification linked to strategic outcomes.
• Drive proactive workforce planning conversations rather than reactive hiring behaviour.
• Ensure onboarding processes are seamless compliant and aligned with culture and performance expectations.

Skills Knowledge and Expertise

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen.
• Confident and credible at Executive level; comfortable challenging the business constructively and assertively.
• Highly analytical with strong capability in workforce data interpretation and reporting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Skilled in negotiation and stakeholder influence.
• Able to balance long-term strategic thinking with operational delivery.
• Strong relationship builder across internal teams external partners and global talent markets.
• Deep commitment to diversity inclusion and equitable hiring practices.
• Adaptable and resilient in high-growth fast-evolving environments.
• Awareness & commitment to promoting diversity & inclusion in the talent acquisition process.

• Solid understanding of sourcing techniques & tools (social networks LinkedIn & other portals)
• Hands on experience with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATSs)
• Proficient with data analysis & reporting with attention to detail & high level of accuracy.
• Strong Outlook skills Excel Word & PowerPoint

• Proven experience as an Talent Acquisition Leader in a global firm with leading the function and organisation through a series of change initiatives
• Experience in Financial Services and/or a professional services environment is a plus

Benefits