Job Information
Senior Talent Acquisition Lead
Location: County Hall, Morpeth (Hybrid Working Available)
Closing date: 19th March
Northumberland County Council is on an exciting journey to strengthen our workforce for the future and we are looking for a Senior Talent Acquisition Lead to shape and deliver a modern, inclusive, and proactive approach to recruitment across the organisation.
This is a key leadership role, central to ensuring we have the right people, with the right skills, in the right roles, both now and in the years ahead. You will lead our Talent Acquisition team, build strong internal partnerships, and drive forward innovative, data-informed practices that position NCC as an employer of choice.
About the Role
As our Senior Talent Acquisition Lead, you will:
Lead and Inspire
- Manage and mentor a team of Talent Acquisition professionals, creating a high performance culture.
- Lead by example in embedding the Council’s People & Culture strategy.
- Oversee recruitment governance, compliance, and council-wide redeployment processes.
Shape Strategy
- Develop and deliver long-term talent acquisition strategies that support workforce and succession plans.
- Build talent pipelines and pools to ensure we stay one step ahead of workforce needs.
- Dive into market trends and workforce insights to influence decision-making.
- Apply latest thinking in recruitment design, candidate engagement, and talent attraction to ensure NCC remains competitive in a challenging labour market.
Enhance Employer Brand & Outreach
- Work with Communications and Marketing to strengthen our brand presence.
- Oversee careers site content, social media messaging, campaigns, and outreach activity.
- Champion an exceptional candidate experience at every touch point.
Use Data for Better Outcomes
- Leverage analytics, insights and ATS systems to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.
- Track employer brand metrics and recruitment performance data.
Collaborate & Influence
- Partner with senior leaders, hiring managers, and colleagues across People & Culture.
- Provide expert advice and shape modern, inclusive recruitment practices.
About You
You will bring:
- Significant experience in talent acquisition, including designing long-term strategies and leading high-volume recruitment.
- Knowledge of the latest recruitment trends, technologies, and evidence-based practices.
- Strong analytical capability with experience using ATS and workforce insights.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and confidence influencing at senior levels.
- A strong grasp of employment law, compliance and recruitment best practice.
- Experience developing and leading teams and building a collaborative, high performance culture.
You’ll be a natural organiser, strategic thinker, and confident leader who can adapt quickly, challenge the status quo, and drive meaningful change.
Why Join Us?
At NCC, you’ll be part of a forward thinking People & Culture function that plays a vital role in shaping services and strengthening our communities. We offer:
- Generous annual leave and local government pension scheme
- Flexible working opportunities
- Ongoing professional development, including coaching
- Employee Wellbeing support for mental and Physical Health,
- Discounted gym membership.
How to Apply
