Job Description

Description

The Interim Talent Acquisition Business Partner will lead and manage the Talent Acquisition function at CGT Catapult during an 18-month maternity cover period. This role will report into the Head of L&D and Talent and is responsible for delivering an effective and strategic end-to-end recruitment service that supports business growth and capability across the organisation.

The postholder will manage a team, ensure the successful execution of our direct sourcing strategy, while also managing relationships with Preferred Supplier List (PSL) agencies. They will be accountable for both permanent and temporary recruitment, including the hiring of contractors and consultants, ensuring compliance and efficiency throughout.

In addition, the role includes internal ownership of early careers programmes, including the coordination and development of Industrial Placement students and Apprenticeships. The Interim Talent Acquisition Business Partner will play a key role in ensuring a positive candidate experience, building talent pipelines, and contributing to strategic workforce planning.

Key Responsibilities

Own and deliver the talent acquisition strategy and projects for CGT Catapult, ensuring alignment with business objectives and workforce planning needs Manage and support the talent acquisition team, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture with a strong focus on service delivery and continuous improvement Delivery of the direct sourcing strategy to reduce reliance on agencies, strengthen talent pipelines, and improve time-to-hire and cost-effectiveness Oversee relationships with the Preferred Supplier List (PSL), ensuring strong performance, compliance with terms, and appropriate use of third-party recruitment services Manage the recruitment and onboarding of contractors and consultants in partnership with HR, legal and procurement ensuring alignment with internal policy and legal requirements Support the attraction, recruitment, and coordination of early careers initiatives, including industrial placement students and apprenticeship programmes Act as a strategic partner to hiring managers and senior leaders, providing expert guidance on recruitment processes, market insights, and candidate experience. Monitor and report on key recruitment metrics (e.g., time-to-hire, cost-per-hire, quality-of-hire), using data to inform improvements and decision-making Identify and implement improvements to recruitment processes, ensuring they are inclusive, consistent, and compliant with internal policies and employment legislation

Experience:

Proven experience in a talent acquisition or recruitment roles, ideally within a fast-paced, matrixed, or scaling organisation (essential) Experience in delivering direct sourcing strategies and reducing agency reliance (essential) Demonstrated experience using applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruitment data/reporting tools to track KPIs and improve process efficiency (essential) Solid understanding of recruiting for a range of roles, including permanent and contract across technical and corporate functions (essential) Experience leading recruitment teams, with a strong track record of coaching and performance management Experience managing third-party suppliers, including Preferred Supplier Lists (PSLs) Experience coordinating or managing early careers programmes such as industrial placements and/or apprenticeships Experience and working knowledge of UK employment law and recruitment compliance requirements Proven experience with contractor engagement models, including Statements of Work (SoW), and familiarity with IR35 regulations and the use of HMRC's CEST tool to assess employment status Experience working in life sciences, biotech, manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries (desirable)

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Highly motivated, pragmatic, and practical to support the mission of the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult to accelerate the development of a commercial cell and gene-based therapy industry in the UK Communicates proactively and develops relationships at all levels cross functionally Provides clear direction, delegating appropriately and ensures quality outcomes for the completion of tasks A "roll your sleeves up" hands-on attitude with the ability to manage multiple and varied task within a fast-paced environment Identifies and takes ownership for decisions or escalates/seeks advice and gets things done Role models strong performance behaviours, showing the humility to actively seek feedback on the performance of themselves and others Ability to adapt and flex to change, prioritises well and remains balanced under pressure Ambitious, collaborative, driven Ability to work independently and to be able to take the initiative when completing tasks Creates and promotes an environment of wellbeing and safety in the workplace through encouraging openness and demonstrating support of self and others Comfortable operating autonomously once goals and objectives are set Keep up to date with professional knowledge, expertise and apply a growth mindset to learning Willingness to travel across CGT Catapult sites

Education / Qualifications A - C or 4 to 9 GCSEs in English and Math's (or equivalent)

About Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) is an independent innovation and technology organisation committed to the advancement of cell and gene therapies with a vision of a thriving industry delivering life changing advanced therapies to the world. Its aim is to create powerful collaborations which overcome challenges to the advancement of the sector.

With experts covering all aspects of advanced therapies, it applies its unique capabilities and assets, collaborates with academia, industry and healthcare providers to develop new technology and innovation.

The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult works with Innovate UK.

CGT Catapult is committed to providing an equal, diverse, and inclusive work environment where everyone's contributions are valued. We celebrate differences, empower, and inspire everyone, because when everyone is included, everyone wins. In 2024, we received bronze accreditation from Inclusive Employers.