Job Description

Talent Acquisition Workstream Lead (People and Finance Service Transformation Programme)

12 months secondment

PLEASE NOTE: This opportunity is open to internal candidates within the University only.

About Us

People and Finance Service Transformation (PFST) is a programme of work to improve, modernise and future-proof our People and Finance services. This will involve reimagining our ways of working and adopting new technologies to support us.

Talent Acquisition is the first workstream to launch under the People service transformation of the programme, and will design and deliver the future Talent Acquisition service at the University.

About the Role

As the Talent Acquisition Workstream Lead, you will be at the forefront of designing and delivering the University's future recruitment and onboarding service.

This is a high-profile role where you will:
Lead a comprehensive review and redesign of talent acquisition processes, ensuring they are streamlined, inclusive and aligned with our future People Service Model. Act as product owner, shaping a recruitment service that is enabled by digital solutions, including AI and automation, to deliver a seamless experience for candidates and hiring managers. Engage widely with stakeholders across the University to understand challenges, build trust, and co-create a service that reflects our world-class ambition. Define and embed clear measures of success, ensuring the new service delivers efficiency, effectiveness and excellent user experiences.
This is an exciting opportunity to influence large-scale change at one of the world's most respected institutions, leaving a legacy of modern, user-centred talent acquisition that underpins our academic and professional excellence.

About You

We are looking for an experienced professional to be seconded to the programme for an initial period of 12 months.

You will need to be able to demonstrate:
Strong understanding of contemporary recruitment and onboarding processes. Demonstrated ability to lead service reviews and redesign activities with multiple stakeholder groups. Strong planning, facilitation and problem-solving skills with the ability to adapt to ambiguity and evolving priorities. Familiarity with Talent Acquisition good practice and common metrics (e.g. cost-per-hire, time-to-hire) and approaches to service measurement. Understanding of AI or automation opportunities in recruitment, such as CV screening tools, chatbots or workflow automation, along with knowledge/experience of industry standard HR technologies. Experience supporting high quality change programmes with a focus on user-centred solutions. Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, along with a collaborative mindset and a willingness to listen/engage widely across diverse teams. Resilient, adaptable, and capable of working under pressure in a dynamic programme environment. Educated to degree or equivalent relevant experience.

What We Offer

Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:
38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service. One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave. A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle. An excellent contributory pension scheme. Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans. Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.

Application Process

To apply, please upload:
A covering letter/supporting statement Your CV The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is

12 noon on 10 October 2025

Interviews will take place during week commencing

13 October or 20 October

and will be

face-to-face

.