Talent Acquisition Specialist (12 month Fixed Term Contract)

About the Role

This is a fixed term contract opportunity (up to 12 months) based at NPL in Teddington, with hybrid working you'll be based on-site once a week.

At NPL, we set the standards by which the world is measured. Our work underpins solutions to global challenges - from tackling climate change and advancing medical breakthroughs to enabling next-generation communications technology.

The Talent Acquisition team are critical to the future of NPL's success. Working closely across the People Team and wider NPL, you’ll be key in making sure we have the right people, with the right skills, in the right locations to deliver our vision.

As our Talent Acquisition Specialist, you’ll lead the recruitment for our world-leading Time & Frequency department .

This is an exceptional opportunity to work with the global authority in precision timing.

Backed by a government investment of £180 million in the National Timing Centre (NTC) programme , we are building a world‑first capability - requiring exceptional talent to drive cutting‑edge innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive the full-cycle (360) recruiting process - to attract top talent to NPL; managing job postings, candidate relationships, interview arrangements and offer management.

• Partner with hiring managers – be our strategic expert on recruitment plans and attraction methods to deliver high-quality candidate pipelines.

• Track / manage several recruitment processes - maintaining pace, organisation, and process adherence in a fast-paced environment.

• Work closely with external suppliers - acting as the primary point of contact to manage agency relationships and ensure alignment with recruitment plans and delivery expectations.

• Deliver thoughtful feedback to candidates and hiring managers, alike - ensuring a nurturing and engaging experience at every recruitment touchpoint.

• Maintain awareness of market trends and ensure recruitment activity aligns with internal processes and relevant guidelines.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have the following skills, experience, and qualifications:

Essential:

• Proven experience delivering full-cycle (360) recruitment - from role design, through advertising, candidate screening, and offer closing.

• Experience of in-house recruitment - proven experience in combining pace with a credible, consultative approach to engaging senior business leadership

• Demonstrated capability in direct sourcing , proactive headhunting and passive candidate engagement for hard-to-fill, niche, and specialist roles.

• Strong organisational skills with experience managing multiple recruitment processes - in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards of quality and attention to detail.

• Demonstrable success in managing both candidate and hiring manager relationships , with the ability to influence decisions and build credible, professional relationships at all levels.

• Experience and knowledge of using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and accurate data management

• A strong team player

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process. To work at NPL, you will need to obtain BPSS security clearance.

However, to work in this role in the Time and Frequency department, you will need to have an SC clearance with no restrictions, or you must have the ability to obtain an SC clearance.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as practical.

About Us

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre of excellence that provides cutting-edge measurement science, engineering and technology to underpin prosperity and quality of life in the UK. Find out more about what it is like working here - The measure of us - Overview

NPL and DSIT have strong commitments to diversity and equality of opportunity, and welcome applications from candidates irrespective of their background, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or age, providing they meet the required criteria. Applications from women, disabled and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates in particular are encouraged. All disabled candidates (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) who satisfy the minimum criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.

At NPL, we believe our success is a result of the diversity and talent of our people. We strive to nurture and respect individuals to ensure everyone feels valued by treating everyone on the basis of their own individual merits and abilities regardless of their own or perceived identity, as part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, we ensure we’re creating an environment where all our colleagues feel supported and welcome. More about this on our Diversity & Inclusion page.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Flexible working and social activities are embedded in our culture to create a positive work-life balance, along with a broad range of rewards, benefits and recognition . Our values are at the heart of what we do, and they shape the way we interact, develop our people and celebrate success. To ensure everyone has an equal chance, we’re always willing to make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss, please contact us .