Recruitment Manager

Job description

Location: Council House, Derby
Hours: Monday to Friday, 37 hours
Working Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 13/09/2026

The Opportunity
We're looking for a proactive Recruitment Manager that will play a leading role in ensuring the Council continues to attract and onboard talent whilst supporting the ongoing digital transformation of our systems and processes.

As Recruitment Manager, you will lead a well-established team that delivers a high-volume of recruitment across the full range of services that the Council offers. No two days are the same, and in this role, you will work closely with senior leaders, Heads of Service and recruiting managers to share insights, develop tailored attraction campaigns and support forward-thinking recruitment strategies.

With Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) approaching in 2028, this role will be instrumental in developing resilience within the Recruitment Team to ensure it can effectively navigate future challenges and meet an increasing demand for talent.

What you'll be doing
• Managing the Recruitment Team to ensure new starters and internal changes are processed efficiently and to the highest possible compliance standards
• Playing a key role in identifying and delivering technology and automation projects that improve efficiency within the Recruitment Team whilst improving candidate and manager experience
• Developing the Council's employer brand through the use of online channels and partnership working, to help grow sustainable talent pipelines
• Delivering talent acquisition strategies to ensure that services, particularly those with hard-to-fill roles, have the talent they need, when they need it and with the right skills
• Managing the Council's agency worker supplier, focusing on reducing spend, identifying improvements and supporting managers to use agency workers effectively
• Working closely with colleagues across the wider HR & OD service to promote collaboration and deliver positive outcomes for the organisation
• Presenting data, insights and professional advice to the Senior Leadership team on all aspects of recruitment including market trends, regulatory changes and organisational risks
• Acting as the Lead Countersignatory for the Council's DBS Registered Body Status

About you
• Experience of managing and delivering high volumes of recruitment across a range of roles and professions, including specialised and senior level appointments
• Proven talent acquisition skills with a strategic approach to identifying and attracting applicants
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, engage and support colleagues and the wider organisation through change
• Performance-focused, with experience of delivering systems and process improvements, particularly using digital and automated solutions
• In-depth knowledge of legislation and employment laws impacting recruitment
• Data-driven with the ability to read, interpret and analyse data to make informed decisions and identify risks
• People-focused, with a good understanding of how to ensure recruitment is a positive experience for candidates and managers
• Committed to recruiting inclusively, ensuring EDI principles are embedded across the Council's recruitment processes
• GSCE Maths & English grade C or above (or equivalent)

Who We Are
At Derby City Council, we're proud to deliver over 250 essential services that support our residents, communities and businesses. Guided by our vision to create an Inclusive, Green, Growing and Vibrant City, we put people at the heart of everything we do.

Our values shape how we work every day. We believe inGreat People, One Team, we're Bold in embracing change, Strong in delivering for our communities, and We Care about making a positive difference.

Join us and you'll be part of an ambitious, collaborative organisation where you can develop your career while helping to shape Derby's future.

Why join Derby City Council?
At Derby City Council, you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference while building a rewarding career in an organisation that values, supports and invests in its people.
Alongside the opportunity to help shape the future of Derby, you'll benefit from a comprehensive range of employee benefits, including:

Financial Benefits
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) - a secure, defined benefit pension with life cover
• Team Derby Rewards - discounts across a wide range of retail, leisure and lifestyle brands
• Tusker Car Benefit Scheme - a salary sacrifice scheme for leasing a brand-new, fully maintained and insured vehicle

Work-Life Balance
• Generous annual leave, starting at 27 days and rising to 32 days after five years' service (plus bank holidays, depending on your contract)
• The option to purchase additional annual leave
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements for many roles
• Flexible retirement options, where eligible
• Support for colleagues with caring responsibilities

Learning and Development
• Learning and development opportunities, with regular career conversations to support your growth
• Leadership and management development programmes, mentoring and professional qualifications
• Modern workspaces designed to support collaboration, productivity and wellbeing

Health and Wellbeing
• Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing support and a year-round wellbeing calendar
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Cycle2Work Scheme and free cycle training

Community and Inclusion
• Up to 15 hours of volunteering leave each year
• Recognition through initiatives including the Here for Derby Awards and Long Service Awards
• The opportunity to join one of our Employee Networks, including LGBTQ+, Disabled Employees and Carers, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Employees, and Neurodiversity

At Derby City Council, we believe our people are our greatest strength. Whatever stage you're at in your career, you'll be joining an inclusive organisation where you'll be supported to develop, feel valued and make a meaningful difference to the communities we serve.

Some benefits are dependent on your role, contract or length of service.

How to apply

If you would like to apply for this vacancy via an application form, please submit an application via the Derby City Council website.

The closing date for this vacancy is specified at the top of the advert. Applications received after midnight on the closing date will not be accepted.

Interview dates: 22/09/2026 & 24/09/2026
Interview location: The Council House

If you would prefer to apply using your CV, please complete the attached Declaration Form and send it to [email protected] .

Applications submitted by CV must include a completed Declaration Form to be accepted; this can be found at the bottom of the advert.

We also encourage you to complete the attached Equalities Form and return it to [email protected] . This is optional and will not affect your application.

Important Information
Links to the full Job Description and Person Specification are available below.

Before submitting your application, please read our guidance on filling in your application form and ensure your supporting statement clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria in the Person Specification.

All employees will normally be appointed to the minimum of the grade for the role.

Where a DBS requirement is indicated at the top of this advert, the successful candidate will be subject to the appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of our safer recruitment process.

Where a Market Rate Supplement is indicated at the top of this advert, it is paid in addition to the basic salary and is subject to regular review. The supplement may be reduced or withdrawn and will reduce in line with incremental progression and pay awards.

The Council has a legal obligation to consider suitable redeployment opportunities for employees at risk of redundancy. Consequently, this vacancy may be withdrawn before the advertised closing date if it is filled through the Council's redeployment process.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At Derby City Council, we're committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we serve.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role can choose to apply through our Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

We are also proud to hold the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award, recognising our commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans and their families. Members of the Armed Forces community, veterans and their close family members who meet the essential criteria are also eligible for our Guaranteed Interview Scheme.

If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, including during your application, interview or onboarding, we'll work with you to provide the support you need.

If you have any questions about this vacancy or need assistance with your application, please contact the Recruitment Team on 01332 640844 (Relay UK: 18001 01332 640844) or email [email protected] .

Please see here for Job Description
Please see here for Person Specification
Please see Declaration Form for CV Applications here
Please see Equalities Form for CV Applications here