About University College Cork
University College Cork (UCC) is an internationally renowned university where excellence in teaching and research is aligned with an inclusive and respectful environment, where all staff and students can flourish and thrive. Founded in 1845, UCC is a comprehensive research-intensive institution comprising four academic Colleges, delivering a rich tradition of collaborative teaching, research and scholarship that has true global impact.
A Place of Values
BELIEVE
At UCC our mission is to meet the challenges of our time, together. When you work at University College Cork, you are joining a group of diverse thinkers and innovators committed to a sustainable future for our University, our society and our world. We rely on the collective power of our people working to create and innovate towards a common purpose.
As a leading research university, our ambition is to cultivate a distinctive research reputation in signature areas of excellence. As a community of learning, our connected curriculum underpins a relevant, dynamic and inclusive learning experience for our students. As the world's first Green Flag university, we are proud of our leadership in sustainability and we continue to radically reform our practices and use of space and technology to meet our ambitious sustainability and climate action goals.
BELONG
We are committed to providing a diverse, inclusive and equitable working environment where everyone's contribution is valued and everyone has the potential to shape change and make a difference. We value the unique background, experience, and contribution that each staff member brings to our community and are looking for people who will make a difference. If you believe in our vision and mission and would like to belong to community of people who are working together to make an impact, we would love to hear from you.
BECOME
When you become a member of UCC's community you will be eligible for a wide range of staff benefits and rewards including the following:
* High-quality professional and leadership development opportunities, including UCC-delivered postgraduate qualifications in Learning and Teaching, as well as Professional Practice and Leadership in Higher Education.
* Staff fee concessions for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
* Outstanding sports facilities with subsidised membership for university staff and an active sports and social club and special interest groups.
Job Title:
Head of Talent Acquisition
Location:
University College Cork Campus
Reports to:
Deputy Chief people & Culture Officer - Operations
This is a unique opportunity to design a modern, innovative recruitment experience driven by automation, digitisation, and AI, while ensuring a seamless transition from hiring to onboarding in close partnership with the Head of Employee Life Cycle Services and specialist HR managers in the Operations team.
As this is a newly created role, you will play a pivotal part in establishing UCC's first dedicated Talent Acquisition function. You will shape its direction, define best‑practice processes, and lay the foundation for a proactive, strategic approach to attracting outstanding talent in line with the UCC Strategic Plan goals.
As a key member of the People & Culture Operations Team, you will lead the full recruitment life cycle for all staff groups at UCC and implement forward‑thinking strategies to attract exceptional talent that supports the University's mission and future growth.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Talent Acquisition & Collaboration
* Develop and implement a university‑wide Talent Acquisition strategy aligned with the UCC Strategic Plan.
* Champion inclusive hiring practices reflecting UCC's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
* Partner with the Head of Life Cycle Services and HR specialist Managers to ensure a smooth transition from candidate selection to onboarding.
* Work with university leaders to forecast and fulfil current and future workforce needs.
Employer Branding & Talent Attraction
* Strengthen UCC's employer brand in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
* Lead recruitment marketing initiatives that showcase our culture, values, and career opportunities.
Full Recruitment Life Cycle Leadership
* Oversee end‑to‑end recruitment across all staff categories.
* Ensure seamless handover to onboarding teams, coordinating with IT, Finance, and other partners.
* Drive a consistently positive, thoughtful, and timely candidate experience.
Sourcing & Talent Pipeline Development
* Build and maintain strong talent pipelines using diverse sourcing channels and strategic partnerships.
* Work closely with academic and research leaders to recruit specialised talent
.
Candidate Experience Excellence
* Ensure every candidate receives a professional, transparent, and engaging recruitment journey-from first contact to onboarding.
* Partner with Life Cycle Services on preboarding and probation processes for a smooth new‑hire transition.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement
* Lead the adoption of digital tools, automation, and emerging technologies to improve recruitment efficiency and service delivery.
* Foster a culture of continuous improvement through stakeholder feedback and data insights.
Metrics, Reporting & Compliance
* Track and analyse recruitment metrics (e.g., time‑to‑hire, cost‑per‑hire).
* Ensure compliance with employment legislation and UCC policies in partnership with the People & Culture Compliance Manager.
* Contribute to the development of recruitment policies and best‑practice frameworks.
Team Leadership
* Lead, develop, and mentor a team of Talent Acquisition professionals.
* Create a collaborative working environment across People & Culture Operations.
* Provide training on new technologies, tools, and recruitment methodologies.
Strategic Projects
* Partner with the Head of Employee Life Cycle Services on initiatives related to talent attraction, onboarding, retention, and the wider employee experience.
* Partner with Finance and IT colleagues to develop UCC's approach to operational workforce planning and forecasting.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
* Bachelor's degree in HR, Business Administration, or a related field
* Postgraduate qualification or HR certification (CIPD or equivalent)
* 5+ years' senior‑level experience in recruitment, Talent Acquisition, or HR operations
* Proven ability to lead a Talent Acquisition team
* Experience in public sector or regulated environments
* Demonstrated stakeholder management and collaboration skills
* Excellent communication, influencing, organisational, and project management skills
* Strong experience with ATS, HRIS, and recruitment technologies
* Deep understanding of employment legislation and EDI best practices
* Strong prioritisation skills and ability to work under pressure
* Ability to interpret recruitment data and generate insights
* Evidence of continuous professional development
Desirable Criteria
* Knowledge of the Higher Education sector
* Experience with HR integration projects
* Familiarity with Irish third‑level HR policy frameworks
Key Competencies
* Leadership
* Analysis & Decision‑Making
* Delivery of Results
* Interpersonal & Communication Skills
* Specialist Expertise & Continuous Learning
* Alignment with UCC Values