We’re looking for an experienced and proactive Lead Talent Acquisition Specialist to join our UK Hub team in Basingstoke.

As a Lead Talent Acquisition Specialist focusing on professional and salaried recruitment across the UK. You will lead the charge in ensuring a seamless hiring manager experience and crafting effective recruitment strategies, from candidate sourcing and attraction to screening and presentation of top-tier talent. Working closely with Hiring Managers, you'll take proactive steps to address the business's evolving needs while actively contributing to the cultivation of a robust talent pipeline. Your pivotal role will not only ensure Merlin attracts and retains top-notch employees but also fosters a culture of continuous talent development and growth.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

*Partner closely with hiring managers to understand role requirements, timelines, and success profiles for each vacancy.

*Serve as primary point of contact for candidates throughout the process, ensuring positive and professional experience.

*Maintain accurate and timely data in the Applicant Tracking System (iCIMS) and support reporting requirements.

*Manage the full recruitment lifecycle, from role briefing and advertising to sourcing, screening, interviewing, offer and onboarding management.

 *Experience managing end-to-end recruitment processes for professional or salaried roles, ideally within a large or multi-site organisation.

*Familiarity with sourcing techniques and tools, such as job boards, LinkedIn

*Strong candidate screening and interviewing skills, able to assess suitability against role requirements 

*Proven ability to build positive working relationships with hiring managers and HR colleagues

*Comfortable using Applicant Tracking Systems (ideally iCIMS or similar) and ensuring accurate data management throughout the recruitment process

*Awareness of relevant recruitment regulations and best practices to ensure a positive and compliant candidate experience

*Highly organised, with strong communication skills and a proactive, solutions-focused approach

We’re growing fast and alongside a fun and friendly environment, we offer a fabulous package and amazing prospects – ideal if you’re already fantastic and want to become even better (our magic can help here). Benefits include Pension, Life Assurance, discretionary company bonus, 33 days’ holiday including bank holidays, a Merlin Magic Pass which gives you and your friends and family free admission to all of our attractions worldwide, an Enjoy the Ride pass which entitles you and 5 loved ones unlimited entry into your regional attractions, 25% discount in our retail shops and restaurants and 40% discount on LEGO, plus lots more!