Job Title: Recruitment Business Partner

Line Manager: Head of Recruitment and Training

Department: Training and Recruitment

Location: Willesden Junction

Job summary

Reporting to the Head of Recruitment and Training, the Recruitment Business Partner will lead the strategic direction of the recruitment function, ensuring alignment with business goals and operational needs across all garage locations. This role requires a strong HR foundation, analytical capability to interpret business data, and innovative thinking to address recruitment challenges—particularly in hard-to-fill geographic areas. The Recruitment Business Partner will manage a team of Recruitment Assistants and collaborate cross-functionally to enhance candidate quality, retention, and cost-efficiency.

The ability to deputise for the Head of Recruitment and Training and cover for the Training Operations Manager when required.

Main Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Data Analysis

• Analyse business data and workforce trends to identify recruitment challenges and opportunities.
• Develop targeted recruitment strategies for difficult-to-fill garage locations.
• Monitor and report on recruitment KPIs.
• Manage recruitment budgets, advertising spend (ROI) and cost efficiency of sourcing channels.

Team Leadership & Operational Oversight

• Lead, coach, and develop the Recruitment Team to achieve performance targets.
• Manage staff performance, attendance, and professional development.
• Inspire and motivate staff within the department enabling them to reach their full potential.
• Deputise for the Head of Recruitment and Training and provide cover for the Training Operations Manager when required.

Compliance & HR Integration

• Ensure recruitment practices comply with immigration laws, HR standards, and company policies.
• Collaborate with HR to align recruitment with broader workforce planning and retention strategies.
• Maintain accurate payroll and budget records for the recruitment department.

Innovative Talent Acquisition

• Design and implement creative recruitment campaigns, including community outreach and digital marketing.
• Build strategic partnerships with external stakeholders (e.g., DWP, Prison & Probation Services, employment schemes), to reach underrepresented groups.
• Explore and pilot “outside-the-box” initiatives to attract and retain talent, such as referral programs, flexible hiring models, and targeted advertising.
• Work closely with the communications team to produce and post job adverts that attract appropriate candidates

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Work closely with internal departments including the Communications Team to craft compelling job adverts, leverage digital platforms and social media to reach wider audiences.
• Represent the recruitment department in strategic meetings and executive reporting (as required).
• Provide monthly establishment figures and recruitment updates to senior leadership and other stakeholders.

Carry out various ad hoc tasks, projects and additional duties as required by the business.

Essential Criteria for application

• Proven ability to lead recruitment strategy and manage a team effectively.
• Strong understanding of HR principles, onboarding compliance, and workforce planning.
• Experience in analysing recruitment data and translating insights into action.
• Ability to work independently and deputise for senior leadership.
• Working towards or holding one or more of the following:
• CIPD Level 5+ or equivalent.
• Certificate in Recruitment Management.
• Certificate in Recruitment Resourcing.

Competencies & Skills

• Excellent written and spoken English with the ability to communicate clearly and at all levels.
• Directly manage a team of Recruitment Assistants and make key decisions
• Excellent attention for detail.
• Excellent Microsoft Word & Microsoft Excel skills.
• Understanding of immigration regulations, right-to-work checks, and transport industry standards.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Must be proactive, methodical, seek innovation and results orientated.
• Highly organised, motivated and able to prioritise workload.
• Ability to use initiative and identify solutions.
• Discreet when managing confidential matters.
• Ability to forecast staffing needs based on operational data.
• Align recruitment strategies with long-term business goals and driver availability.
• Ability to influence and persuade key decision makers.
• Must be a team player and willing to develop others to increase team and individual performance.
• Be able to build trust with garage management teams and external partners.

Hours of work: 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday

The Equality Act

Metroline is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with due regard to legal obligations for protected characteristics i.e. age, disability, marriage and civil partnership, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation.

How to apply

Please email your CV and a cover letter to: vacancies@metroline.co.uk

Please ensure that the subject line of your email clearly indicates the position and vacancy code

Applications

Applications should include:

• the reasons you are applying for the post
• why you believe you are a suitable candidate
• any relevant qualifications or experience