Talent Acquisition Engagement and Communication Lead

Location: Hybrid - minimum 2 days per week, site based in Oxfordshire
Full-time, Fixed Term Contract (7 months)

Salary: Up to £32,000 Per annum

The Talent Acquisition Engagement and Communication Lead will play a key role in enhancing the candidate experience from the point of application through onboarding and into the first three months of employment. This role is responsible for shaping and delivering engaging, consistent, and inclusive communication that reflects Serco's values and ensures new starters feel welcomed, informed, and supported.

Working closely with Talent Acquisition, HR, Marketing & Outreach, and Campaign Lead, this role ensures a smooth and connected candidate journey that contributes to a strong employer brand and positive early experience.

Key Responsibilities:

Candidate Communication Strategy

1. Develop and lead a communication strategy that supports candidates from offer stage through onboarding and up to 90 days in post.
2. Ensure timely, personalised, and engaging messaging across all touchpoints in the early talent lifecycle.
3. Maintain a consistent tone of voice aligned with the employer brand across job offers, onboarding packs, welcome emails, and check-in communications.

Onboarding & Early Engagement

1. Coordinate and deliver pre-start communication, including welcome information, logistical details, and what to expect in the first days.
2. Partner with HR and Hiring Managers to align on onboarding timelines, responsibilities, and key messaging.
3. Create and support post-start communication campaigns (e.g. Day 1, Week 1, Month 1, Month 3), ensuring new hires remain informed and connected.
4. Design feedback loops and check-in points to assess new starter experience and inform improvements.

Employer Brand & EVP

1. Embed the Employee Value Proposition (EVP) into candidate and new starter communications.
2. Ensure all communication reflects the organisation's culture, values, and inclusive practices.
3. Support storytelling initiatives that showcase employee experiences and promote retention during the early employment period.

Content Creation & Engagement Tools

1. Produce high-quality candidate-facing materials, such as onboarding guides, welcome packs, and FAQs.
2. Support the development of digital and visual content (e.g. video welcome messages, interactive onboarding timelines).
3. Leverage data and insights from candidate feedback, surveys, and retention trends to evolve communication strategies.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

1. Work in close partnership with the Marketing & Outreach team to align messaging and branding across channels.
2. Collaborate with Talent Acquisition, HR, L&D, and Internal Communications to ensure consistency and support across the early employee journey.
3. Provide hiring managers with toolkits and communication templates to support new starters effectively.

Required Skills and Experience:

1. Experience in recruitment communications, onboarding, internal communications, or employer branding.
2. Communication: Excellent writing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear and engaging messaging.
3. Candidate-Focused: Deep understanding of candidate and new starter needs across the early stages of employment.
4. Content Creation: Experience developing communication materials across multiple formats and channels.
5. Collaboration: Proven ability to work cross-functionally and build relationships across departments.
6. Detail-Oriented: Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple communication streams simultaneously.
7. Analytical: Comfortable using data and feedback to adapt and improve communication plans.

This role is ideal for someone who:

1. Is passionate about creating exceptional candidate and onboarding experiences.
2. Understands the importance of communication in building early engagement and long-term retention.
3. Brings creativity, empathy, and organisation to everything they do.
4. Thrives in a collaborative environment with a clear focus on people and purpose.

Why Join Us?

1. Opportunities for growth and professional development, while owning and driving campaign performance.
2. 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (PA).
3. Up to 6% contributory pension scheme.
4. Health and wellbeing benefits including Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, a wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service.
5. Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel.
6. Join our employee networks where colleagues can come together, meet new people, find support, share ideas and be part of a real community.