Talent Acquisition Partner - Contingent Hiring (6 Months Fixed Term)

Join Kainos and Shape the Future

At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting-edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.

We believe in a people-first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.

Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.

About the Role

The Talent Acquisition team at Kainos is responsible for delivering a high-quality, efficient, and compliant recruitment service aligned to Business Unit (BU) workforce demand. Operating across the UK & Ireland, Europe, and North America, we partner with the business to deliver a best-in-class contingent workforce solution through a blend of direct sourcing and approved supplier channels.

As a Talent Acquisition Partner (Senior Associate) - 6 months Fixed Term, you will play a key role in the end-to-end delivery of contingent hiring. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to attract, engage, and onboard high-calibre contract talent, ensuring a seamless and compliant experience throughout.

Key Responsibilities

Contingent Hiring Delivery

• Deliver contingent hiring aligned to commercial priorities and workforce demand
• Partner with stakeholders, Workforce Planning, and Contingent Workforce teams to understand hiring needs by capability, location, and contract type
• Execute sourcing strategies using a mix of direct sourcing and approved suppliers

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure all contingent hiring activity complies with Kainos procedure and regulatory requirements
• Adhere to processes covering supplier engagement, rate approvals, onboarding, and audit controls
• Maintain accurate and auditable records across the full contingent hiring lifecycle

Supplier & Cost Management

• Operate a ‘direct-first’ approach, leveraging suppliers where appropriate
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure quality, speed, and compliance
• Support cost-effective delivery through rate benchmarking and adherence to rate cards

Candidate Experience & Delivery Excellence

• Deliver a consistent, high-quality candidate experience across all contingent channels
• Ensure alignment to Kainos processes, values, and governance standards
• Act as an escalation point for issues impacting candidates or supplier delivery

Data, Reporting & Performance

• Use MI and reporting to track delivery performance (e.g. time-to-fill, cost, supplier effectiveness)
• Support data-driven discussions with stakeholders to improve outcomes
• Identify and proactively address risks or blockers to delivery

Talent Pipeline & Market Engagement

• Build and maintain contractor talent pipelines to reduce reliance on reactive hiring
• Partner with suppliers to access diverse, high-quality talent pools
• Contribute to employer branding and market engagement activities

Tools & Process Optimisation

• Use ATS and internal systems (e.g. Workday) to manage hiring activity and maintain data integrity
• Leverage sourcing tools (e.g. LinkedIn, Boolean search) to maximise talent reach
• Identify opportunities to improve contingent hiring processes, governance, and efficiency

Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Work cross-functionally with TA, HR, and business stakeholders
• Share insights on supplier performance, market trends, and best practice
• Contribute to initiatives focused on improving contingent workforce governance and delivery

Essential Requirements

• Degree educated or equivalent experience
• Experience within Talent Acquisition or agency recruitment with strong exposure to contingent hiring
• Strong understanding of contingent workforce models and supplier-led recruitment
• Knowledge of compliance requirements relating to contingent hiring (e.g. right to work, background checks)
• Excellent organisational and communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels
• Experience managing sourcing strategies across both direct and supplier channels
• Strong commercial awareness, including cost management and rate alignment
• Experience using MI to drive performance and inform decisions
• Proactive, solutions-focused mindset with strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, delivery-focused environment
• Strong knowledge of recruitment systems and sourcing tools (ATS, LinkedIn, Boolean search)
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams
• Focus on continuous improvement and process optimisation

Desirable

• Experience working within a global organisation
• Exposure to contingent workforce governance and audit processes
• Knowledge of IR35 legislation and its application in contractor engagements

At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive.   We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are.   We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field. 

Our friendly talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way, so if you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out. 

We understand that everyone's journey is different, and by having a private conversation we can ensure that our recruitment process is tailored to your needs.