Head of Talent

About MAG

MAG (Mines Advisory Group) is a humanitarian organisation headquartered in Manchester, UK, with operations across 32 countries. Its work focuses on clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance so communities can safely use land again, and on reducing armed violence by helping governments manage weapons and ammunition securely. In 1997, MAG shared the Nobel Peace Prize for its advocacy in support of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention.

About the role

This opportunity sits within MAG’s Strategic Framework 2024–2028 and is central to building a diverse, inclusive global workforce with the right capabilities, capacity, and culture to deliver strong programme impact. The Head of Talent will provide both strategic and day-to-day leadership across recruitment, promotion, and deployment, while also shaping and delivering a talent strategy aligned with the organisation’s wider goals.

Initially, the role will focus on UK-based contract positions, including roles in Manchester, remote and roving posts, and international programme roles. Over time, it will also help strengthen the recruitment capability of local teams. Working within the People & Culture leadership group, you will collaborate closely with the Head of Human Resources, Safeguarding Lead, and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Manager to ensure joined-up practice across the function.

What you will do

• Set the strategic direction for MAG’s talent approach and turn that strategy into practical delivery.
• Oversee recruitment, promotion, and deployment processes across the organisation.
• Lead a team to make sure hiring processes are modern, transparent, and accessible for both internal and external candidates.
• Support recruitment for Leadership Team positions, other difficult-to-fill senior posts, and governance roles.
• Work with stakeholders across the organisation to understand hiring needs and design effective solutions.
• Help build recruitment capability within local teams.
• Use technology and process improvement to make recruitment more efficient and effective.
• Work in close alignment with People & Culture colleagues, EDI, and safeguarding priorities.

Requirements

MAG is looking for someone with extensive experience leading teams that deliver end-to-end recruitment in an international setting, ideally within the humanitarian or NGO sector. You should understand good practice in talent acquisition and be able to adapt it to organisational context and operational needs. The role also calls for strong collaboration, stakeholder engagement, creativity, and the ability to influence at all levels.

A strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding is essential, along with confidence in using technology to improve recruitment outcomes.

Eligibility and working arrangements

This position is based in the UK, so candidates must already have the right to work in the UK. MAG cannot provide visa sponsorship for this post. Applicants who have not confirmed their right to work in the UK on their application cannot be considered.

MAG welcomes flexible working and job-share requests. If you are applying with an existing job-share partner, you may contact recruitment@maginternational.org for further guidance.

The role is subject to background checks before any offer is confirmed as part of MAG’s safeguarding commitments.

Benefits

The salary is £56,220 per year and increases with service. MAG offers a salary-sacrifice group personal pension scheme and matches employee contributions up to 5%.

Annual leave starts at five weeks per year and rises to six weeks with service. Paid sick leave is also provided and increases with service; after two years, the entitlement is 13 weeks. Additional policies include compassionate leave, flexible working, and family leave covering maternity, paternity, adoption, and surrogacy.

MAG also provides personal accident insurance and life assurance for all staff, plus medical and repatriation insurance for time spent overseas while working for the organisation. In certain cases, MAG will cover the annual membership fee for one professional body. Staff also have free access to the Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme, which offers 24/7 confidential support and expert advice.

How to apply

Applicants must submit a CV and cover letter explaining their suitability for the role before 9:00am UK time on 6 July 2026.