Emerging Talent Senior Manager

Emerging Talent Senior Manager

CMS UK Sheffield, England, United Kingdom

CMS UK is seeking an Emerging Talent Senior Manager to shape and execute our graduate talent strategy across the UK and internationally.

• Set and deliver the overarching Emerging Talent strategy in alignment with firm-wide and client objectives.
• Lead the conceptualisation and execution of innovative marketing and brand campaigns to position the firm as a market leader in graduate talent acquisition.
• Collaborate with client relationship teams to design graduate initiatives that deliver superior value and client satisfaction.
• Champion data‑driven selection processes that are fair, consistent, and identify candidates with technical excellence and client‑centric mindsets.
• Build and nurture strategic relationships with academic institutions, industry bodies, and client representatives.
• Partner with Responsible Business and DEIB teams to deliver diversity initiatives that reflect the diversity of our clients and communities.
• Identify and implement best practices in graduate recruitment, professional skills development, and HR innovation.
• Oversee the graduate talent lifecycle from early attraction to ongoing development of future solicitors.
• Utilise analytics and market research to inform strategic decisions and measure programme impact.
• Lead, coach, and develop emerging talent team members.
• Own and deliver high‑impact projects to advance the broader strategic direction of the Talent Acquisition function.

• Extensive experience in senior emerging talent or graduate recruitment roles within leading professional services or legal environments.
• Proven ability to design and deliver talent strategies informed by commercial and client needs, with demonstrable impact on business and client outcomes.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and ability to manage complex, multi‑stakeholder projects.
• In‑depth knowledge of solicitor qualification pathways in the UK and internationally, and understanding of market trends in legal education and recruitment.
• Outstanding communication and influencing skills, with gravitas to operate effectively with senior internal and client stakeholders.
• Exceptional networker, able to build enduring relationships internally and externally to enhance the firm’s reputation and client value proposition.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with track record of delivering impactful DEIB initiatives.
• Analytical mindset, experienced using data to drive talent strategy and evidence ROI to clients and leadership.
• Resilient, adaptable, and results‑oriented, with a collaborative leadership style and commitment to the firm’s values.

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) essential; postgraduate qualifications in HR, Talent Management, or related fields highly desirable.
• Continuous professional development in emerging talent, HR, or legal education is highly valued.

• Competitive basic salary (reviewed annually)
• Flexible, hybrid working policy
• Generous bonus scheme
• Up to 25 days holiday (rising to 28 days with service)
• Holiday exchange scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced parental leave
• Reasonable adjustments and accommodation for disabled talent in accordance with the Equality Act 2010

We want to reward you today and help you plan for tomorrow. To learn more about our benefits, please visit our Rewards & Benefits page on our website.