Social Impact Talent Acquisition Senior Advisor

Job Introduction

At Sodexo, we believe in the power of inclusive employment to transform lives and communities. As our Social Impact Talent Acquisition Senior Advisor, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a more equitable future by connecting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds—including those with convictions—with meaningful career opportunities across our UK and Ireland operations.

This role is ideal for someone with hands-on experience working within prison environments or supporting prison leavers into employment. You’ll collaborate closely with operational teams, client sites, and Sodexo-operated prisons to embed inclusive hiring practices, trial ROTL placements, and build sustainable post-release employment pathways. Your work will directly contribute to our social value commitments while helping to meet business recruitment needs.

If you're passionate about social justice, skilled in stakeholder engagement, and ready to make a tangible impact through recruitment, we’d love to hear from you.

Role Responsibility

Key Responsibilities: 

• Identify and prioritise Sodexo-operated sites and key client accounts across the UK and Ireland that offer inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with convictions and those from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Partner with operational and account managers to embed inclusive hiring practices and create strong pathways into employment for diverse talent and individuals with convictions. 
• Facilitate connections between Sodexo-operated prisons and nearby contracts to trial Release on Temporary License (ROTL) placements and establish sustainable post-release employment opportunities.
• Support the Social Impact Talent Acquisition Lead in overseeing local implementation, tracking progress, and escalating support needs to ensure successful delivery.
• Provide expert guidance and market insights to hiring managers to inform socially impactful recruitment decisions.
• Collaborate with internal teams to understand recruitment needs across all business segments, ensuring alignment with social impact goals.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), including diversity metrics, hiring outcomes, and candidate feedback.
• Assist Sodexo-operated prisons in designing and delivering targeted training and workshops aligned with workforce demands.
• Represent Sodexo at career fairs, community outreach initiatives, and recruitment events to promote opportunities and build meaningful connections.

Challenges and Key Issues:

• Navigating complex recruitment forecasting across diverse business segments.
• Understanding ROTL terms and prison specifications.
• Understanding vetting requirements across varied roles and segments.
• Keeping up to date of changes in prison regulations and employment legislation affecting prison leavers.
• Developing a deep understanding of Sodexo client sites and operational contexts.

Key Accountabilities: 

• Deliver a responsive, brand-affirming recruitment service for individuals with convictions
• Provide excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Support the measurement and enhancement of Sodexo’s social value metrics.

The Ideal Candidate

• Strong understanding of social recruitment practices and barriers to employment.
• Direct experience working with prison populations, prison leavers, or within custodial environments.
• Familiarity with ROTL programmes and post-release employment pathways.
• Commitment to creating opportunities for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Professional, friendly, and responsive approach.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Organised and able to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• High attention to detail and ability to work independently or collaboratively.
• Respect for confidentiality and ethical conduct.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Willingness and ability to travel to various sites as required.

If you are passionate about making a difference and have the skills to lead this initiative, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now to join us in driving social value and supporting individuals with convictions in their journey to meaningful employment.

Package Description

• Social Impact Talent Acquisition Advisor
• £30,000 per annum plus bonus and benefits 
• Monday - Friday (8:30am - 5pm)
• Permanent Contract 
• Working from home with regular travel required

About the Company

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

• We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces-friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Working Parents, Sodexo Disability, So together, generations and origins. We have also launched Be Heard which is an employee network designed to bring black colleagues together (virtually) to bring about positive change.
• We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations.
• We’re a ‘ban the box’ employer, which means we don’t ask people to disclose their convictions unless the role needs a security check. 
• We recognise the potential of people with convictions in the job market. Helping those with a criminal history securing employment is not only critically important for the individuals themselves but can also be hugely beneficial for wider society. Offering second chances can be an effective investment in local communities and a great solution for local skills and labour market needs. 

Click here to read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture.