Derek H.
Derek H.
Senior TA Partner

Keen to receive questions about

Applications Everyday life General Why us

Top advice

"One thing I’ve learned is that you don’t have to know everything in..."

Career path

About Derek H.

Current position
As a Senior Talent Acquisition Partner at First Bus, I play a key role in finding and attracting top talent to help drive our business forward. With a strong background in recruitment, direct sourcing, and consulting, I work closely with hiring managers, HR, and business leaders to ensure we bring the right people into the right roles at the right time. My role is all about combining hands-on recruitment expertise with a deep understanding of the business. I build tailored sourcing strategies, provide market insights, and offer practical, data-led recommendations that support both immediate hiring needs and long-term workforce planning. I manage end-to-end recruitment processes across multiple channels, always with a focus on delivering a great candidate experience and a smooth, efficient process for hiring teams. It’s a role that allows me to make a real impact—helping First Bus stay competitive and aligned with evolving industry trends by ensuring we have the right talent in place to succeed.
Main motivation
What I really enjoy about my job at First Bus is knowing that I’m helping people find roles where they can genuinely do well and feel valued. It’s a great feeling to be part of someone’s journey into a new job, especially when you know it’s the right fit for them and the business. No two days are the same, which keeps things interesting! I get to work with different teams, come up with new ways to find great candidates, and support managers in building strong, reliable teams. First Bus is a really supportive place to work. Everyone’s working towards the same goal. It’s nice to be part of a company that cares about its people and is always looking to improve. That’s what makes it such a rewarding place to be.
Top advice
One thing I’ve learned is that you don’t have to know everything in the beginning. No one really does, and that’s completely okay. The most important thing is to be open to learning. Ask questions, even the ones you think might sound silly. Don’t be afraid to try new things or make mistakes. That’s how you learn.
Greatest achievement
Throughout my career in talent acquisition, I've had the opportunity to work across a range of sectors, from public service to transport and professional sport, where I've developed a passion for connecting people with the right opportunities and driving meaningful hiring outcomes. Here are some of the key achievements I’m most proud of: Played a key role in adapting recruitment processes to changing industry trends, including the integration of AI-driven sourcing strategies and data-led decision-making to improve time-to-hire and application quality. Supported the launch and growth of specialist services, such as the FlixBus partnership at First Bus, by delivering tailored recruitment support and ensuring the right talent was in place to meet new service expectations. Successfully delivered recruitment campaigns for a wide variety of roles including permanent staff, contractors, and temporary positions — always ensuring a smooth, positive experience for both hiring managers and candidates. Introduced process improvements to enhance the speed and quality of hiring across public sector environments, supporting compliance and fairness while maintaining a high standard of service delivery. Led and developed recruitment teams, offering support and mentorship to ensure consistency, motivation, and professional growth across the teams you’ve managed. Brought a unique blend of commercial and sporting talent expertise, leveraging experience as a football scout and head of recruitment to identify potential, assess suitability, and build long-term partnerships with talent — whether in transport, public service, or professional sport. Partnered with Police Scotland’s senior leadership to align talent acquisition with strategic workforce goals, ensuring the right structures were in place to attract high-integrity and aligned personnel. Transferred elite-level talent identification skills from the sports sector into the corporate world, bringing a sharp eye for potential, performance, and cultural fit in high-pressure environments

Discussions with Derek H.

Good afternoon. I am wondering if there is a driving vacancy in the carmarthen area. Thank you

Open roles, Open positions

  • 1 replies
  • 7 views

Did you offer sponsorship for experienced Bus Driver. Who is already working as Bus driver in UK. I am fully flexible.

I need sponsorship. It doesn't matter in which areas you are giving .... I can move there....

Eligibility advice, Visas

  • 2 replies
  • 41 views

I meant do you have any vacancies in southeast London for trainees

Open roles, Open positions

  • 1 replies
  • 15 views

I have recently had a drink drive ban, does this mean l cannot apply for driving jobs?

Eligibility advice, Eligibility

  • 1 replies
  • 7 views

Can I be hired as a bus driver from abroad

Eligibility advice, Eligibility

  • 1 replies
  • 7 views