Jay Henderson: A Transformational Leader in Talent Acquisition and Sports Coaching
In the ever-changing world of talent acquisition, one name that consistently stands out for innovation, strategy, and leadership is Jay Henderson. Currently serving as Head of Talent Acquisition at Birmingham City Football Club, Jay Henderson has built a remarkable career through his dedication to recruitment excellence, people development, and sports leadership. His career spans across global corporations, high-profile football clubs, and entrepreneurial ventures, reflecting a rare blend of business acumen and sporting passion.
This article delves into the professional journey, expertise, and achievements of Jay Henderson, highlighting the skills and leadership qualities that make him a respected figure in both the corporate and sporting sectors.
Early Career Foundations
Building Recruitment Expertise
Jay Henderson’s career began in recruitment consultancy, where he honed his skills in sourcing, candidate management, and client relations. Working with Project Resource Ltd between 2005 and 2008, he specialised in construction and quantity surveying roles. His early experience laid the groundwork for his deep understanding of recruitment dynamics and the importance of aligning the right talent with the right organisation.
Following this, he joined Premier Group Recruitment, focusing on the electronics and manufacturing sectors. These roles provided Henderson with hands-on expertise in niche markets and exposed him to the fast-paced environment of recruitment delivery.
Transition to Large-Scale Talent Solutions
In 2009, Henderson joined Alexander Mann Solutions (AMS), one of the world’s leading recruitment outsourcing firms. Over a period of five years, he worked on high-value accounts, including Vodafone and BAE Systems. His roles progressed from Internal Recruiter to Lead Sourcing Specialist and Resource Specialist. During this time, he became adept at designing sourcing strategies for technical and engineering roles, managing service delivery, and working directly with clients on complex recruitment requirements.
Establishing Leadership in Talent Acquisition
Travelport: Scaling Recruitment Across Europe
From 2016 to 2020, Henderson served as Talent Acquisition Lead at Travelport, a global technology company. Here, he directed commercial, sales, and technology recruitment across Europe. Managing a team of recruiters, he led transformation projects in talent systems and processes.
Key achievements included:
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Raising productivity levels across recruitment teams.
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Reducing time-to-hire by over two weeks through streamlined processes.
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Enhancing candidate satisfaction by 50% with innovative interview frameworks.
His ability to implement data-driven solutions and create structured workforce plans positioned him as a leader who could balance operational delivery with strategic foresight.
Entrepreneurial Drive at JOSE Talent Solutions
In 2020, Henderson founded JOSE Talent Solutions, where he provided tailored recruitment consultancy across multiple sectors including defence, food and beverage, and sports. He delivered end-to-end recruitment strategies, implemented new applicant tracking systems, and designed interview frameworks for clients. This entrepreneurial chapter displayed his capacity for innovation and adaptability in varied business environments.
Global Impact at Cisco
Between 2021 and 2024, Henderson worked with Cisco, one of the world’s leading technology companies, as Talent Acquisition Lead and later Talent Acquisition Leader. He oversaw workforce planning and talent strategies across EMEAR (Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Russia).
Key contributions included:
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Leading transformative projects that enhanced operational excellence.
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Driving continuous improvement initiatives across recruitment teams.
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Increasing candidate Net Promoter Score from +10 to +50.
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Reducing sourcing time from 38 days to just 21 days.
At Cisco, Henderson became known for his ability to merge technology with human-centric processes. He championed diversity, equity, and inclusion in recruitment practices, ensuring fair and unbiased candidate experiences.
Birmingham City Football Club: Leading Talent Acquisition
Head of Talent Acquisition
In September 2024, Henderson took on the role of Head of Talent Acquisition at Birmingham City Football Club. This position marked a natural progression, combining his corporate expertise with his long-standing passion for football and sports.
At Birmingham City FC, Henderson’s responsibilities include:
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Direct sourcing of top talent across football and business operations.
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Driving transformative projects in recruitment processes.
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Developing new interview formats and facilitating training.
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Monitoring data to ensure continuous improvement and efficiency.
By aligning the club’s recruitment strategy with its overall vision, Henderson is helping Birmingham City FC build a strong workforce culture that extends beyond the pitch.
Parallel Career in Sports Coaching
Rugby Leadership Roles
Alongside his corporate achievements, Jay Henderson has also cultivated a career in sports coaching. His roles include:
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Head Coach at Phoenix Rugby Club (2021–2023), where he focused on team development and grassroots growth.
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Director of Rugby at Phoenix Rugby Club (2023–2024), overseeing strategy, coaching frameworks, and player development.
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Rugby Coach at CS Stags 1863 (2024–Present), continuing his commitment to mentoring athletes and fostering community engagement.
Through these positions, Henderson has demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and the ability to inspire teams, skills that directly complement his professional career in recruitment.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Co-founding Physio on Demand
In 2024, Henderson co-founded Physio on Demand, a business aimed at providing tailored physiotherapy services. His involvement highlights his entrepreneurial drive and interest in combining health, performance, and customer service. With a focus on data-driven insights and emerging trends, this venture underscores his ability to identify market opportunities and deliver value to clients.
Skills and Professional Strengths
Jay Henderson’s career reflects a wide array of expertise and skills, including:
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Talent Acquisition Strategy: Designing innovative recruitment processes that align with organisational goals.
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Project and Change Management: Leading transformative initiatives across industries.
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Workforce Planning: Ensuring precise forecasting and talent pipeline development.
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Diversity and Inclusion: Embedding fairness and equity within recruitment.
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Leadership and Mentorship: Developing individuals and teams to achieve peak performance.
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Sports Coaching: Translating leadership principles from business into sport.
Personal Philosophy and Professional Approach
Henderson’s approach is deeply rooted in people-first values. He believes in empowering teams through mentorship and professional development, creating environments where individuals can thrive. His career demonstrates a balance between analytical, data-driven decision-making and interpersonal communication.
At every stage, Henderson has shown a commitment to continuous improvement, whether by introducing new recruitment technologies, optimising candidate experience, or mentoring aspiring sports players.
Conclusion
Jay Henderson is more than a recruitment leader; he is a professional who bridges the worlds of business and sport with equal passion and effectiveness. From leading talent acquisition strategies at global corporations like Cisco and Travelport to shaping the future workforce of Birmingham City Football Club, Henderson has proven his ability to deliver results.
His parallel career in rugby coaching and entrepreneurial ventures further highlight his versatility and drive. As organisations increasingly value leaders who combine strategic insight with human connection, Jay Henderson stands as an exemplar of how modern professionals can succeed across industries.
Through dedication, innovation, and a strong belief in people development, Jay Henderson continues to leave a lasting impact on the organisations and communities he serves.
