Sarah Manning

Global Head of Talent Acquisition, Stephenson Harwood LLP

Sarah is an experienced, dedicated talent acquisition specialist, with an in-depth understanding of professional services. Over almost 20 years’ experience included running her own business and becoming a UK Board member of a NASDAQ listed business, before moving in-house to lead global TA functions. Currently, Sarah’s focus is on creating and delivering strategy for a fast growing global law firm around staff attraction and retention, business growth, culture and leadership.

She is a self-confessed recruitment geek, you’ll find Sarah talking about talent management, organisational change and neurodiversity, whilst focusing her learning on AI, tech trends and data analysis.

Sarah is a proud mum to a beautiful 4 year old, and an avid bookworm. She notes that she is a distinctly average triathlete and her body composition is usually 85% cheese!

What’s a professional achievement of yours from 2024 that you are proud of?

Creating and delivering an industry-specific Exec Search strategy to underpin our strategic growth for the coming years.

How has the RL Community helped you this year?

The RL Community gives me access to the brightest, most dedicated subject matter experts in TA, all wrapped up in a community hug!

What is your prediction for the TA industry for 2025?

Another bumpy year ahead – continue to do less with more, embrace AI, and hope to be in one of the sectors that thrives.