Early Careers Manager

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Early Careers Lead to design, implement, and manage our early careers strategy.

This role will focus primarily on apprenticeships while also expanding internship and work experience programmes. You will play a key role in aligning early talent initiatives with workforce planning and long-term business objectives, ensuring a sustainable talent pipeline

Key Responsibilities

Early Careers Strategy & Programme Development

• Develop and execute a comprehensive early careers strategy encompassing apprenticeships, internships, and graduate programmes.
• Align early career pathways with the Talent & Succession framework.
• Ensure full compliance with apprenticeship levy regulations and optimise its utilisation.
• Levy Strategy & Management
• Develop and implement a strategy to optimise the use of the apprenticeship levy across the organisation.
• Monitor levy fund usage, expiry timelines, and ensure alignment with workforce development needs.
• Provide regular reporting and insights to senior leadership on levy performance and ROI.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with schools, colleges, universities, and training providers.
• Lead outreach activities including careers fairs, work placements, and networking events.
• Enhance the organisation’s employer brand to attract high-potential early career talent.
• Learning, Development & Performance
• Oversee the learning journey for apprentices, interns, and graduates.
• Support line managers in coaching and developing early career colleagues.
• Monitor performance and implement tailored development plans.
• Stakeholder & Supplier Management
• Serve as the primary contact for training providers and external partners.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure programmes meet evolving business needs.
• Maintain accurate reporting and compliance with funding and levy requirements.
• Champion inclusive practices across all early career's initiatives.
• Design and implement strategies to attract and support underrepresented groups.
• Ensure accessibility and inclusivity are embedded throughout the early career's lifecycle.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Collaborative team player with adaptability
• Customer-focused with a strategic mindset
• Analytical thinking and data interpretation
• Effective project and budget management

Technical & Professional Skills

• Stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• Programme and project delivery
• DEI advocacy and inclusive programme design
• Data analysis and reporting
• Presentation and facilitation skills

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience in early careers, talent acquisition, or learning & development within a large or multi-site organisation.
• Demonstrated success in designing and managing early careers programmes.
• In-depth knowledge of the apprenticeship levy and experience working with training providers.
• Experience collaborating with educational institutions to build talent pipelines.
• Proven experience with the use of the apprenticeship

Team & Culture

You will be part of the Talent & Culture team, a group dedicated to shaping a positive employee experience and fostering a values-driven workplace. The team leads strategic talent initiatives and champions diversity, equity, and inclusion