Early Careers Development Lead

baesystems; Rochester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

BAE Systems in Rochester, Kent (On-Site) is seeking an Early Careers Development Lead to coordinate Graduate, Undergraduate, Apprenticeship and Education Services across Aerospace and Mission Systems. You will collaborate with business leaders, learners and partners to deliver high-quality development programs and build future talent pipelines.

The role requires strong programme management, stakeholder engagement and a passion for learning, with responsibilities spanning calendar management, End

Qualifications

• Experience in an Early Careers, Talent, Learning & Development or Education environment.
• Experience managing graduate, undergraduate or apprenticeship programmes.
• Knowledge of apprenticeship frameworks and learner development methodologies.
• Ability to analyse programme data and drive continuous improvement.
• Experience designing learner engagement or feedback initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day delivery of Graduate, Undergraduate and Education Services programmes.
• Act as SME for Early Careers development and support stakeholders.
• Own and manage annual Early Careers programme calendar.
• Oversee End Point Review process and learner progression.
• Design communication, engagement and feedback initiatives.
• Lead Education Services and STEM outreach activities with partners.
• Coordinate Education Services activity and maximise STEM Ambassador network.
• Oversee Level 6 Engineering and Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeships.
• Support Early Careers attraction, recruitment and onboarding.

Skills

Early Careers

Graduate/Undergraduate/Apprenticeships

Data analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent

Job description

Job Title: Early Careers Development Lead

Location: Rochester; Kent (On-Site)

Grade: GG10

You’re expected to have completed 12 months in role prior to applying for an advertised vacancy and you should also discuss the internal opportunity with your line manager to ensure sustained business continuity and to further support your career development.

We know there may be exceptional individual circumstances that impact this, in the first instance please discuss this with your line manager.

If you don’t feel you can talk to your line manager, you can contact your HRBP.

PLEASE NOTE: Should you be invited for interview; you acknowledge that the Recruitment team will contact you and your line manager regarding your application for this opportunity.

Job Description

As an Early Careers Development Lead, you will be responsible for the delivery and continuous improvement of Graduate, Undergraduate, Apprenticeship and Education Services programmes across Aerospace and Mission Systems. Working with business leaders, programme participants, educational partners and Early Careers teams, you will oversee key development activities, support talent attraction and progression, and help ensure a high-quality experience for learners. The role plays a key part in developing future talent pipelines, strengthening external partnerships and supporting the business's long-term skills and workforce capability requirements.

Core duties

• Lead the day-to-day delivery and coordination of Graduate, Undergraduate and Education Services programmes across Aerospace and Mission Systems
• Act as the subject matter expert for Early Careers development, providing guidance and support to managers, programme participants and key stakeholders
• Own and manage the annual Early Careers programme calendar, including inductions, development activities, engagement events, End Point Reviews and offboarding
• Manage the End Point Review process, monitoring participant progress, development and performance to ensure successful programme outcomes
• Design and deliver communication, engagement and feedback initiatives that enhance participation, inclusion and the learner experience
• Lead Education Services and STEM outreach activities, building partnerships with schools, colleges, universities and community organisations to support future talent pipelines
• Coordinate Education Services activity and maximise the impact of the STEM Ambassador network
• Oversee the delivery of Level 6 Engineering and Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship programmes, including planning, stakeholder engagement, learner support and supplier management
• Support Early Careers attraction, recruitment and onboarding activities, whilst providing day-to-day direction to colleagues involved in programme delivery

Essential Skills

• Experience working within an Early Careers, Talent, Learning & Development or Education environment
• Experience managing or coordinating graduate, undergraduate or apprenticeship programmes
• Knowledge of apprenticeship frameworks, graduate development programmes and learner development methodologies
• Experience designing and delivering learner engagement, development or feedback initiatives
• Ability to analyse programme data, measure outcomes and identify opportunities for continuous improvement

The Early Careers Team

Employed within BAE Systems Shared Services, you will join a team dedicated to delivering Graduate, Undergraduate, Apprenticeship, Education Services and Skills programmes across the Aerospace and Mission Systems business in Rochester.

As part of the wider Early Careers & Skills community, you will support the attraction, development and progression of emerging talent, helping to build future workforce capability through partnerships with educational institutions, community organisations and business stakeholders. Collaborating with colleagues across Apprenticeship Delivery, Graduate Programmes, Recruitment and Skills Development, you will contribute to the successful delivery of a high-quality Early Careers experience across Aerospace and Mission Systems.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people, who are BAE Systems employees and have been in their current role for 12 months or longer.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 16th October2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.