Early Careers Development Manager

Freshfields; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Manchester is seeking an Early Careers Development Manager to oversee and enhance the development of their Trainee Solicitors and Solicitor-Apprentices. In this pivotal role, you will design a world-class training program, manage a dedicated team, and ensure compliance with SRA regulations. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, proven experience in early careers development, and excellent communication abilities. This full-time position offers a dynamic work environment with a focus on professional growth.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in early careers development ideally within a professional services or legal environment.
• Strong understanding of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and the evolving legal education landscape.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and management of trainee solicitor and solicitor-apprentice programs.
• Monitor and report on program effectiveness using data to drive improvement.
• Manage sensitive employee relations issues with professionalism and discretion.

Skills

Early careers development

Interpersonal skills

Leadership experience

Project management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Law, Psychology or related field

Postgraduate qualification in HR Management or related field

CIPD qualification or equivalent

Tools

Workday

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Early Careers Development Manager to lead the development and management of our future and current Trainee Solicitors and Solicitor‑Apprentices. This pivotal role will oversee the full lifecycle of trainee and apprentice development from pre‑joining engagement through to qualification ensuring a world‑class experience aligned with our firm’s values and strategic goals. The role will also manage a high‑performing team dedicated to delivering excellence in early careers programming.

Key Responsibilities

Development of Current and Future Trainee Solicitors

Design and deliver a best‑in‑class trainee development programme including induction, seat planning, secondments and international placements, performance reviews and qualification processes.

Partner with Learning & Development to ensure trainees receive targeted training aligned with legal and professional competencies.

Provide coaching and support to trainees and solicitor‑apprentices throughout their training programmes.

Ensure that any performance issues are identified and addressed appropriately and as early as possible.

Work with the firm’s law school provider to oversee future trainees during the law conversion and SQE preparation courses offering tailored support to support talent retention.

Lead the development of the Plus Programme and other resources to support exam success and professional development.

Work closely with the Solicitor‑Apprentice Specialist to ensure their university programme is developed fully and continually reviewed to ensure it remains fit for purpose and fit for the future.

Work with HRBPs to ensure early identification and intervention for any wellbeing concerns or employee relation issues.

Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with Partners, Supervisors and HR colleagues to ensure consistent and high‑quality trainee experiences across practice areas.

Act as a trusted advisor to the business on trainee‑related matters including performance management and career progression.

Own the relationship with our law school training provider and lead the firm’s contribution to the City Consortium.

Build relationships with the firm’s Affinity Networks to support inclusion and belonging for future and current trainees.

Programme Management

Oversee the delivery of trainee rotations, secondments (domestic and international) and qualification processes.

Monitor and report on programme effectiveness using data to drive continuous improvement.

Lead the design and delivery of virtual and in‑person events to foster community and connection among future and current trainees and solicitor‑apprentices.

Team Leadership

Lead, coach and develop the Early Careers team in Manchester and London fostering a collaborative and high‑performance culture.

Set clear objectives, provide regular feedback and support professional development for team members.

Compliance and Risk

Ensure all trainee and solicitor‑apprentice processes comply with SRA regulations and internal policies.

Manage sensitive employee relations issues with professionalism and discretion working closely with HR Business Partner colleagues to ensure the firm’s policies and processes are being followed.

Champion mental health and wellbeing initiatives for future and current trainees and solicitor‑apprentices including training and access to support services.

Track expected and actual budget expense ensuring invoices are tracked and paid promptly and that budget measures are actively managed.

Manage all maintenance grants and tuition fee costs for PGDL, LPC and SQE.

Skills & Experience Required

Proven experience in early careers development ideally within a professional services or legal environment.

Strong understanding of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and the evolving legal education landscape.

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.

Demonstrated leadership experience with a track record of managing and developing teams.

Highly organised with strong project management skills and attention to detail.

Confident in working with data to identify trends, patterns and insights that inform decision‑making and able to present data effectively through visualisation tools.

Empathetic and solutions‑focused approach to employee development and wellbeing.

Experience of Workday is desirable.

Recommended Qualifications

Bachelors degree required ideally in Human Resources, Law, Psychology or a related field.

Postgraduate qualification preferred in HR Management, Organisational Development, Organisational Psychology or Coaching.

CIPD qualification or equivalent professional certification preferred.

Familiarity with SRA regulations and legal training frameworks.

Inclusion

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having / securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.

Freshfields is a Ban the Box ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case‑by‑case basis and take a number of factors into account (e.g. the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.

Employment Type: Full‑Time