Early Careers Manager

JR United Kingdom; Scotland; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the UK is searching for an Early Careers Manager to lead graduate and internship programmes. This role focuses on designing and delivering a comprehensive early careers strategy, ensuring a supportive experience for new talent. Candidates should be strategic thinkers with a passion for developing young professionals, alongside proven experience in talent development. The company offers flexible working, generous holidays, and a culture that values innovation and growth.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Generous holiday allowance

Supportive team environment

Inclusive culture valuing innovation and growth

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing early careers or talent development programmes.
• Strong knowledge of UK apprenticeship frameworks.
• Passion for mentoring and developing young professionals.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage graduate, apprentice, and intern programmes.
• Oversee the recruitment and selection process for early careers roles.
• Monitor and report on programme outcomes and ROI.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Communication

Mentoring

Coaching

Strategic thinking

Education

CIPD qualification or equivalent

Job description

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Are you passionate about developing future talent and shaping the next generation of professionals? We’re looking for an enthusiastic and strategic Early Careers Manager to join one of the regions strongest brands to take the lead on graduate, apprentice, and internship programmes across the UK Group.

Reporting to the Head of Talent, the business and wider HR team are a forward-thinking, people-centric group committed to nurturing talent and creating meaningful career pathways. The culture is collaborative, inclusive, and driven by innovation. The belief in investing in early careers is key to long-term success.

The Role

As Early Careers Manager, you’ll be responsible for designing, delivering, and continuously improving the early careers strategy. You will ensure a seamless, supportive, and high-impact experience for all early talent joining the business, while working closely with key stakeholders to align programmes with organisational goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage graduate, apprentice, and intern programmes from attraction to onboarding, development, and progression
• Partner with universities, training providers, and external partners to build a strong pipeline of early talent
• Oversee the recruitment and selection process for early careers roles
• Design and implement engaging development frameworks and learning opportunities
• Monitor and report on programme outcomes and ROI
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in all early careers initiatives
• Coach and support line managers to effectively develop early talent

About You

• Proven experience managing early careers or talent development programmes
• Strong knowledge of UK apprenticeship frameworks and graduate recruitment trends
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Passion for mentoring, coaching, and developing young professionals
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach and a keen eye for continuous improvement
• CIPD qualification or equivalent (desirable)

Why this role in this business?

• Opportunity to make a real impact on young professionals' careers
• Flexible working arrangements and supportive team environment
• Generous holiday allowance and benefits package
• Inclusive culture that values innovation, learning, and growth

Please reach out for more information with your CV