Early Careers & Talent Development Lead - 12-Month Cover

WSP in the UK & Ireland; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking an experienced Early Careers and Talent Development leader to cover maternity leave. The role leads the regional development portfolio across the UK, Ireland and South Africa, driving onboarding, talent programmes and global framework adoption while partnering with leaders and HR stakeholders.

Reporting to the Director of Learning & Development, you will guide the Early Careers Development team, oversee programmes, and deliver measurable business impact across

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading delivery of Early Careers, talent or development programmes within a large, complex organisation, including graduate and apprenticeship programmes.
• In-depth understanding of the Early Careers landscape, including apprenticeship policy, funding and emerging programme developments.
• Experience leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams, providing clear direction and enabling delivery of objectives.
• Experience implementing and enhancing talent, development or employee experience programmes, including onboarding, learning and career development initiatives.
• Proven experience leading projects and programmes across multiple stakeholder groups, operating with autonomy and translating strategy into plans.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with senior leaders and cross-functional partners.
• Ability to travel regularly to fulfil the requirements of the role.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Early Careers Development team’s delivery of regional priorities, programmes and objectives.
• Lead onboarding experience for all new starters, implementing improvements that enhance integration, engagement, readiness and retention.
• Lead regional adoption of global Early Careers and onboarding frameworks, translating strategy into practical solutions.
• Contribute to design, implementation and improvement of global Early Careers programmes and initiatives.
• Represent the portfolios in regional and global forums, building stakeholder relationships and providing expert advice.
• Support delivery of apprenticeship programmes, monitoring developments and responding to policy changes.
• Design and facilitate engaging learning experiences, workshops and development interventions.
• Manage external vendors and partners to ensure value and alignment with objectives.
• Lead other related priorities, projects and initiatives as agreed.
• Use data and feedback to evaluate programme effectiveness and demonstrate business impact.

Skills

Early Careers Leadership

Onboarding

Stakeholder Management

Team Coaching

Project Delivery

Travel Flexibility

Job description

WSP in the UK & Ireland is seeking an experienced Early Careers and Talent Development leader to cover maternity leave. The role leads the regional development portfolio across the UK, Ireland and South Africa, driving onboarding, talent programmes and global framework adoption while partnering with leaders and HR stakeholders.

Reporting to the Director of Learning & Development, you will guide the Early Careers Development team, oversee programmes, and deliver measurable business impact across