Early Talent Development Lead

Anderson Clark; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global law firm is seeking an Early Talent Development Team Lead in London to shape, support, and inspire its trainee lawyers. This is a pivotal role within an initial 6-month contract, with potential for permanence. You will be responsible for leading trainee resourcing, managing key projects, and ensuring a high-quality trainee experience. The ideal candidate has proven UK HR experience in early talent development and a collaborative mindset. Competitive salary and hybrid work model are offered.

Benefits

Generous benefits

Exposure to senior stakeholders

Qualifications

• Proven UK HR experience in early talent development or HR business partnering.
• Ideally experience within a large, complex or professional services environment.
• Strong organisational skills and commercial acumen.

Responsibilities

• Lead trainee resourcing, seat allocation and utilisation planning.
• Act as the primary contact and coach for allocated trainee and SQE cohorts.
• Drive performance management, appraisals and feedback cycles.

Skills

UK HR experience in early talent development

Confidence with senior stakeholders

Organised and motivated by developing people

Collaborative mindset

Passion for inclusion

Job description

Job Description

Early Talent Development Team Lead

London | Hybrid Working | Manager Level

Are you passionate about shaping the next generation of talent? Our client, a leading global law firm, is looking for an Early Talent Development Team Lead to play a pivotal role in supporting, developing and inspiring its trainee lawyers, within an initial 6 month contract, with potential to go permanent.

In this highly visible role, you’ll partner closely with the Senior HR Business Partner and senior leaders across the firm to deliver a seamless, high-quality trainee experience from day one to qualification. You’ll act as a trusted advisor, cohort lead and people champion, balancing strategic insight with hands‑on delivery.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading trainee resourcing, seat allocation and utilisation planning
• Acting as the primary contact and coach for allocated trainee and SQE cohorts
• Driving performance management, appraisals and feedback cycles
• Overseeing trainee development, training programmes and secondments
• Managing key suppliers and early talent projects
• Supporting inclusion, wellbeing and employee relations initiatives
• Providing day‑to‑day leadership and escalation support to the Early Talent Development team

Requirements

About you

You’ll have proven UK HR experience in early talent development or HR business partnering, ideally within a large, complex or professional services environment. You’re confident working with senior stakeholders, commercially astute, highly organised and motivated by developing people. A collaborative mindset and a passion for inclusion are essential.

Why join our client?

You’ll be part of a globally connected firm with a strong, inclusive culture where development is taken seriously—yours and the trainees’. Expect meaningful responsibility, exposure to senior stakeholders and the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the firm’s future talent pipeline.

Benefits

Location & working pattern

Based in London, Hybrid working applies, with at least 50% of time spent in the office.

Salary £75K - £85K

Commence: January 2025

Benefits: Generous