Graduate Programme Development Manager

Maximum ManagementFrazer Jones USA; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional services firm is seeking a Graduate Programme Development Manager for a 6-month fixed-term contract. This role is crucial for shaping the development and experience of Trainee Lawyers, managing HR activities daily. The right candidate will have significant HR experience within a law firm, expertise in managing early talent programs, and a strong grasp of professional services dynamics. This position offers potential for extension or temp-to-perm options.

Qualifications

• Experience in HR within a law firm, ideally in Early Talent Development.
• Expertise in managing early talent programs including performance management.
• Experience in complex, large environments; professional services preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead seat allocation for Trainee Lawyers based on resource needs.
• Oversee core processes within Early Talent Development.
• Own the appraisal and feedback processes for Trainees.

Skills

Experience in HR within a law firm

Managing early talent programmes

Understanding of partnership culture

Ability to manage performance

Job description

Graduate (EC) Programme Development Manager – 6‑Month FTC

Frazer Jones is delighted to partner with a highly regarded professional services firm in the search for a Graduate Programme Development Manager. This role plays a pivotal part in shaping the experience and development of the firm’s Trainee Lawyer population, overseeing all HR‑related people activity on a day‑to‑day basis.

This position is initially offered as a 6‑month fixed‑term contract while the business evaluates its long‑term structure. There is potential for extension or a temp‑to‑perm pathway for the right individual.

Key Responsibilities

Resourcing

• Lead the seat allocation process to ensure Trainee Lawyers are deployed effectively across the business in line with utilisation and resource needs.
• Partner with the Early Talent Acquisition team to shape resourcing strategy and secure top trainee talent across all practice groups.
• Monitor utilisation trends to support informed allocation decisions.

Team Oversight

• Oversee all core processes and cyclical activities within the Early Talent Development function.
• Act as a senior escalation point for the Early Talent Development team.
• Conduct regular 1‑2‑1 meetings with Trainees to discuss performance, development, seat preferences, and qualification interests.

Performance Management

• Own the end‑to‑end appraisal and feedback processes for Trainees.
• Collaborate with Supervisors and Partners to identify performance gaps and implement action plans that support both individual and business success.

Development & Training

• Oversee the full suite of pre‑training contract sessions.
• Work closely with Education Managers on practice area inductions and group‑specific training.
• Partner with the Academy team to design and deliver impactful learning and development experiences for Trainees.

Projects

• Maintain a strong understanding of firm‑wide and practice‑area strategy, including financial and business development goals.
• Lead and support strategic early talent projects that enhance the trainee experience and strengthen the firm’s early careers offering.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Experience in HR within a law firm, ideally as an Early Talent Development Manager, HR Business Partner, or similar.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing early talent programmes, including development, performance management, and pastoral support.
• Experience working in a large, complex environment-professional services experience is highly desirable.
• A strong understanding of partnership culture and the dynamics of professional services firms.
• Availability at short notice, with an ideal start date in late January or early February.

If this opportunity aligns with your experience and career goals, please send your CV to Frazer Jones today. We look forward to hearing from you.

The SR Group (UK) Limited is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.