Job Description
Are you an expert in early careers strategy with the vision and experience to shape the future of talent development? We’re looking for a dynamic Early Careers Manager to lead the design and delivery of a truly forward-thinking approach to apprenticeships, graduate programmes, and industry placements.
Based on site in the Birmingham office 3 days a week this role has is a strategic leadership opportunity for someone with deep knowledge of the early careers landscape and a strong track record of delivering high-impact apprenticeship and graduate initiatives.
Salary £57k
Early Careers Manager
In this role, you’ll take ownership of a comprehensive early careers strategy, including apprenticeships (trade, professional, and degree-level), internships, T-Level placements, and a newly launched graduate scheme. You’ll be responsible for building a sustainable and inclusive talent pipeline that reflects our organisation’s values and long-term workforce priorities.
You’ll bring insight, and a broad experience across early careers programmes. We’re looking for someone who understands the complexity of apprenticeship funding, policy frameworks, and graduate development models — and who knows how to turn that understanding into action.
Key areas of responsibility:
* Lead the creation and evolution of an organisation-wide Early Careers Strategy.
* Design and implement a structured graduate programme, from recruitment through to rotation and retention.
* Expand our apprenticeship offering, ensuring full, effective use of the levy.
* Build strong partnerships with education providers to support T-Level, internship, and work experience placements.
* Collaborate with internal stakeholders to plan future talent needs and build career pathways.
* Embed measurement, review cycles, and a continuous improvement mindset across all programmes.
What you’ll bring:
* Proven experience designing and delivering early careers programmes, especially apprenticeships and graduate schemes.
* In-depth understanding of UK apprenticeship systems, levy management, and regulatory frameworks.
* The ability to connect strategy with delivery — and to influence, guide, and inspire others in the process.
* A passion for creating equitable, inclusive opportunities and advancing social mobility.
* Experience in engaging with colleges, universities, training providers, and industry bodies.