Arriva is a leading European passenger transport partner, operating in 11 countries across the UK and Europe. With around 35,000 colleagues delivering more than 1.5 billion passenger journeys each year, we connect people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably. With strong roots dating back to 1938 and an ambitious growth and sustainability agenda, Arriva is focused on building a strong and sustainable future. We are looking for an Early Careers Development Manager to join our Group Talent & Reward team on a full-time permanent basis. This is a unique opportunity to shape Arriva Group’s approach to early careers development, including the creation and delivery of a new graduate development programme that will help build the next generation of leaders across the organisation. The role will be responsible for designing, delivering and continuously improving leadership development programmes for early career colleagues, including graduates, aspiring managers and those transitioning into their first People Manager roles. Programmes will align with the Arriva Leadership Mindset and deliver an engaging, high-quality development experience. Working closely with stakeholders across the business, the role holder will ensure programmes are impactful, measurable and aligned to organisational priorities, using insight and data to track outcomes and continually enhance the early careers experience. This role provides a fantastic opportunity to play a key part in strengthening Arriva Group’s leadership pipeline and shaping the future of early talent development. This role will be on a hybrid working basis, a minimum of 3 days per week in the Sunderland office, with the remainder focused on where you can best deliver for your colleagues while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Key Responsibilities Graduate Programme Design & Delivery Design and implement Arriva’s graduate development programme, establishing the structure, curriculum, and leadership development approach for early career colleagues. Coordinate with senior leaders, HRBPs and business units to secure engagement and programme sponsorship. Monitor recruitment, onboarding and development experiences for participants. Plan and deliver in-person development events. Stakeholder Engagement Partner with senior leaders, HRBPs and L&D teams across the organisation to ensure programmes meet business needs. Act as a trusted advisor on best practice in early career development. Programme Evaluation & Continuous Improvement Measure programme impact through participant feedback, performance data and progression outcomes. Produce reports and insights for senior stakeholders and implement improvements based on data, feedback and organisational priorities. Review development content to ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness. Early Talent Experience & Engagement Create an inclusive and engaging programme experience that supports belonging, diversity and social mobility. Organise networking opportunities, speaker sessions and development events to strengthen cohort engagement. What we'd like from you We welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about developing people and creating meaningful learning experiences for early career colleagues. You will be someone who enjoys shaping programmes, working collaboratively with stakeholders and using insight and data to continuously enhance learning experiences. Candidates will preferably: Have proven experience in talent development, learning and development, or early careers programme management. Have experience designing and delivering structured development programmes, ideally for graduates, aspiring managers or colleagues transitioning into their first people management roles. Possess strong coaching, facilitation and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across a range of teams and seniority levels. Have experience supporting or managing early career cohorts and creating engaging learning experiences that support their growth and progression. Be able to analyse learning and development needs and translate these into effective and impactful development interventions. Demonstrate strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver programmes effectively. It would also be beneficial if candidates: Have knowledge of skills frameworks, early career progression models or professional development pathways. Have an understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion principles and how these can be embedded within development programmes. Finally, we’re looking for candidates who align with Arriva’s values and are passionate about developing people, supporting growth and helping to build the future leadership pipeline across the organisation. The closing date for applications is Sunday 29 March 2026. Arriva Group reserves the right to close this vacancy early.