Early Careers Program Specialist - #2177714

Early Careers Program Specialist

• Location: Manchester (Hybrid – 2 days per week)
• Rate: £360 per day (Inside IR35)
• Contract: 12 months (likely extensions)

The Opportunity

We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised and people-focused Early Careers Program Experience Specialist to join the Learning & Development function of a large international organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity to support and improve the experience of graduates, apprentices and interns within a growing Early Careers function.

The role will involve supporting the delivery of multiple Early Careers programmes, ensuring participants receive the right guidance, engagement and development opportunities throughout their journey.

You will have the opportunity to bring ideas, challenge existing processes and help shape how Early Careers programmes are delivered going forward.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the operational delivery of graduate, apprentice and internship programmes.
• Act as a key point of contact for participants, providing ongoing guidance and support.
• Develop and improve participant engagement, including regular check-ins and feedback initiatives.
• Coordinate programme events, workshops, networking sessions and social activities.
• Support programme administration, including onboarding, rotations, performance reviews and programme completion.
• Maintain accurate programme trackers, spreadsheets and participant records.
• Work closely with line managers to ensure participants receive appropriate support throughout their programmes.
• Liaise with external training providers and support apprenticeship administration.
• Identify opportunities to improve programme processes and the overall participant experience.
• Build relationships with stakeholders across HR, Learning & Development and the wider business.

Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in Early Careers, graduate programmes, apprenticeships, HR coordination or Learning & Development.
• A good understanding of the Early Careers environment and the participant journey.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and programmes simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Approachable, empathetic and confident personality, with the ability to engage and encourage early talent.
• Proactive mindset, with the confidence to suggest improvements and challenge existing ways of working.
• Comfortable using spreadsheets and programme tracking tools.

Ideal Background

We are particularly interested in candidates who have worked within Early Careers programme teams, supporting the development and experience of graduates, apprentices or interns.

This could include Early Careers Programme Coordinators, Graduate Programme Specialists, Apprenticeship Coordinators, HR Coordinators or Learning & Development professionals.

Candidates with experience of having completed a graduate or apprenticeship programme themselves would also be of interest.

If you are passionate about early talent, enjoy working with people and want to help shape and improve the experience of Early Careers programmes, we'd love to hear from you.