Early Careers Manager

Description:

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Early Career Manager

HR | Telford, Hybrid | 18 Months FTC | Closing Date 6/11/2026

About the Company

Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) is a defence engineering company based in the UK. We design, manufacture and support military vehicles used by the British Army and international customers.

About the role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and practice Early Careers Manager to lead and own the strategy, management and growth of Early Careers capability, acting as the specialist for the apprentice population and working closely with key stakeholders, HR colleagues, and training providers such as colleges, schools and universities.

Reporting to Head of L&D to manage the end-to-end experience of Early Careers.

This is a fixed-term contract for 18 months, offering the opportunity to shape and contribute to our wider talent strategy and help create a positive, inclusive and impactful experience for emerging early career talent.

The role will require you to operate with confidence at both a strategic and operational level to engage with HR and stakeholders to drive Early Careers programme and deliver effective programmes.

Responsibilities:

Drive and deliver the Early careers programme across the business
Source training providers and manage the relationship on an ongoing basis, including supplier reviews to ensure they deliver the required standards
Partner closely with the wider HR Team, understanding the capabilities and skills required to establish clear learning pathways for early careers as well as to run existing ongoing apprenticeships
Manage and utilise the Apprenticeship Levy to develop capabilities to deliver our strategy
Lead, coach and develop a team of placement managers and apprentice mentors
Support the management of the Early Careers and Learning and Development budget in HR Cost Centre
Enhance the early careers proposition, attend external events, build a strong external network and provide recommendations supporting the business strategy
Implement performance metrics that impact quality and diversity of programmes
Continually work with the Early Careers population, ensuring that they are retained to be successful within the business
Day to day line manage the Apprentice population
Organise and deliver annual Early Careers events such as World of Work Day, Work Experience, EC Induction etc.
Support wider Learning and Development initiatives to support team capability and business need

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS YOU SHOULD HAVE

This is a very hands-on role within our Early Careers function as such we are looking for someone with:

Strong stakeholder engagement skills - able to influence across all levels
Inspirational people manager with a coaching style
Experience managing apprenticeship levy processes and partnerships (desirable)
A passion for early careers and a drive to shape the talent of tomorrow
Ability to manage numbers and budget
Proactive approach and able to adapt in a changing environment
You must be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills and an ability to manage multiple projects at one time.WHAT WE OFFER YOU

RBSL strives to be an employer of choice and to foster a culture in which our employees are supported to build a career they can be proud.

Through our contracts to deliver world-class products and support services, we offer great opportunities for personal development and career advancement via specialist technical roles, essential support functions, and broader leadership positions.

In addition, RBSL offer:

Competitive salaries reviewed each year against market rates
Annual bonus incentive scheme for all employees
37 hours over 4.5 days working week
Employer pension contributions up to 10%
Hybrid and flexible working
Life assurance cover
5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays
Holiday purchase scheme
Health cash plan
Salary sacrifice benefits including cycle to work and electric vehicles schemes
Access to high street and gym discounts and cashback
Long Service rewards with additional holiday
Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits
Free access to onsite gymCONTACT INFORMATION

Contact Person: Iwona Kurpiewska

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

RBSL is an Equal Opportunities Employer. The company is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, medical history, skin colour, marital status, genetic information or parental status. We base all our employment decisions on merit, job requirements and business needs.

Please be aware that many roles working for RBSL will be subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors including your nationality, any previous nationalities you have held, and your place of birth may limit those roles you can perform for the organisation