Early Careers Manager

Early Career Manager

HR | Telford, Hybrid | HR | 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

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.

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 gym

Contact Person: Iwona Kurpiewska