Early Careers and Talent Development Manager (12 Month FTC)

Job Description What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you. A Little More About Your Role… We are seeking an experienced Early Careers and Talent Development leader to provide continuity of leadership and oversee the delivery of agreed Early Careers development, onboarding and talent development priorities across the UK, Ireland and South Africa during a 12-month period of maternity cover. Reporting to the Director of Learning & Development, the role is responsible for leading the Early Careers Development team and will provide leadership across Early Careers development, onboarding and talent programmes, ensuring continuity, effective delivery and the adoption of agreed priorities and initiatives. Acting as a point of contact for leaders, HR stakeholders and the business, the role will represent the portfolio across regional and global forums, translating agreed strategic priorities and global frameworks into practical regional programmes, initiatives and solutions that deliver measurable business impact. The role is responsible for leading assigned projects, programmes and initiatives, ensuring effective governance, stakeholder engagement and successful outcomes. The role will contribute regional insight and recommendations to support the ongoing enhancement of global programmes and frameworks. Key Responsibilities Oversee the Early Careers Development team’s delivery of agreed regional priorities, programmes and objectives. Lead the continued delivery of the onboarding experience for all new starters, implementing improvements that enhance integration, engagement, business readiness and retention. Lead the regional adoption of global Early Careers and onboarding frameworks, translating strategy into practical solutions that meet local business needs and deliver measurable impact. Contribute to the design, implementation and continuous improvement of global Early Careers programmes and initiatives, representing regional perspectives and supporting successful adoption. Represent the Early Careers and onboarding portfolios in regional and global forums, building strong stakeholder relationships and providing expert advice and recommendations to leaders. Support the effective delivery of WSP’s apprenticeship programmes, monitoring external developments and recommending proportionate responses to changes in policy, funding and programme delivery. Design and facilitate engaging learning experiences, workshops and development interventions that support programme outcomes, enhance participant experience and build capability. Manage external vendors and partners, ensuring quality, value for money and alignment with programme objectives. Lead other related priorities, projects and initiatives as agreed. Use data, insight and feedback to evaluate programme effectiveness, identify opportunities for improvement and demonstrate business impact. What We Would Be Looking For You To Demonstrate… Significant experience leading the delivery of Early Careers, talent or development programmes within a large, complex organisation, including graduate and apprenticeship programmes. In-depth understanding of the Early Careers landscape, including apprenticeship policy, funding and emerging programme developments. Experience leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams, providing clear direction, maintaining alignment and enabling delivery of agreed objectives. Experience implementing and enhancing talent, development or employee experience programmes, including onboarding, learning and career development initiatives. Proven experience leading projects and programmes across multiple stakeholder groups, operating with a high degree of autonomy and translating strategic direction into clear plans, actions and outcomes. Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience partnering with senior leaders, building credibility, supporting decision-making and escalating significant risks and strategic matters appropriately. Ability to create alignment across stakeholders and project teams to support coordinated and successful delivery. Experience facilitating engaging learning experiences, workshops and development interventions. Ability to travel regularly to fulfil the requirements of the role Don’t quite meet all the criteria? Apply, and we can see how your experience aligns to this role and other opportunities within the team. Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Work on landmark projects around the world and embrace opportunities to make an even bigger impact in the communities you care about. What if you could do the best work of your life and create a legacy for yourself? With us, you can. Apply today. About Us We are one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. Our passionate people are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. With over 11,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland, we are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower. WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU? Work-life balance At WSP, we understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK. Inclusivity & Belonging We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP. We have our employee resource groups bring together employees and allies with different backgrounds to promote a culture of inclusivity. Health & Wellbeing We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package. Flex your time To enhance work-life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part-time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you. Your development We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership. #WeAreWSP Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.