Early Careers Manager

Early Careers Manager

We're TransPennine Express and we're going places. Whether that's helping customers reach their destination, or ensuring our colleagues feel fulfilled and supported in their careers. We're looking for people with drive and enthusiasm to join our amazing team and help push for more progress within the rail industry. We look forward to meeting new faces and eager minds, ready to join our mission of creating a better-connected network in the North and Scotland, for good.

Are you passionate about developing the next generation of talent and making a real impact on workforce transformation? We're looking for an inspirational Early Careers & Apprenticeships Lead to design, deliver, and drive our Early Careers strategy, with a strong focus on apprenticeships and entry-level pathways that open doors for people from all backgrounds.

What You'll Be Doing?

• Lead and evolve our Early Careers strategy, ensuring it meets future business needs and drives inclusion across every programme.
• Own the full apprenticeship lifecycle, from attraction and recruitment to onboarding, development, and progression, delivering exceptional experiences at every stage.
• Champion quality and compliance, ensuring our programmes meet the specification of apprenticeship standards set by Skills England and DfE, funding requirements and regulations.
• Collaborate with training providers and internal stakeholders to create engaging learning journeys and maximise the use of the Apprenticeship Levy.
• Expand our early careers offer, developing inclusive graduate and entry-level programmes aligned to future skills and workforce priorities.
• Partner with Diversity & Inclusion and Talent colleagues to design initiatives that boost representation, close talent gaps, and improve retention.
• Engage with senior leaders and Heads of Department to identify future talent needs and build new apprenticeship pathways to support them.
• Recognising the critical importance of cross-industry collaboration with early careers leaders to gain valuable insights, establish robust working relationships, promote innovation, and influence the long-term development of the rail industry workforce.
• Track and analyse data, using insights to measure impact, inform planning, and ensure readiness for future industry developments, including Great British Railways (GBR).

About You?

You're a confident, forward-thinking people leader who brings both strategic vision and hands on expertise in apprenticeships and early careers. You'll have a strong understanding of apprenticeship standards, compliance frameworks, and partnerships with training providers, alongside a genuine passion for inclusion and talent development.

You'll thrive on collaboration, know how to turn strategy into action, and be motivated by seeing people and programmes reach their full potential.

If that sounds like the right fit for you, then we'd love to hear from you. Please click apply and complete an application form. We're looking forward to hearing from you!

Please be advised that interviews are scheduled to take place on Wednesday 12th and Thursday 13th November.

What we offer?

• Excellent career prospects.
• A personal development plan.
• Structured training and development
• Competitive salary paid on a 4-weekly basis.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Free TransPennine Express rail travel for you and your dependents .
• Travel discounts of up to 75% off other train operating companies, plus international rail travel after 1 year's service for you and your dependents .
• Free & Confidential Employee Assistance Program and Wellbeing Portal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you with any finance, family, health, or wellbeing issues you have. We make sure there's someone on hand to offer guidance, advice, and useful information for our people when they are experiencing hardship at work or at home.
• Option to join the Railway Pension Scheme with significant employer contributions.
• Family friendly maternity and paternity benefits.
• Plus, high street and lifestyle discounts as well as a cycle to work scheme .

Terms and conditions apply.