Head of Early Careers Development
The Opportunity
The Head of Early Careers Development is responsible for the strategy, development, delivery and measuring the impact of the development offering for colleagues early in their careers with NG, including the Global NG Graduate scheme, UK Industrial placements, US Interns to ensure a high-quality pipeline of talent into the business which supports the current and future needs of the business. The role covers schemes and early careers development across the US and UK in all BUs and Functions.
This is a 12-month fixed-term opportunity, offering the chance to make a meaningful impact by shaping and advancing our Early Careers development strategy.
What You'll Do
• Learning and Development Expertise - Lead on the design, development, delivery and evaluation of EC development initiatives globally ensuring maximum impact. Ensure the portfolio remains relevant and able to adapt to changing business requirements.
• Partner with our provider Cappfinity and manage the strategy and future contract negotiation/renewal
• Stakeholder engagement - Partner with the CPO’s and business leads to identify capability, training and development needs for colleagues early in their careers.
• Strategic workforce planning - work with the team on the workforce plans looking 5-10 years ahead to ensure that our early careers development offerings are future focused.
• Project Management - Project manage the design and delivery of projects and content. Steer the projects on the rolling roadmap to ensure on time delivery and alignment with priorities. Identify and manage key subject matter experts to deliver high quality and appropriate content and experiences.
• Impact Assessment - Provide meaningful analysis of the impact of early careers development interventions to the business.
• Promotion and Embedding - Manage the promotion and embedding of the early careers offering to ensure understanding and participation across NG group, including the acceleration of high performing graduates to leadership roles.
• Change Management - ensure that all areas of the business and functions are fully engaged with any changes to scheme designs and formats.
• Budget and Vendor Management - ownership of all supplier relationships for the design and delivery of EC schemes and programmes. Ensure that the programmes are managed to the agreed budget and that the costs are re-charged to participating BUs and Functions. Ensure that all regulatory requirements for engaging third party suppliers are met.
• Lead the team of 9 in the EC team ensuring they are performing to expectations. Coach and manage their development and performance.
About You
• Proven track record of developing learning and development interventions that deliver impact.
• Broader HR experience, ideally business partnering or from another COE. Knowledge of employment law and performance is a distinct advantage.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and achieve results.
• Strategic thinker, excellent problem-solving skills and influencing different business areas and management levels.
• Ability to analyse data and provide insights to support strategic direction.
• An effective people leader who creates a safe environment, ensuring high-quality delivery and a strong performance from their team.
• A fearless presenter and someone who can give honest and direct feedback to graduates and the team.
Your Rewards
Alongside a competitive base salary, you'll enjoy a standout reward package designed to support you both in and outside of work - including flexible holiday options, wellbeing and family support, and matched charitable giving.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates – we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria. We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process.
Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.