Early Careers and Skills Manager

Job Title: Early Careers and Skills Manager

Location: Rochester; Kent (Onsite)

Salary: Circa £62,000 depending on skills and experience

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Job Description:

As Early Careers & Skills Manager, you will lead the delivery of apprenticeship, graduate, undergraduate and skills programmes across the Aerospace and Mission Systems business. Managing a team of Early Careers and Skills professionals, you will work closely with business leaders, education partners and training providers to ensure high-quality learning experiences that support talent development, workforce capability and future skills needs. You will also drive continuous improvement, oversee programme performance and help shape the strategic direction of Early Careers and Skills activities across the business.

Core duties:

• Act as the subject matter expert for early careers programmes across Aerospace and Mission Systems, partnering with business leaders, stakeholders, external providers and education partners to deliver high-quality apprenticeship, graduate and education initiatives
• Lead and develop a high-performing Early Careers & Skills team of six, providing direction, coaching and support to ensure successful programme delivery
• Drive exceptional learning and development experiences for apprentices and graduates through effective work placements, structured training and specialist development opportunities, enabling individuals to reach their full potential
• Oversee safeguarding, health, safety, wellbeing and inclusive learning arrangements, ensuring a supportive, safe and inclusive environment for all apprentices and graduates
• Develop and deliver the Aerospace and Mission Systems Education Partnership strategy, balancing local business needs with wider organisational and national priorities
• Ensure the successful delivery of core skills programmes that enhance the capability and development of existing employees across the business
• Analyse and interpret performance data to measure success against key performance indicators, using insights to drive continuous improvement and ensure high-quality programme outcomes

Essential Skills:

• Experience working within an Early Careers environment, including apprenticeships, funding arrangements and programme delivery
• Proven line management experience, with the ability to lead, develop and motivate a high-performing team
• Experience leading continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the quality, effectiveness and accessibility of learning programmes
• Experience gained within an engineering, manufacturing or education environment would be highly advantageous

The Early Careers Team:

You’ll be joining the Early Careers & Skills team within BAE Systems Shared Services, responsible for delivering apprenticeship, graduate, undergraduate, education and skills programmes across the Aerospace and Mission Systems business. Based on site in Rochester, the team consists of specialists in graduate and undergraduate programmes, education services, apprenticeship delivery and skills development, working together to develop future talent and build skills capability across the organisation.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 16th October 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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