Early Careers Development Senior Advisor

My client is a leading global law firm, with an exceptional reputation worldwide, and is now looking to hire an Early Careers Development Senior Advisor to cover a 12-month fixed-term contract.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced HR or Early Careers professional to join a high-performing talent team within a prestigious international professional services environment.

Working with trainees throughout the full training contract lifecycle, you will play a pivotal role in supporting, developing and advising the firm's future legal talent while partnering with senior stakeholders across the business.

Based in London, this role offers a hybrid working arrangement and the opportunity to make a significant impact within a collaborative, inclusive and people-focused culture.

Reporting to the Early Careers Development Team Lead, you will act as a trusted advisor to trainees, Partners and business stakeholders, ensuring the delivery of a first-class trainee development experience.

You will take ownership of designated trainee cohorts, providing guidance on performance, career development, qualification and development opportunities, whilst supporting broader early careers initiatives and projects.

This position would suit an experienced HR professional who enjoys building strong stakeholder relationships, coaching emerging talent and influencing positive people outcomes within a complex, fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for allocated trainee cohorts and SQE students.
• Conduct career development meetings, providing guidance on performance, development, seat preferences and qualification pathways.
• Support trainees throughout their training contract journey, ensuring a positive and engaging experience.
• Lead the trainee qualification process, working closely with Partners, HR teams and trainees.
• Partner with Trainee Partners, Resource Managers and HR colleagues to identify trainee resourcing requirements.
• Monitor utilisation and allocation levels to support effective workforce planning.
• Provide insight and recommendations regarding trainee deployment and development opportunities.
• Deliver and coordinate pre-training contract presentations and trainee development initiatives.
• Collaborate with Learning & Development teams to enhance trainee learning programmes and curricula.
• Support the design and delivery of supervisor training and development resources.
• Facilitate coaching and development support to help trainees maximise their potential.
• Coordinate trainee secondment programmes in partnership with HR, Global Mobility and business stakeholders.
• Ensure all secondments are administered effectively and in line with firm policies.
• Provide guidance and support to trainees throughout the secondment process.
• Work alongside HR Business Partners and Employee Relations specialists on people-related matters.
• Provide advice and support on employee relations issues, including grievance, disciplinary and absence management processes.
• Conduct exit interviews, surveys and feedback sessions, identifying themes and recommending improvements.
• Build credibility as a trusted advisor to both trainees and senior leaders.

Experience required

• Previous experience in HR, Early Careers, Talent Development or HR Business Partnering.
• Proven experience supporting early talent populations and managing development and performance processes.
• Strong stakeholder management experience, with the ability to influence and advise senior leaders.
• Experience working within a large, complex professional services or partnership environment would be highly advantageous.
• Understanding of trainee, graduate or early careers programmes within a legal or professional services setting is desirable.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Confident presenter with the ability to engage audiences at all levels of seniority.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to delivering a high-quality service.
• Demonstrable coaching and advisory skills.

Why apply?

• Opportunity to join a highly respected global professional services organisation.
• Exposure to senior stakeholders and strategic talent initiatives.
• A collaborative and inclusive culture that values professional growth and development.
• Comprehensive learning and development opportunities.
• Hybrid working model with a minimum of three days per week in the London office.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

If you are passionate about developing future talent and enjoy working in a strategic, stakeholder-focused role, this is an excellent opportunity to make a real impact within a world-class organisation.

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