Manager, Early Careers (12 month FTC)

Join Goodwin’s Global Operations Team, and make a real impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we work with some of the world’s most successful and innovative investors, entrepreneurs and disruptors in the life sciences, private equity, real estate, technology and financial industries, and where they converge. As part of the Global Operations Team – all business professionals at the firm – you’ll collaborate with colleagues from varied backgrounds and experiences, fostering an environment where cross‑functional learning, networking, and collaboration are at the core of what we do.

Here, we’re not just supporting a law firm; we’re partnering with attorneys and clients to deliver cutting‑edge solutions in high‑stakes litigation and dispute resolution, world‑class regulatory compliance and advisory services, and complex transactions. Our commitment to integrity, ingenuity, agility, and ambition drives us, and we’re proud to have been recognised as the “Best Business Team” by The American Lawyer. This is your opportunity to grow professionally in a dynamic, global environment, surrounded by forward‑thinking peers.

Responsible for leading the design, execution and continuous improvement of the Firm’s early careers recruitment and development programmes in the UK. This includes oversight of trainee recruitment, vacation schemes and associated attraction campaigns and selection processes. This role serves as a subject matter expert and key ambassador for the Firm’s brand amongst early talent, ensuring a best‑in‑class candidate experience and a robust pipeline of future talent.

What You Will Do

• Execute the UK early careers strategy, ensuring alignment with the Firm’s broader talent strategy;
• Execute apprenticeship programme for early GO! Team talent;
• Line manage the Early Careers Recruitment Assistant, including overseeing workload, development and performance, and providing day‑to‑day guidance;
• Partner with office leadership and practice groups to forecast trainee needs, and with GO! Team leaders to forecast apprentice needs, and align hiring with anticipated business demand;
• Work closely with the OIB team and UK Hiring Committee to promote inclusivity across all early careers programmes;
• Prepare and manage UK early careers budget;
• Manage all aspects of the Trainee Solicitor recruitment process, including answering queries, screening applications, assessment centres and onboarding Trainee Solicitors;
• Oversee Goodwin’s annual vacation schemes, including screening applications, event planning, onboarding and offboarding candidates and coordinating evaluations;
• Partner with L&PD to ensure Trainee Supervisors are thoroughly trained and equipped to supervise;
• Work closely with L&PD to ensure UK Trainee Solicitors receive the required training to develop their skills to the desired level at all stages throughout the qualifying work experience;
• Manage, organise, promote and develop the appraisal, development, and mentoring process for trainees, including mid and end of seat reviews, attend all trainee appraisals;
• Manage all aspects of Trainee client secondments;
• Alongside the Trainee Development Partner, manage the seat rotation and qualification processes; providing support and guidance to the partners, trainees and other key internal stakeholders;
• Provide pastoral care to trainees, partnering closely with Human Resources where appropriate;
• Oversee all aspects of the Firm’s Go4Law Scholarship programme.

Employer Branding & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with universities, early careers organisations and student societies;
• Represent the Firm at law fairs, open days, panel events etc acting as a visible and credible spokesperson;
• Maintain an external network at peer firms and gather competitive intelligence.

Data & Process Management

• Analyse data to provide insights and recommendations on hiring trends and process enhancements;
• Update necessary statistical data needed for surveys and reporting materials to firm leadership, hiring committees, and Human Resources, when necessary;
• Keep appraised of legal requirements and regulations including GDPR affecting recruiting policies and procedures and ensure compliance;
• Assist with ad hoc projects and initiatives as needed.

Who You Are

• 8+ years’ relevant work experience, preferably in a law firm or professional services firm;
• Bachelor’s degree required;
• Commitment to inclusion in all aspects of recruitment and development;
• Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship‑building skills;
• Strong attention to detail and drafting skills, ability to distill complex information into a clear, digestible format;
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, demonstrating professionalism in all dealings;
• Ability to effectively manage multiple workstreams and stakeholders in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment;
• Results‑oriented self‑starter, able to demonstrate high levels of initiative and motivation;
• Ability to work closely with other team members and display trust and loyalty;
• Proven ability to deal with confidential matters and with discretion;
• Ability to demonstrate sound judgment, identifying and highlighting potential risks;
• Knowledgeable on recruitment specific legislation and best practice;
• Understand different school and university gradings on a global basis;
• The flexibility to work outside normal office hours as may be required from time‑to‑time;
• Ability to travel to international offices as required.