Emerging Talent Lead

The Emerging Talent Lead is responsible for creating and delivering an integrated emerging careers strategy across Matalan. This includes the attraction, development, and retention of graduates, interns, apprentices, work experience and other entry-level talent. The role ensures the business builds a strong and diverse future talent pipeline, utilising internal and external partnerships.

Collaboration is key – you will upskill managers, ensuring the right environment and support is in place for early careers talent to grow and succeed at Matalan.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy Delivery

· Develop and deliver a multi-year emerging talent strategy aligned with business, DEI&B, and ESG goals.

· Use workforce data and industry benchmarks to shape and improve talent programmes.

· Build partnerships with education providers and collaborate across teams for effective delivery.

· Manage the apprenticeship levy and promote internal apprenticeship opportunities.

· Train managers and ensure legal, safety, and policy compliance in all programmes.

· Drive and evaluate initiatives such as leadership programmes and tailor-made qualifications.

· Oversee and support the development of the Talent Apprentice.

Program Design & Delivery

· Lead the end-to-end delivery of graduate, work experience, and apprenticeship programs, including onboarding, rotations, and structured development.

· Define success metrics and continuously improve program outcomes based on feedback and performance.

· Collaborate with functional leaders to ensure meaningful placements and real business impact.

Attraction, Outreach & Engagement

· Build strong relationships with schools, universities, and external partners to grow the emerging careers talent pipeline.

· Lead employer branding and outreach efforts via social media, events, and partnerships.

· Oversee inclusive and engaging recruitment processes for emerging talent.

· Serve as a subject matter expert, advising People BPs and hiring managers on emerging careers strategy.

· Collaborate with Talent Development to design and deliver tailored training programs.

· Engage with external partners, industry bodies and government initiatives to enhance reach and impact

Data, Reporting and Compliance

· Track KPIs such as retention, diversity, engagement, and conversion rates from interns/apprentices to permanent roles.

· Ensure all programs comply with legal and regulatory requirements (e.g., apprenticeship levy, employment law).

· Report regularly on progress to senior leadership and provide insights to inform talent decisions.

· Proven experience designing and leading emerging careers or graduate/apprenticeship programs.

· Strong project management skills with ability to lead multiple initiatives simultaneously.

· Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

· Deep understanding of recruitment, development, and retention strategies for emerging talent.

· Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

· Experience of working at pace in a retail of FMCG environment.

· Visible and credible ambassador who is passionate about delivering great programmes for emerging talent.

· Apprenticeship levy experience

· CIPD qualification (preferred but not essential).

From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, find out about how Matalan is ever-evolvinghere.

We know as a team, we are stronger together – we champion equality for all and make lasting connections that go beyond work. We thrive off our inclusive culture, encouraging our colleagues to bring their true selves to work and contributing to collective creativity, open-mindedness and growth.

We want give every candidate the opportunity to perform at their best throughout the application and interview process and then ultimately in their role. If you require any adjustments during our recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.

In addition to competitive salaries, we also offer the below core benefits:

• 20% staff discount, which increases with length of service
• Thrive Recognition Scheme
• Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust
• Life Assurance
• Retail Rewards platform offering discounts for other retailers
• Pension Scheme
• Access to a wide range of career development
• Additional benefits may apply depending on your role and area of the business

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