Who We Are:

Cardo Group is a social housing property maintenance company.

Our multi-company group specializes in maintenance, compliance, and retrofit services with a growing national footprint. With ambitious plans for further national expansion, we are committed to making a lasting impact in the industry.

We are currently recruiting for an Early Careers Manager to join our Learning & Development team.

Overall Purpose of the role

The Early Careers Manager is responsible for shaping and delivering the organisation’s early talent strategy. This includes overseeing programmes such as apprenticeships, graduate schemes, internships, and work experience initiatives. Also leading on the development of our existing workforce by way of Professional Development qualifications.

This role ensures alignment between workforce needs and innovative career pathways to attract, develop, and retain emerging talent.

Please note this role requires frequent travel to various contracts across the UK.

ACCOUNTABILITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

Programme Leadership:

• Manage end-to-end delivery of early careers programmes across the business.

• Manage end-to-end delivery of Professional Development qualifications across the business.

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and development of apprentices, graduates, and work experience placements.

• Act as intermediary between the provider, Line Manger, Mentor and Learner.

• Ensure alignment with statutory apprenticeship standards and CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) requirements.

Monitoring & Evaluation:

• Track programme effectiveness, learner satisfaction, and progression outcomes, through regular reviews.

• Provide data-driven insights and reports to stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Partner with business leaders, site managers, project leads etc. to identify early talent needs.

• Build strong relationships with colleges, universities, and training providers.

Compliance & Funding:

• Manage the Apprenticeship levy (DAS) account and CITB grant claims recovery, maximising both.

• Work with internal and external stakeholders to secure funding and resources.

• Ensure compliance with health & safety, safeguarding, and employment legislation.

Talent Development / Retention:

• Contribute to the design and delivery of structured learning pathways, mentoring, and networking opportunities.

• Support continuous improvement of training delivery and workplace learning.

• Lead on Apprentice Awards and Networking events to celebrate progress, motivate and boost morale and strengthen employer Apprentice relationships.

Diversity & Inclusion:

• Champion inclusive recruitment practices and outreach to underrepresented groups.

• Support initiatives that promote fairness, respect, and opportunity across all programmes.

Key Skills, Experience & Knowledge:

• Experience managing Early Careers or L&D programmes in a construction or engineering environment.

• Strong understanding of apprenticeship frameworks and funding mechanisms (e.g., CITB funding, DAS funding).

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to work across multiple contracts and manage competing priorities.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

• Strong organisational skills

• Passion for developing young talent and building inclusive career pathways.

KEY ATTRIBUTES:

Industry Knowledge

• Understanding of construction processes, roles, and career pathways.

• Familiarity with CITB standards, apprenticeship frameworks, and site safety.

Strategic Thinking

• Ability to align early careers initiatives with long-term workforce planning.

• Forward-thinking approach to talent pipeline development.

Communication Skills

• Clear and confident communicator with all levels—from apprentices to senior leadership.

• Skilled in presenting and engaging external partners.

Relationship Building

• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with site managers, training providers, and educational institutions.

• Ability to influence and gain buy-in from diverse stakeholders.

Organisational Skills

• Capable of managing multiple programmes, deadlines, and compliance requirements simultaneously.

• Detail oriented with strong project management capabilities.

Empathy & Mentorship

• Passion for supporting young people and early career professionals.

• Ability to coach, mentor, and guide individuals through their development journey.

Adaptability

• Comfortable working in dynamic, site-based environments.

• Flexible in approach to meet the needs of different projects and regions.

Data-Driven Mindset

• Uses metrics and feedback to evaluate programme success and drive improvements.

• Proficient in reporting and analysing outcomes.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

• Advocates for inclusive recruitment and development practices.

• Actively works to remove barriers for underrepresented groups in construction.

Resilience & Initiative

• Self-motivated and proactive in solving problems and seizing opportunities.

• Resilient in the face of challenges and change.

The salary for this role is £35,000 per year.

Why Join Cardo Group?

At Cardo Group, we are growing, evolving, and building a stable foundation for long-term success. When you join us, you become part of a forward-thinking company that values innovation, integrity, and inclusivity.

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. We recognise that diverse perspectives strengthen our business, drive innovation, and help us better serve the communities we work with.

Equity – We ensure fair opportunities for growth and success, removing barriers that may stand in the way.

Diversity – We embrace different backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints, knowing that diversity fuels creativity and progress.

Inclusion – We foster a culture where every team member has a voice and feels a true sense of belonging

At Cardo Group, EDI is more than a policy, it’s part of who we are. We actively promote an environment where all individuals, regardless of race, gender, age, ability, sexual orientation, or background, can thrive.

Join us and be part of a company that values you—exactly as you are.