Emerging Talent & Development Advisor

In this role as Emerging Talent & Development Advisor, you will design and deliver strategies that strengthen Forth Ports’ talent pipeline from Emerging Talent through to upskilling and reskilling initiatives. Working closely with the Talent Acquisition function and wider Talent & Development team, you will identify current and future skills gaps and create innovative, funded development solutions that support workforce planning and business priorities. Acting as a subject matter expert on the UK education and skills landscape, you will ensure Forth Ports remains connected to emerging trends, funding opportunities and government initiatives, while championing inclusive and equitable access to talent across all programmes.

Key responsibilities:

·        Develop and deliver an integrated emerging and developing talent strategy aligned to workforce planning, business priorities and DEI objectives

·        Identify skills and capability gaps and design targeted Emerging Talent upskilling and reskilling solutions, including apprenticeships, bootcamps and funded programmes

·        Act as the SME on the UK education and skills landscape, maintaining awareness of reforms, qualifications, funding routes and national skills priorities

·        Manage and maximise the apprenticeship levy and identify additional funding streams to support capability building across the business

·        Build and maintain a demand plan for apprenticeships, internships, T-levels and graduate programmes in partnership with regional and functional stakeholders

·        Track, evaluate and report on programme effectiveness, retention and return on investment.

·        Embed DEI principles across all emerging talent and development pathways, using data and insight to identify barriers and improve representation and progression

·        Build strong relationships with education providers, training partners, community organisations and industry bodies, representing Forth Ports at external forums

·        Act as a trusted advisor to the People team and the wider business, providing insight on emerging trends, opportunities and best practice

·        Ensure governance, compliance and accurate reporting across all funding and development programmes

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for a proactive self-starter who can manage a busy workload, balance competing priorities and deliver impactful outcomes. You’ll be confident working across multiple stakeholders, comfortable operating both strategically and hands-on, and motivated by creating sustainable and inclusive talent pipelines. The role requires flexibility to travel to other ports across Scotland and to Tilbury from time to time, alongside the ability to work within a hybrid working model while ensuring business needs are met.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Track record of engaging with and building strong relationships with internal teams (HR, TA, L&D) and external partners (universities, colleges, training partners & funding providers)

• Understanding of UK graduate, apprenticeship, and internship programmes, including government-funded schemes

• Understanding of the UK universities, colleges, and educational providers frameworks (e.g. qualification equivalencies and progression routes across Scotland and England) 

• Experience contributing to diversity and inclusion initiatives

• Full UK working rights

• Full UK driving licence is required

What Forth Ports can offer you:

At Forth Ports, our people are our priority, and we are committed to creating a flexible, open, and supportive working culture. As part of our team, you will enjoy:

• A competitive salary

• Generous annual leave entitlement

• Discretionary bonus

• A defined pension scheme and life assurance

• Health promotion events and employee wellbeing initiatives

• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and your family

• Cycle to work scheme and on-site free parking

• Attractive Family Friendly Policies

• Employee discount platform offering discounts on UK-wide restaurants, car rentals, and holidays

• GymFlex health club memberships

We value diversity and inclusivity, and we are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and will consider all applications for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.

How to Apply:

If you have relevant experience and are looking to continue your career as part of a forward-thinking and supportive team, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter when submitting your application via the ‘Apply Now’ link.