Emerging Talent & Development Advisor

Emerging Talent & Development Advisor

Location:

Port of Grangemouth / Leith / Tilbury (Forth Ports Ltd, Carron House, Dock Road)

Contract type:
Full-time

Closing date:
Monday 5th January 2026

Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 per year

Hours:

35 hours per week, Monday to Friday (09:00–17:00)

Forth Ports is one of the UK’s largest and most dynamic port operator groups, playing a key role in connecting the UK with Europe and beyond. As a multimodal ports owner and operator, we are at the forefront of delivering innovative port‑related services. With a pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero status by 2042, we are committed to sustainability and driving the expansion of the UK’s renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind.

In this role, 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 the 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.
• Gym Flex health club memberships.

We value diversity and inclusivity, and we are an equal‑opportunity 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.

If you have relevant experience and are looking to continue your career as part of a forward‑thinking and supportive team, please submit your CV and a cover letter via the ‘Apply Now’ link.