Head of Learning and Development

Hays HR are currently recruiting a Head of Talent Development (L&D) for a rapidly growing business in the North of England.

This job holder is responsible for leading the implementation and delivery of the Learning Academy and wider Learning Strategy. Designing, implementing and evaluating learning and development programmes that align to and enable delivery of our organisational goals, enhancing employee performance and career growth.

Through the People Development Team, this role will lead the delivery of learning activities, processes and systems across the Group which support the delivery of statutory and mandatory training, induction, leadership development, wider talent development, supervisions and appraisals.

The postholder is accountable for:

• Taking ownership for the wider L&D offering, developing and implementing Early Careers, Leadership, Talent Development and Career Progression Programmes.

• Define and implement a learning strategy that builds organisational capability across the Group and supports delivery of a high-performance and healthy culture, utlising a broad range of learning mechanisms and ensuring equitable access for all learners.

• Create and oversee the execution and evaluation of an Annual Learning and Development Plan across all sites, aligned to the broader People Strategy and with the Group financial and operational objectives.

• Work with stakeholders and subject matter experts across the Group to understand the demand signals and, when appropriate, design robust outcomes and learning solutions that respond to the need.

• Conduct training needs assessments across all sites and develop workforce development and succession planning strategies as applicable.

• Manage external training providers, collaborating with leaders to ensure the right balance of build, buy and outsource in line with agreed budget governance.

• Leading a team of in-house trainers, providing line management in line with the Group’s values.

Required experience & knowledge:

• Proven experience in a senior learning and development role, ideally within a national or multi-site organisation.

• Strong knowledge of L&D strategies, methodologies, and tools, with experience managing an LMS.

• Significant experience of improving capability and enabling organisational change.

• Delivery of end to end talent management and workforce planning methods and tools.

• Working knowledge of apprenticeship schemes and other early career pathways.

• Application / use of psychometric tools (Insights Discovery preferred).

• Assessment and internal verification of training quality and ROI.

• Working in a regulated environment.