Alternatively, Grant Thornton

At Grant Thornton we do things differently - looking to the future, driving ambitious growth and pioneering positive change in our industry. Providing audit, tax and advisory services, we empower clients through strategic insight, curiosity, and genuine partnership. And we empower our people with real opportunity, an inclusive culture and work life balance. A true alternative.

With over 5,000 people in the UK, and a presence in 150 global markets, we're on an ambitious journey, from great to exceptional, and we need the best people to help us achieve our potential. And with that comes the opportunity to help redefine what our industry looks like, and what you want from your career.

Job Description:

NEW GROUND WON’T BREAK ITSELF.

Every day our teams help people in businesses and communities to do what is right and achieve their goals.

The Learning and Development team is a growing centre of excellence within Learning Innovation. We design and deliver scalable, high quality learning programmes from digital transformation and development academies to readiness pathways and onboarding, that equip our people with the skills they need now and for the future. By combining thoughtful programme design, strong vendor partnerships, and smart use of learning technologies, we create engaging, inclusive learning experiences that align with business priorities and future skills needs.

We work with stakeholders across the firm to identify‑driven improvement, we collaborate with stakeholders across the firm to identify capability gaps, shape relevant and meaningful solutions, and ensure every programme supports both individual development and organisational performance. This is a team with purpose, momentum, and the opportunity to make a firmwide difference.

We’re happy to talk flexible working and consider reduced hours and job shares, we’ll support you to balance your work and life.

A look into the role

As a Director of Learning, Development and Talent within our team practice, you will:

Lead the design and execution of leadership development programmes, career pathways, and high-potential talent initiatives.
Lead a culture change programme to focus on digital first and adapting to transformation and change.
Create a fit for purpose suite of leadership development programmes.
Develop approaches to the strategic impact of digitisation on the workforce and how we plan for the changing shape of structures across the firm.
Design a suite of line management training focused on honest conversations, people leadership and managing development pathways
Work with external providers to shape and develop flagship talent programmes
Talent - strengthen the talent pipeline approach, develop succession planning approach, work with the talent team and HR business partner team to deliver a centralised approach to goal setting, performance, ratings and moderation.
Develop and implement a holistic talent strategy aligned with business goals and future workforce needs.
Oversee the creation and delivery of scalable learning programs, including onboarding, compliance, technical training, and leadership development.
Champion a culture of continuous learning and innovation through modern learning technologies and methodologies.
Evaluate learning effectiveness and ROI through data-driven insights and performance metrics.
Work alongside the CPO on strategic pieces of work for example partner performance and partner remuneration frameworks.
Manage the learning and development budget.

Knowing you’re right for us

Joining us as a Director of Learning, Development and Talent, the minimum criteria you’ll need is significant senior leadership experience in learning and development, talent management and organisational development. A proven track record in designing and delivering leadership development programmes, career pathways and high-potential talent initiatives. Strong experience leading culture change programmes, ideally with a focus on digital transformation or digital-first ways of working. It would be great if you had some of the following skills, but don’t worry if you don’t tick every box, we’ll help you develop along the way.

Demonstrated ability to review, redesign and implement development frameworks, including Partner or senior‑leader development programmes.
Strong understanding of the strategic impact of digitisation on workforce capability, organisational structure and future skills needs.
Experience designing and deploying line management development training, particularly in honest conversations, people leadership and career development.
Proven capability in working with external learning providers to co‑create flagship talent and leadership programmes.
Strong experience in succession planning, talent pipeline development and centralised performance processes (goal setting, ratings, moderation).
Ability to develop and execute a holistic talent strategy aligned to business goals and future workforce needs.
Experience working at executive level, collaborating closely with a CPO or senior HR leaders on strategic projects (e.g., partner performance or remuneration).
Proven experience managing L&D budgets and optimising spend across programmes and vendors.

Knowing we’re right for you

Embracing uniqueness, the culture at Grant Thornton thrives on the contributions of all our people, we never settle for what is easy, we look beyond to deliver the right thing, for everyone. Building an inclusive culture, where we value difference and respect our colleagues helps our people to perform at the best of their ability and realise their potential.

Our open and accessible culture means you’ll interact with leaders who are interested in you and everything you bring to our firm. The things that set you apart, we value them. That’s why we give you the freedom to bring your whole self to work and pursue your passions inside and outside of work.

Beyond the job

Life is more than work. The things you do, and the people you’re with outside of work matter, that’s why we’re happy to look at flexible working options for all our roles, and we’ll always do our best to keep your work and life in balance.

The impact you can make here will go far beyond your day job. From secondments, to fundraising for local charities, or investing in entrepreneurs in the developing world, you’ll be giving back to society. It’s that drive to do the right thing that runs through our every move, grounded in our firm’s values – purposefully driven, actively curious and candid but kind.

We’re looking for people who want to contribute, spark fresh ideas and go beyond expectations. People who want to be able to proudly do what’s right, for the firm, our clients, our people and themselves. It’s how it should be.

Grant Thornton UK

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Director of Learning, Development and Talent