Group Learning & Development Manager
Based: Hemel Hempstead, with hybrid working
Type: Full-time
, 9-month contract
Eligibility: You must be eligible to work in the UK
The Group Learning & Development Manager will play a critical role in enhancing the effectiveness and impact of the People Team strategy across the Group. Over this 9‑month FTC, the role will focus on designing, delivering, and embedding core L&D initiatives including employee training, talent development frameworks, onboarding, and technical training programmes. This role will also oversee the Group's training budget and ensure that L&D activity is aligned to business priorities and capability needs.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic L&D Delivery
- Support the implementation and continuous improvement of the People Team strategy, ensuring L&D activity is integrated and effective across the Group
- Partner with leaders to understand organisational capability needs and translate them into clear development solutions
- Learning Design & Delivery
- Design, build, and deliver high‑quality employee training programmes (both behavioural and technical)
- Develop blended learning solutions using methodologies such as workshops, e‑learning, toolkits, and coaching frameworks
- Facilitate engaging in‑person and virtual training sessions across all business areas
Talent Development
- Design and implement a Group‑wide talent development module, including frameworks for capability assessment, succession planning, and career pathways
- Build tools and processes that support managers in identifying and developing talent
- Support the People Team with leadership development initiatives
Technical Training Management
- Own and manage all Group technical training requirements, ensuring regulatory, compliance, and role‑specific training is effectively delivered
- Work with operational and technical leaders to forecast training needs and build structured learning paths
Onboarding
- Design and implement an effective, consistent, and engaging onboarding experience across the Group
- Create onboarding materials, schedules, and manager guidance to ensure new starters ramp up successfully
Budget & Reporting
- Manage the Group L&D budget, ensuring cost‑effective use of spend and accurate reporting
- Track training activity, evaluate effectiveness, and make data‑driven recommendations for continuous improvement
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in a Learning & Development role, ideally at Group or multi‑site level
- Strong capability in designing and delivering training programmes end‑to‑end
- Experience creating talent development frameworks or modules
- Knowledge of technical and compliance training management
- Ability to manage L&D budgets and measure training effectiveness
- Strong facilitation, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to work at pace and manage multiple priorities within a fixed timeframe
Why Academia?
Academia is an innovative and rapidly expanding technology company on a mission to transform IT services for large public and private sector customers. We're not just a supplier; we're a trusted partner for thousands of clients.
Our ethos is simple, if we can provide great technology and make it work, we will empower our customers to optimise their investment in technology. Your IT success is our business.
Building a strong reputation over 20 years as a top-tier provider of IT solutions and services, the company has sustained double-digit growth, with revenues exceeding £150 million in FY24. We have picked up prestigious industry awards along the way, including the highly prized CRN reseller of the year award.
Backed by Strive Capital, which has provided strong financial and strategic support since 2020, Academia is well-equipped to continue expanding into new areas. Our dedicated lifecycle division, launched to meet the growing demand for sustainable IT solutions, reinforces our commitment to reducing environmental impact while supporting the full lifecycle of our technology.
Our culture is built on teamwork, innovation, integrity, ambition, and a commitment to delivering excellent customer service. With ambitious growth plans and a supportive, collaborative environment, Academia is a fantastic place for professionals eager to make an impact. Join us and become part of one of the UK's most exciting tech success stories.
