Location: Greater Manchester

Hybrid: 2 days per week office-based

Salary: Up to £75,000 per annum (depending on experience)

A confidential organisation is seeking a dynamic and strategic Head of Learning, Development & Talent to shape and lead its talent, learning, and leadership development agenda. This is a pivotal role responsible for building organisational capability, strengthening leadership pipelines, and driving a culture of continuous development and high performance.

The ideal candidate will bring strategic vision, strong stakeholder influence, and a passion for enabling people to reach their full potential.

The Role

Learning & Development

Create and implement an organisation-wide learning and development strategy aligned to business priorities.
Lead the design and delivery of leadership, technical, and professional development programmes.
Foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
Introduce modern, technology-driven learning solutions including digital platforms, coaching, mentoring, and blended learning.
Evaluate learning impact and use insights to improve performance, engagement, and retention.

Talent Management

Develop and maintain a robust talent management and succession planning framework.
Identify high-potential talent and build sustainable leadership pipelines.
Partner with senior leaders to create career pathways and support internal mobility.
Lead talent reviews and ensure development actions are implemented across the business.

Performance & Capability

Strengthen a culture of high performance supported by effective feedback and capability building.
Support leaders with performance management, coaching, and development planning.
Design and embed capability frameworks aligned to organisational goals.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Ensure learning and talent processes embed fairness, representation, and inclusive progression.
Work closely with relevant teams to deliver development activity that fosters belonging and equity.

Leadership & Team Management

Lead, develop, and empower the Learning & Talent team to deliver impactful outcomes.
Manage the L&D budget to ensure value for investment.
Build strong relationships with external providers, consultants, and thought leaders.

About You

Experience & Skills

Proven experience in a senior L&D, Talent, or Organisational Development leadership role.
Ability to translate business needs into comprehensive people development strategies.
Strong background in leadership development, succession planning, and capability growth.
Experience delivering digital learning solutions and using L&D technologies (e.g., LMS, LXP).
Skilled in influencing senior stakeholders and building trusted partnerships.
Data-driven, with a track record of demonstrating impact through metrics and analysis.
Coaching experience or relevant qualification desirable.

Qualifications

Degree in HR, Organisational Psychology, Business, or a related field (Master’s beneficial).
CIPD Level 7 or equivalent professional accreditation desirable.
Accreditation in coaching, facilitation, or psychometric tools (e.g., MBTI, Hogan, Insights Discovery) is an advantage.

Personal Attributes

Strategic thinker with a pragmatic, hands-on approach.
Passionate about people development and organisational performance.
Strong communicator and relationship-builder.
Curious, innovative, and enthusiastic about emerging learning trends.
Committed to fostering an inclusive and empowering culture.

Confidential Careers jobs

Head of Learning and Development