Job Description
Reports to:
Head of People, Talent and Development
Role Purpose
The Learning & Development Officer will design, implement, and continuously improve engaging induction and role-specific development plans across the business. This is a newly created role, offering the opportunity to shape the organisation’s approach to onboarding, skills development, and capability building from the ground up. Working closely with the Head of People, Talent and Development, the role will focus on partnering with managers to capture critical role knowledge, ensure accuracy and relevance of learning content, and embed structured, competency-based learning experiences that support new starters and developing employees.
Key Responsibilities, Induction & Role-Based Development
Design and deliver comprehensive induction programmes tailored to each role within the business
Create structured development plans that build capability, confidence, and role competence
Ensure learning journeys are engaging, practical, and aligned with organisational goals
Manager & Subject Matter Engagement
Use strong influencing skills to engage managers as key contributors to learning content
Work with managers and subject matter experts to capture, validate, and structure role-specific knowledge
Support and appropriately challenge stakeholders to ensure learning plans reflect real role requirements
Buddy & Support Frameworks
Develop and manage effective buddy systems for new starters
Ensure buddies are competent, trained, and clear on expectations
Provide guidance, tools, and frameworks to support managers and buddies during onboarding
Competency & Knowledge Assessment
Design competency-based knowledge checks aligned to each role
Ensure assessments are practical, meaningful, and support on-the-job performance
Monitor progress and highlight development gaps to managers and the Head of People, Talent and Development
Continuous Improvement
Regularly review and improve induction and development plans using feedback and data
Establish learning standards and frameworks as the role develops
Take ownership of shaping the Learning & Development function within the wider People strategy
Key Stakeholders
Head of People, Talent and Development
Line Managers
New Starters and Developing Employees
Senior Leaders
Buddy / Mentor Network
Measures of Success
Consistent, high-quality induction experiences across the business
Improved engagement, confidence, and time-to-competence for new starters
Strong manager ownership and participation in role-based learning
Clear, effective competency frameworks established for all roles
Skills & Experience (Essential)
Proven experience in a Learning & Development, Training, or similar role
Experience designing and delivering induction and development programmes
Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills
Ability to translate operational knowledge into structured learning content
Experience developing competency-based learning or assessments
Desirable
Experience building learning frameworks in a new or evolving environment
Understanding of adult learning theory
Experience implementing buddy or mentoring programmes
Benefits:
Free parking
On-site parking
Work Location: In-office, Newcastle upon Tyne