Description
About this opportunity
We are seeking a Head of Talent Development to lead and deliver the firm’s talent development strategy, ensuring our people have the skills, experience and support needed to succeed as we continue to grow and transform.
This senior leadership role combines strategic direction with operational delivery across three core areas: Apprenticeships and Early Careers, Workday Learning, and wider firm capability development. It plays a critical role in enabling long-term talent capability, supporting business performance, and embedding a culture of continuous learning across the firm.
The role sits within our People function and is key to aligning learning, development and career progression with firm-wide strategic priorities. You will lead a high-performing team, oversee governance and compliance, and ensure development activity delivers measurable value to the organisation.
Your responsibilities will include:
Apprenticeships & Early Careers
1. Leading and delivering the firm’s apprenticeship and early careers programmes (c.200 apprentices)
2. Overseeing end-to-end delivery including induction, learning design, progress tracking and completion
3. Ensuring compliance with ESFA funding rules, Ofsted expectations and internal governance requirements
4. Working closely with Finance on levy utilisation, forecasting, reconciliations and audit readiness
5. Overseeing safeguarding arrangements in partnership with designated safeguarding leads
6. Leading ongoing development of the apprenticeship model in line with internal and external change
7. Manage and develop apprenticeship leads and support teams
Workday Learning
8. Owning and continuously developing the Workday Learning platform
9. Ensuring effective governance, reporting and data integrity
10. Enhancing user experience and integration with wider HR, performance and talent processes
Wider Firm Capability Development
11. Defining and delivering the firm’s learning and capability strategy
12. Identifying current and future skills needs in partnership with business leaders
13. Designing and commissioning development solutions using internal and external providers
14. Embedding learning within performance management and career development frameworks
15. Promoting a culture of continuous development across the firm
Budget & Supplier Management
16. Taking ownership of development budgets across apprenticeships, early careers and learning
17. Managing third-party providers to ensure quality and value for money
Leadership & Governance
18. Providing regular reporting and insight to senior stakeholders
19. Ensuring strong governance, audit readiness and risk management
20. Leading, coaching and developing a high-performing talent development team
What we are looking for
To be considered for the role, you will need to demonstrate:
21. Significant experience in learning, talent or organisational development leadership
22. Proven track record designing and delivering capability or talent strategies
23. Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
24. Experience managing teams, budgets and external partners
25. Experience working with learning systems (Workday Learning desirable)
Desirable:
26. Experience within apprenticeships, ESFA funding or employer-provider models
27. Knowledge of safeguarding and regulated learning environments
Why join us
We are an award-winning certified Great Place to Work® provider of Audit, Accountancy, Tax and Advisory services in the South West and West Midlands. With a turnover of £48m, we saw growth of almost 15% over the last 12 months. We are also currently ranked fifth in the Accountancy Age Mid-Tier Power Index and are the largest provider of audit services to multi-academy trusts in the academy sector.
From owner-managed businesses, SMEs, and large businesses; to entrepreneurs and private individuals; we offer full services across a diverse range of sectors.
With 9 offices, over 50 partners, and over 500 people, we have the capability and capacity to meet our clients’ needs.
We are also a member of Kreston Global, a global network of independent accounting firms in more than 100 countries.
We also offer a multifaceted benefits package, which includes:
28. 30 days holiday, plus bank holidays
29. Extra time off at Christmas - in addition to your annual leave entitlement, we close between Christmas and New Year
30. Hybrid and flexible working
31. A contributory pension scheme
32. Life assurance
33. Critical illness cover
34. Simply Health cashback plan including access to 24/7 online GP service and counselling services
35. Perkbox discounts and rewards platform with over 4,000 perks and discounts
36. Social events with active social committees that plan internal and external events
37. Numerous opportunities for development
We welcome applicants seeking flexible working arrangements, including part‑time working or working from home, to support responsibilities such as caring commitments, further study, or interests outside of work.