Head of Leadership Development
We’re excited to be recruiting a dynamic and motivated Head of Leadership Development to join our Talent Development Team at The University of Manchester.
About The Role
The Head of Leadership Development is responsible for developing, managing, and maintaining the provision and delivery of comprehensive management and leadership development programmes and development solutions for all levels of management and leadership in the University. This role leads a team that manages the provision of in‑person workshops and programmes, and online resources and support for all levels of management and leadership, from aspiring managers to senior and executive leaders. The role will work alongside academic, scholarly and research development leads, as well as IT and Compliance and Risk functions, to align colleague development solutions and ensure that colleagues are able to access relevant and accessible development offerings. The role leads the Leadership Development team and aligns the Talent Development Strategy and leadership development solutions with the University's organisational goals, including sustainability, equality and inclusion, and service excellence. This is a hybrid role, with the opportunity to work remotely 1–2 days per week, dependent on organisational need.
Essential Skills
* Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Human Resources, Business Management, or a related field.
* Chartered Member of CIPD or equivalent.
* Extensive experience in leading a team of learning and development professionals in the provision of leadership development, training, and organisational development across a large, complex organisation.
* Extensive experience and application of a range of personality assessments (e.g., MBTI, EQi, DISC) and leadership development tools and techniques such as 360‑degree feedback within a leadership development programme or suite.
* Proven track record and evidence of designing and delivering successful leadership development programmes, based on andragogical and heutagogical learning principles.
* People‑management skills to lead, manage, motivate and develop multi‑disciplinary learning and development teams and to set and monitor performance.
* Evidence of leadership skills to think, plan, operate strategically and to initiate and lead significant cultural and organisational change.
* Evidence of a flexible, proactive and resilient approach, with the ability to quickly adapt to change, deal with ambiguity, support others through change and uncertainty and engage constructively with change initiatives.
* Experience of implementing learning needs analysis and training evaluation techniques at an organisational level, such as Kirkpatrick's Four Levels of Evaluation and ROI analysis.
* Strong understanding of adult learning principles and training methodologies.
* Excellent communication, facilitation, and presentation skills.
* Ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
* Strong commitment to the values of sustainability, equality and inclusion.
Desirable Criteria
* Level 5 qualification in Business and Personal Coaching or equivalent.
* BPS Level A & B Qualifications.
* Experience with e‑learning platforms and virtual training delivery methods.
* Experience of leading the provision of management and leadership development in the Higher Education sector.
Why Work with Us
As one of the UK’s leading universities and a member of the prestigious Russell Group, The University of Manchester is recognised globally for excellence in teaching, research, and social responsibility. Our people are at the heart of what we do, and we’re proud to offer a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
Our benefits include
* Generous annual leave, including Christmas/New Year closure.
* Membership of a competitive pension scheme.
* Comprehensive well‑being programme, including counselling, fitness, and leading sports facilities.
* Learning and development opportunities to support your career growth.
* Season ticket loans and Cycle to Work scheme.
* Workplace nursery scheme and family‑friendly policies.
* Staff discounts on travel, retail and services.
* Staff recognition schemes celebrating outstanding contributions.
Our community
With 25 Nobel Prize winners among our current and former staff and students, we have a proud history of world‑first discoveries – from splitting the atom to giving the world graphene. Our commitment to research, teaching, and social responsibility shapes everything we do.
Inclusion and Belonging
We’re passionate about creating an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome and valued. As an equal‑opportunity employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments will be made on merit.
How To Apply
This vacancy will close at midnight on the closing date. We reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Please note that any CVs submitted by recruitment agencies will be treated as a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews
Name: Jen Pass, Talent Acquisition Business Partner
Email: jennifer.pass@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries
Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Business Development and Sales
Industries
Higher Education
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