Head of Talent Development
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 & 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.
Responsibilities
Apprenticeships & Early Careers
* Lead and deliver the firm’s apprenticeship and early careers programmes (c.200 apprentices)
* Oversee end‑to‑end delivery including induction, learning design, progress tracking and completion
* Ensure compliance with ESFA funding rules, Ofsted expectations and internal governance requirements
* Work closely with Finance on levy utilisation, forecasting, reconciliations and audit readiness
* Oversee safeguarding arrangements in partnership with designated safeguarding leads
* Lead ongoing development of the apprenticeship model in line with internal and external change
* Manage and develop apprenticeship leads and support teams
Workday Learning
* Own and continuously develop the Workday Learning platform
* Ensure effective governance, reporting and data integrity
* Enhance user experience and integration with wider HR, performance and talent processes
Wider Firm Capability Development
* Define and deliver the firm’s learning and capability strategy
* Identify current and future skills needs in partnership with business leaders
* Design and commission development solutions using internal and external providers
* Embed learning within performance management and career development frameworks
* Promote a culture of continuous development across the firm
Budget & Supplier Management
* Take ownership of development budgets across apprenticeships, early careers and learning
* Manage third‑party providers to ensure quality and value for money
Leadership & Governance
* Provide regular reporting and insight to senior stakeholders
* Ensure strong governance, audit readiness and risk management
* Lead, coach and develop a high‑performing talent development team
Qualifications
* Significant experience in learning, talent or organisational development leadership
* Proven track record designing and delivering capability or talent strategies
* Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
* Experience managing teams, budgets and external partners
* Experience working with learning systems (Workday Learning desirable)
* Desirable: Experience within apprenticeships, ESFA funding or employer‑provider models
* Knowledge of safeguarding and regulated learning environments
Benefits
* 30 days holiday plus bank holidays
* Extra time off at Christmas – we close between Christmas and New Year
* Hybrid and flexible working
* Contributory pension scheme
* Life assurance
* Critical illness cover
* Simply Health cashback plan including access to 24/7 online GP service and counselling services
* Perkbox discounts and rewards platform with over 4,000 perks and discounts
* Social events with active social committees that plan internal and external events
* Numerous opportunities for development
Equal Opportunity Statement
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. We are committed to welcoming new people into an inclusive working environment, where everyone has equal opportunity to reach their full potential. We support a culture where people are valued and treated with respect, and where differences are understood and celebrated. The more varied our workforce, the broader the expertise within our business. The broader our expertise, the greater our chances of innovation and success. That's why we're committed to equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion at every level.
As part of our recruitment process and commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant working environment, we conduct background checks on all successful applicants. These checks will include verification of references, confirmation of right to work in the UK, and, where applicable, a standard or enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Further details will be provided during the recruitment process.
For agencies: Note that we do not accept unsolicited CVs. Submissions will only be reviewed where a role has been briefed by our Talent Acquisition team.
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