Head of Learning & Development

Location: Midlands

Salary: £70,000–£80,000 + benefits + car allowance + bonus

With our market-leading FMCG client, you shape your own career path. That means having the opportunity to pursue challenges you are passionate about, in areas of development that truly matter to you. This exciting career opportunity will utilise your Learning & Development expertise as you work in close partnership with HR Business Partners, Business Leaders and Centres of Excellence to develop a wide range of innovative talent development solutions.

We are seeking a Senior Manager of Learning & Talent Development to lead the organisational learning and development strategy, enhancing capability at every level, from early careers to senior leadership. You will be responsible for designing, developing, implementing and evaluating learning outcomes across the organisation, as well as owning functional development programmes. Leading a team of L&D Specialists, you will build a centre of excellence that is both industry-leading and best-in-class.

This is a pivotal role in shaping and executing people strategies that position talent as a true competitive differentiator, creating a function renowned for its innovation, collaboration and ability to empower both employees and clients.

The Role

• You will define and execute a strategic vision to cultivate a high-performing, future-ready workforce that supports company growth, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Overseeing the design, deployment and delivery of learning programmes aligned with business goals, ensuring they are engaging, effective, and accessible.
• Developing and implementing a comprehensive, company-wide learning strategy that positions the organisation as a leader in delivering exceptional services.
• Collaborating with functional heads to create innovative learning and leadership development programmes that drive business impact and operational excellence.
• Leading the assessment of skill gaps and training needs, creating impactful training content and coordinating delivery.
• Designing multi-tiered development curricula to prepare the next generation of leaders.
• Utilising a variety of learning modalities including e-learning, instructor-led training, workshops, and technical hands-on sessions.
• Developing curriculum that incorporates knowledge of evolving products and services.
• Leveraging advanced technologies including AI and analytics to enhance learning scalability, engagement, and effectiveness.
• Staying abreast of L&D trends and embedding best practice to keep the organisation at the forefront of learning innovation.
• Defining and measuring key People KPIs to drive alignment with business goals and ensure functional accountability.
• Building dashboard and analytics capability to provide real-time insight into learning impact and support executive-level decision-making.
• Using data and predictive analytics to inform talent strategies and proactively address emerging workforce challenges.
• Building and leading a high-performing, collaborative L&D team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous development.
• Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, offering guidance on workforce strategy, organisational development, and talent priorities.
• Managing external partnerships with vendors and thought leaders to integrate best-in-class practices.
• Championing a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability, aligned with the broader groups vision.
• Ensuring high levels of internal customer service satisfaction across all business units.
• Taking ownership of graduate and apprenticeship development programmes, ensuring early careers are supported and developed.
• Working in close collaboration with the wider HR function and cross-functional teams.

You will play a critical role in positioning the business as a destination for top talent, leading transformative development initiatives that support sustainable growth and scalability.

The Person

• We are looking for a visionary leader and collaborative team player with a strong track record in Learning & Talent Development, who can drive real transformation and impact.
• A degree in a relevant field. An advanced degree or MBA is preferred.
• Progressive leadership experience in L&D and Talent roles with increasing responsibility.
• A proven history of designing and implementing company-wide learning strategies in complex organisations, with measurable results.
• Experience with learning management systems and modern learning experience platforms.
• Senior leadership experience within an FMCG or similar high-paced commercial environment.
• Expertise in talent and organisational development, leadership development, early years development and employee engagement.
• Experience designing and executing executive development programmes, including succession planning, coaching, and mentoring senior leaders.
• Strong strategic thinking and the ability to align talent development to commercial goals.
• Demonstrated success in leading change and managing organisational transformation.
• Advanced analytical skills and the ability to develop data-led solutions with confidence.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence at executive and board level.
• A collaborative, self-motivated leadership style and the ability to build trust at all levels of the organisation.
• High levels of integrity, emotional intelligence, and political acumen.
• A proven ability to act as an internal consultant, shaping and driving cross-functional learning initiatives.
• A track record of using change management best practices to embed lasting improvement.
• An entrepreneurial mindset, deep curiosity and a solutions-focused approach.