Learning & Development Manager in Denham

We're partnering with a highly respected, owner‑led engineering business to appoint an L&D Manager who will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's future learning capability, particularly across its technical and engineering workforce. This is a strategic, relationship‑led role sitting within a well‑established function and reporting to a highly credible Head of Learning & Development. The organisation is technically complex, people‑centric, and places real value on learning that genuinely works in practice not theory for theory's sake.

Around 45% of the workforce is technically skilled, "hands‑on" labour, and while operational and compliance training is well established, the business is now focused on what comes next. This role is about moving learning forward:

• Clearly defining development pathways
• Building a robust, forward‑looking Training Needs Analysis
• Creating greater cohesion and consistency across learning activity
• Ensuring learning remains relevant not just today, but in 3-5 years' time

You won't be firefighting. You'll be proactively identifying what people need before they ask for it.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and evolution of technical and non‑operational development pathways, ensuring clarity, structure and scalability
• Own and drive a significant organisation‑wide TNA project, analysing data and translating insight into practical learning solutions
• Build strong, trusted relationships with senior and executive stakeholders in a relationship‑heavy, owner‑led environment
• Influence and partner with technical leaders to shape effective, credible learning solutions
• Work closely with the Head of Management Development on leadership and management pathways, ensuring alignment across the learning landscape
• Measure and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of learning not just attendance
• Provide input into learning budgets and ensure investment delivers real value
• Over time, absorb and shape additional areas of responsibility as the Academy continues to evolve
• Support the Head of Management development with Early careers (apprenticeships, graduates, work experience, placements - approx. 70 learners at any time)
• Managing the Learning Management System (SkillStation), with administration support in place

While this role is not primarily about day‑to‑day delivery, you'll be credible enough to facilitate or front learning when needed and confident engaging directly with learners and stakeholders alike.

This role will suit someone who is:

• An experienced L&D Manager or Senior L&D Business Partner operating at a strategic level
• Comfortable working in technical, engineering, manufacturing or similarly complex environments (industry background is flexible)
• Naturally relationship‑driven, with the credibility to engage senior leaders and earn trust
• Confident using data and insight to inform decisions (analysis rather than manipulation)
• Forward‑thinking, pragmatic and commercially aware
• Passionate about building learning that actually lands with technical populations
• Ideally brings digital or blended learning capability, without losing the value of face‑to‑face engagement
• You must have experience of managing a team

This is a predominantly on‑site role at the organisation's Denham headquarters, where the majority of the business and intellectual capability sits. Face‑to‑face presence is important, particularly while relationships are being built.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies.