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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape learning strategies to enhance workforce capability and performance.
- Company: Dawsongroup, a leading asset rental business with a strong focus on people development.
- Benefits: Generous leave, funded training, wellbeing support, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a company that values innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on leadership and culture in a growing international business.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in L&D or OD with a commercial mindset and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About this Role
Are you an experienced Head of Learning & Development, Organisational Development leader, or senior Talent and Capability professional looking to shape learning strategy in a commercially focused business? This role at Dawsongroup offers the opportunity to build capability across a nationwide, operational workforce while directly influencing performance, leadership strength, engagement, and long term business growth. You will work closely with senior leaders across the business to create practical, accessible, and commercially valuable learning solutions that support both frontline operational teams and professional populations. This is a highly visible role with real influence, balancing strategic thinking with hands on delivery across onboarding, leadership development, succession planning, capability frameworks, and organisational effectiveness.
- Lead and deliver a business aligned L&D and OD strategy focused on operational excellence and measurable business impact.
- Design end to end learning frameworks covering onboarding, leadership, line management, specialist capability, and CPD.
- Partner with operational and senior leadership teams to strengthen leadership depth and reduce skills gaps.
- Use workforce insight and data to measure ROI, improve learning effectiveness, and prioritise high value activity.
- Build a culture of continuous learning that works for both desk based and frontline employees.
About You
You could already be operating as a Head of L&D, Head of Organisational Development, Senior Learning Partner, or Workforce Development leader, ideally within a multi site or operational environment. You understand how learning drives commercial performance and can confidently balance long term strategy with practical execution. You will bring credibility with senior stakeholders while still being comfortable rolling up your sleeves to build frameworks, challenge thinking, and improve organisational capability. We know no candidate ticks every box, so if your experience is transferable and you can see yourself succeeding in this environment, we would encourage you to apply.
- Senior level experience within Learning & Development, Organisational Development, or Workforce Capability.
- Strong understanding of leadership development, capability frameworks, change, and organisational effectiveness.
- Experience supporting operational, frontline, or geographically dispersed workforces.
- Commercial mindset with the ability to prioritise learning investment against measurable outcomes.
- Confident influencing leaders and building engagement across multiple stakeholder groups.
About Us
Dawsongroup is one of Europe’s leading asset rental businesses, operating across sectors including trucks, vans, buses and coaches, material handling, temperature control, municipal, and energy solutions. Operating for over 90 years as a family business, we still adhere to the values that steered us for so long, now under the ownership of KKR, with continued investment in our people, infrastructure, and future growth. Our people strategy is built around growth, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. With operations across 11 countries and a strong focus on leadership, wellbeing, and development, this is an opportunity to shape learning within a business that genuinely invests in its people and future capability.
- 2x life assurance scheme.
- Funded training and internal progression opportunities, both nationally and internationally.
- 24 days standard leave allowance + Birthday + plus Bank Holidays + up to 10 days extra, time served and purchase scheme.
- Wellbeing and mental health support.
- Cycle to work schemes, seasonal gifts, and long term incentives.
About Your Future
This role offers the chance to leave a genuine mark on a growing international business where capability, leadership, and culture are seen as critical to long term success. You will have the freedom to shape frameworks, influence leadership thinking, and create learning solutions that directly improve operational performance and employee experience. As Dawsongroup continues to grow and evolve, this position offers significant scope for visibility, progression, and long term impact. Whether your passion sits in organisational development, leadership capability, succession, or workforce transformation, this is a role where your work will be recognised and valued.
- Shape and influence the future capability strategy of a major operational business.
- Build leadership pathways that improve succession strength and organisational resilience.
- Drive measurable improvements in engagement, retention, productivity, and leadership effectiveness.
- Partner with experienced senior stakeholders across a broad range of business units.
- Develop your own career within a business committed to growth, innovation, and people development.
Dawsongroup is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. If you are looking to take the next step in your Learning & Development or Organisational Development career with a business that genuinely values people, capability, and long term growth, we would love to hear from you. At Dawsongroup, people are our greatest asset, and this is your chance to help shape the future of ours.
Head of L&D in Milton Keynes employer: Dawsongroup
Contact Detail:
Dawsongroup Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of L&D in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. The more people know you’re looking for opportunities, the better your chances of landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your experience in L&D and organisational development. This will help you tailor your responses and show them you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Be proactive and reach out directly to companies you admire, like Dawsongroup. Express your interest in potential roles and share how your skills can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you note. It’s a simple gesture that shows your appreciation and keeps you top of mind. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of L&D in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Learning & Development and Organisational Development. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your past roles, focus on the measurable outcomes of your work. Use data and examples to illustrate how you've driven performance and engagement in previous positions. We love seeing how you’ve made a difference!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our team and culture, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and what motivates you in the world of L&D.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Dawsongroup!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dawsongroup
✨Know Your Learning Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into Dawsongroup's current learning and development strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in creating commercially valuable learning solutions that support both frontline and professional teams.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced senior leaders and built engagement across various stakeholder groups. Highlight specific instances where your efforts led to measurable improvements in leadership effectiveness or organisational capability.
✨Demonstrate a Commercial Mindset
Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise learning investments against measurable outcomes. Use data and insights from your previous roles to illustrate how you've driven ROI and improved learning effectiveness in operational environments.
✨Emphasise Continuous Learning Culture
Talk about your experience in building a culture of continuous learning. Share practical examples of how you've implemented frameworks that cater to both desk-based and frontline employees, ensuring that learning is accessible and impactful for all.