Learning and Development Manager in London

About DFTO

DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately-owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027 - and deliver improvements in the here and now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership. DFTO has over 30,000 employees, runs over 8,500 services a day and delivers over 640 million customer journeys across its networks every year.

Primary Purpose of Job:

The Learning and Development Manager is a key leadership role within the DfT Operator, sitting within the Learning, Leadership & Capability directorate. The post-holder will support delivery of the learning and development strategy across the organisation and, where required, across the wider group, ensuring capability is built in line with business priorities and the rail integration agenda.

Key Responsibilities:

• Learning & Development Strategy Delivery: Support delivery of the DfT Operator learning and development strategy, translating priorities into deliverable plans, programmes and interventions. Work with HR Business Partners and leaders to identify learning needs, agree priorities and shape solutions across operational, technical and corporate functions. Maintain a clear view of current and future capability requirements and ensure learning pathways, CPD activity and resources remain relevant, accessible and up to date. Evaluate learning effectiveness (participation, feedback and outcomes) and use insight to continuously improve provision and demonstrate value.
• Apprenticeships (Sourcing, Provision and Governance): Coordinate the sourcing and provision of apprenticeships for the DfT Operator and, where required, across the wider group, ensuring a consistent learner experience and value for money. Maximise the use of the Apprenticeship Levy and related funding, ensuring investment aligns to organisational priorities and agreed apprenticeship standards. Manage supplier relationships (training providers, universities and colleges), holding partners to account for quality, completion, learner support and outcomes. Ensure appropriate governance and compliance with relevant apprenticeship rules and assurance requirements, maintaining accurate data and reporting.
• Leadership Development and CPD: Coordinate leadership development activity, working with senior leaders and HR Business Partners to define target audiences, outcomes and programmes. Develop and coordinate a CPD offer that supports professional standards, role requirements and career pathways. Commission, curate and/or deliver development interventions (including blended and digital learning) to meet identified needs, ensuring accessibility and quality. Maintain clear learning pathways and signposting for colleagues, promoting a culture of continuous learning and development.
• Digital Learning Resources and LMS Integration: Maintain and update online learning resources, ensuring content is accurate, accessible, well signposted and aligned to learning pathways. Establish appropriate governance for digital learning content (ownership, review cycles, version control and quality standards). Support the implementation and/or integration of an industry LMS, working with stakeholders and suppliers to enable access, reporting and user support.
• Stakeholder and Supplier Management: Build strong working relationships with HR Business Partners, leaders and subject matter experts to ensure learning provision is joined up and responsive. Manage supplier performance and contracts for learning provision, ensuring agreed service levels, quality measures and continuous improvement.
• Programme Governance & Reporting: Manage learning and development budgets as agreed (including Apprenticeship Levy and externally funded provision), ensuring effective allocation and value for money. Deliver regular management information on learning activity, outcomes, supplier performance and apprenticeship funding/utilisation to the Director and HR leadership. Maintain robust governance across L&D provision, including due diligence on suppliers, contract management, data quality, risk and issue management.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications:

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Substantial experience in apprenticeship programme management, including Levy management, provider relationships and compliance with ESFA requirements.
• Thorough working knowledge of the Apprenticeship Standards system, End Point Assessment process and the regulatory landscape for apprenticeships in England.
• Experience developing or commissioning learning and skills programmes in a large, complex organisation.
• Understanding of T-Levels, industry placements and the broader 16–19 technical education landscape.
• Proven track record of designing and delivering early engagement or educational outreach programmes targeting young people.
• Strong relationship management skills with experience working across multiple organisations, including training providers, funding bodies and industry partners.
• Budget management experience, including management of Apprenticeship Levy accounts and external funding.

Desirable Skills & Qualifications:

• CIPD, ILM or equivalent qualification relevant to L&D, skills development or HR.
• Experience working within or alongside the rail industry, transport sector or a similarly safety-critical environment.
• Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, APM) or equivalent experience managing complex multi-workstream programmes.

Vacancy Details:

Duration: FTC up to 31st October 2027
Location: London Waterloo/Hybrid
Salary: up to £64,000
Closing date: 28th May 2026

DFTO Benefits:

• Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days)
• DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution
• Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry

About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit.