Learning & Development Manager

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37hrs

Closing Date for applications: 17th May 2026

We’re looking for an experienced, forward-thinking Learning & Development Manager to lead our Team and transform how learning, leadership and professional capability are developed across the Service. This is a pivotal and influential role where your work will directly support our people at every level and across every role. You’ll ensure our people have the skills, behaviours and confidence needed to succeed.

The role:

• As Learning & Development Manager, you’ll lead the delivery of high-quality, customer focused learning and development aligned to our People and Inclusion Strategy and Community Risk Management Plan.
• Working closely with senior leaders, people services colleagues and operational teams, you’ll design and deliver learning that makes a measurable difference.
• You’ll champion leadership development, embed equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do, and use data, insights and emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to continually improve impact and value for money.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a high performing L&D Team, delivering inclusive, engaging and impactful learning solutions aligned to Service priorities.
• Act as the subject matter expert for learning policy, standards and compliance, using analytics and evaluation to demonstrate impact and effectiveness.
• Champion innovation in learning, including digital platforms, new technologies and the practical use of AI.
• Work collaboratively with People Partners, Recruitment teams and external providers to deliver leadership, coaching and mentoring programmes that build professional capability and engagement.

About you:

We’re looking for someone who is values-driven, forward-thinking and excited to help shape the future of learning as part of an ambitious and supportive team. You’ll be a confident and credible learning and development leader who combines strategic insight with a practical, people-centred approach. You’ll bring a CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent) and a strong track record of leading an L&D function, with proven experience designing and delivering leadership and professional development programmes. You’ll be skilled at building trusted relationships and influencing senior stakeholders, comfortable using learning analytics and workforce insights to evidence impact and motivated by delivering high-quality outcomes through your team.

How to apply:

You will be required to submit a CV detailing a minimum of five years employment and/or education history, along with a supporting statement of no more than 750 words that demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria detailed in the Person Specification. You may submit this either as a word document, pdf, or an mp3 (voice note) or mp4 (video), however the word count of your supporting statement should not exceed 750 words no matter which format you choose to present your application. You may attach separate documents (such as qualifications) should you wish. Your CV and additional documents will be referred to in shortlisting to confirm eligibility (e.g., your current role and any existing qualifications).

Assessment and selection:

The assessment and selection approach will be:

• Stage 1 – 18th May 2026: Application & shortlisting (assessment of your supporting statement will be made against the essential criteria of the Person Specification)
• Stage 2 – 27th or 28th May 2026: Role specific panel interview, 10 Minute presentation – on the subject of 'How Learning, Leadership and AI can transform capability'

Should you wish to have an informal discussion with regards to the role, please contact Kay Shelley, Head of Resourcing and Development at kay.shelley@essex-fire.gov.uk

Our Culture and Benefits:

Here at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service we are committed to prioritising and promoting the wellbeing of our employees. You can find out more about our benefits at https://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/recruitment/benefits

Important Information for Firefighter Pension Scheme Pensioners:

If you are currently in receipt of a pension from the Firefighter Pension Scheme, please note that taking up this role may affect your pension. Under pension abatement rules, if your earnings in this role, when combined with your pension, exceed your pre-retirement salary (adjusted for inflation), your pension may be reduced. For further guidance, please contact our Pensions team on 01376 576799 or email mailbox.pensions@essex-fire.gov.uk.

Safeguarding:

Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Fire and Rescue Authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. It is our policy to require all applicants for employment to disclose if you are currently being investigated by any regulatory body or have any decisions or sanctions pending or in progress in respect of your suitability to work for the Service. You agree to inform the Service within 24 hours if you are subsequently investigated by any agency or organisation in relation to concerns about your behaviour towards children, young people or vulnerable adults. The information you provide will be treated as strictly confidential and will be considered only in relation to the appointment for which you are applying. This role will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Disability Confident:

We are an equal opportunity, Disability Confident, employer who welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We value diversity and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Applications are considered solely on merit. Should you wish to discuss support, or access further information, from one of these groups, please contact Equality.Diversity@essex-fire.gov.uk. You can also raise any queries or requests for support, including any adjustments you may require, at any stage of the process by email to recruitment@essex-fire.gov.uk.

You can find out more about Essex County Fire & Rescue Service via www.essex-fire.gov.uk and about our vacancies and application processes via www.essex-fire.gov.uk/join-essex-fire.