Learning Manager in Birmingham

Our client, based in Birmingham, is currently recruiting for a Learning Commissioning Manager on a 12 month Fixed Term Contract. The purpose of this position is to lead the commissioning, procurement support, supplier management and evaluation of high-quality external learning and development provision, ensuring learning investment is coordinated, evidence-based, cost-effective and aligned to organisational priorities. The position is due to start ASAP, offers hybrid working and the salary available is up to £56,000 plus very competitive benefits.

The successful candidate must come from a Learning & Development background with significant experience in managing and evaluating external training providers. Duties will include (but are not limited to):

• Leading the commissioning and procurement support of externally delivered learning and development programmes, including the development of service specifications, outcome measures and commissioning documentation.
• Working with stakeholders across academic and professional services areas to identify organisational capability requirements and translate them into clear learning solutions.
• Reviewing current suppliers, stakeholder feedback and existing contracts to identify duplication, improve quality assurance and establish a more consistent approved supplier approach.
• Managing relationships with external learning providers, consultants and facilitators, including supplier performance reviews, contract review meetings, quality standards and service level agreements.
• Maintaining oversight of the commissioned learning portfolio, ensuring delivery is aligned to organisational priorities, workforce development objectives and learner needs.
• Developing frameworks to evaluate learning outcomes, value for money, return on investment and measurable organisational impact.
• Producing reports, recommendations, business cases and options appraisals to inform future commissioning decisions and service improvements.
• Managing budgets associated with commissioned learning activity, including cost modelling, benchmarking and financial analysis.
• Using data, market intelligence and sector best practice to support evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Building effective relationships with other universities and exploring shared supplier opportunities where appropriate.

Skills, knowledge and expertise required:

• Significant experience of commissioning, procuring, managing or evaluating learning and development programmes or services within a complex organisation.
• Strong background in supplier and contract management, including performance monitoring against outcomes, quality standards and service level agreements.
• Experience of working with external learning providers, consultants and training suppliers to deliver organisational learning objectives.
• Ability to undertake learning needs analysis and translate organisational requirements into commissioned development solutions.
• Experience of developing business cases, undertaking cost-benefit analysis and assessing value for money in relation to learning and development investment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret learning, financial and performance data and produce clear recommendations.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence, challenge constructively and act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, managers and HR colleagues.
• Strong project management, organisational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple commissioned programmes and supplier relationships simultaneously.
• Commercial awareness combined with a learner-centred and organisational outcomes-focused approach.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office applications and reporting tools, particularly Excel and Power BI or equivalent.
• Degree-level qualification, CIPD qualification, relevant Learning and Development qualification or equivalent professional experience would be advantageous.

Working hours: 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 37 hours – Hybrid working. Please note that you require recent experience to apply for this role.