Learning Sourcing Manager in Exeter

Location: Exeter, with flexibility for candidates based near the client’s Doxford (Sunderland) or London offices. Role requires proximity to a client corporate site.

Contract type: Full-time, fixed-term contract through to 23 December 2026.

Salary: Competitive day rate, up to £220 per day inside IR35.

Vetting: No formal security clearance required; three years’ referencing will apply.

Job Purpose

The Learning Sourcing Manager is responsible for vendor sourcing and management across learning, development and wider People Development services. Working in partnership with the People Development team and the broader Learning and Development community to identify requirements, the role holder will use current knowledge of the external L&D market to source high-quality providers that meet business needs, oversee vendor selection, and manage vendor performance to ensure timely and effective delivery. Using knowledge of training, learning and development across the organisation, the role holder will identify and drive efficiencies through effective vendor sourcing, consolidation and management.

The Team & Operating Environment

The Learning and Development operating model is centred around a number of business-unit-specific operational training teams alongside a central People Development team, which is responsible for providing simple access to learning resources and a springboard for impactful development for individuals and the business. This role sits within the Learning Operations arm of the People Development team, which is accountable for the provision of operational learning and development services across the organisation. The role works across the organisation, partnering with training, learning and development stakeholders as well as central support functions such as Supply Chain, IT and Legal. A significant part of the role focuses on engagement with a range of external vendors, developing and maintaining strong, effective relationships with providers of innovative, cost-effective learning and development solutions. The Learning Sourcing Manager will build strong relationships with both internal and external partners to explore and maximise value from supply chain efficiencies.

Principal Accountabilities

• Act as the primary point of contact for all training, learning and development, and wider people development sourcing requirements.
• Use knowledge of external learning and people development vendors, markets and third parties to identify quality providers that meet business requirements identified through Learning Partners, Programme Managers, Digital and Innovation, and the Talent Team.
• Oversee a smooth and timely vendor selection process, liaising with key stakeholders to develop a sound sourcing proposal and coordinating any sourcing strategy or selection process.
• Act as the key point of contact with Supply Chain, Legal and other People Development colleagues to ensure governance and checks are in place prior to appointment of a provider, enabling easy implementation of the product or service.
• Review pricing proposals (liaising with Supply Chain where the value of the service requires it), working with providers to achieve the most effective deal and ensure cost-effective provision of externally sourced learning.
• Develop an enduring performance management approach to contract management for all but one-off vendors, ensuring effective evaluation and reporting of contracts and services as agreed with the Learning Services Manager.
• Act as the point of coordination between external vendors and People Development colleagues to ensure proposed learning solutions meet requirements.
• Own the specification and collation of post-programme evaluation (Levels 1 to 3), reviewing and identifying areas of success and development for Programme Managers as appropriate.
• Proactively support the Learning Services Manager and drive success on key projects, including consolidation of a single company catalogue, establishment of an effective vendor list, and vendor rationalisation.
• Keep abreast of new developments in People Development to ensure knowledge of vendors, markets and products remains up to date.
• One of three Learning Sourcing Manager positions within the team.
• Oversees external vendor management of a minimum of £3m from centrally managed training budgets, plus additional expenditure from other business budgets.

What You’ll Need

Knowledge & Skills — Essential

• A proven background in learning, development and people development, and/or as a category buyer of training and development services.
• Demonstrable commercial acumen and a background in vendor or third-party supplier management, working with external vendors or involvement in supply chain-related activities.
• Financial skills and experience of working with budgets, or on projects where budget was a key performance indicator.
• A background working with or alongside external vendors or suppliers to develop a successful learning programme or product.
• Experience managing small to medium projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrable, excellent stakeholder management skills.

Knowledge & Skills — Desirable

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to effectively manage multiple schemes, individuals and priorities.
• A dedication to continuous improvement.

Qualifications & Experience — Essential

• Degree level in a relevant subject, or equivalent through experience.
• Experience in a commercial setting or service provision.

Qualifications & Experience — Desirable

• Excellent communication skills, with demonstrable relationship management and influencing skills.
• A demonstrable background in keeping up to date with progress in external markets.