At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transformation of training for a national workforce using innovative digital learning solutions.
- Company: Join NatCen, a leader in research and workforce development.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on innovation and organisational effectiveness.
- Why this job: Shape the future of learning and make a real impact on workforce capability.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading training functions and understanding of digital learning technologies.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 15 June 2026
Department: People Directorate
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: London (Hybrid)
Reporting To: Lola Olujobi
Compensation: £50,000 - £60,000 / year
Role details:
- Location: Hybrid with travel to London and Romford required
- Reporting to: Director of People and Culture
- Team: Field Interviewer Trainers, Training Coordinator, E‑Learning Content Creator
Key Responsibilities:
- Transform how we train, develop and equip one of the UK’s largest research fieldwork workforces.
- Lead the development of a modern, digitally enabled learning function that supports both our national Field workforce and our research and operational teams.
- Modernise how training is designed, delivered and experienced.
- Shape the future of learning across NatCen through digital learning and Learning Management Systems.
- Lead the transformation of interviewer training to scalable, technology‑enabled learning solutions.
- Prepare NatCen for the future of work through AI readiness, digital capability development, and workforce upskilling.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise:
- Experience leading learning, training or capability functions in complex organisations.
- Understanding of digital learning, learning technologies and modern training approaches.
- Ability to build scalable, high‑impact learning programmes that deliver measurable outcomes.
- Comfortable influencing senior leaders and working across multiple functions.
- Understanding of workforce readiness, operational excellence and capability development.
- Brings energy, innovation and a passion for improving how people learn.
Job Benefits:
This role offers the chance to shape NatCen’s future learning model at a genuinely organisational level. You will lead a function that touches workforce readiness, operational quality, digital learning ambition and organisational capability, with the opportunity to build something more modern, scalable and impactful.
Benefits include:
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Flexible working
- A generous pension scheme
- Life insurance
- A health cash plan
- A Cycle to Work scheme
- A season ticket loan
- Career development support including professional subscriptions and mentoring
Head of Learning and Workforce Capability employer: National Centre for Social Research
At NatCen, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and transformation in learning. Located in London with a hybrid work model, we offer a dynamic work culture that fosters professional growth and development, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including generous holiday, flexible working arrangements, and career support. Join us to lead the charge in modernising training for one of the UK’s largest research fieldwork workforces, where your contributions will have a meaningful impact on our organisational capability and future readiness.
Contact Details:
National Centre for Social Research Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Learning and Workforce Capability
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around digital learning and workforce capability.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more comfortable you are speaking about your skills and experiences, the better you'll perform.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Learning and Workforce Capability
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading learning and training functions. We want to see how your skills align with our vision for transforming training at NatCen.
Showcase Your Digital Savvy:Since we're all about modern, tech-enabled learning, don’t forget to mention any experience you have with digital learning tools or Learning Management Systems. We love seeing candidates who are comfortable with technology!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about influencing and leading teams, so share examples of how you've successfully managed projects or teams in the past. We’re looking for someone who can energise and inspire others!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Centre for Social Research
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the Head of Learning and Workforce Capability role. Familiarise yourself with modern training approaches, digital learning technologies, and how they can transform workforce capability. This will help you speak confidently about your vision for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led learning or training initiatives. Highlight measurable outcomes and how your efforts improved workforce readiness or operational excellence. This will demonstrate your ability to deliver high-impact learning programmes.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just answer questions; engage in a conversation. Ask insightful questions about NatCen’s current training methods and their vision for the future. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your values and goals.
✨Emphasise Innovation and Adaptability
Given the focus on digital transformation and AI readiness, be prepared to discuss how you can bring energy and innovation to the role. Share ideas on how to modernise training delivery and enhance learner experiences, showcasing your forward-thinking approach.
