Branch Network Training and Development Lead in Newcastle upon Tyne

As the Training & Development Lead, you’ll play a central role in shaping the long‐term capability, confidence, and performance of our retail branch network. This is a highly influential position where you’ll design and deliver high‐impact learning strategies that equip colleagues with the skills they need for today and for the future.

You’ll create scalable, modern learning solutions that elevate product knowledge, strengthen customer experience, and embed a strong culture of compliance and professionalism. From digital learning to workshops, coaching to onboarding, you’ll translate organisational goals into practical development pathways that help every colleague deliver outstanding, member‐centred outcomes.

This is an exciting opportunity to drive lasting change, support major initiatives, and ensure our branch network is brilliantly prepared for what comes next. The role is Hybrid with a base location of Monument Branch (Newcastle) and a requirement to travel to other Branches in the Network when required.

About You

A strong passion for learning and development sits at the heart of this role, alongside proven experience designing and delivering high‐quality training across a range of formats including classroom, digital, blended and on‐the‐job learning. Complex operational or regulatory requirements are confidently translated into engaging, accessible learning experiences that work for colleagues in day‐to‐day roles.

Experience delivering training to colleagues at all levels, including senior leaders, is essential. This includes facilitating workshops, coaching sessions, and structured development programmes, as well as supporting leaders to embed learning consistently within their teams. Experience in training the trainer is highly desirable, helping to build capability and confidence across the wider branch network. A formal training or learning qualification would be advantageous.

Strong collaboration skills are important, with experience working alongside senior leaders, Branch Managers, and cross‐functional teams. Insight from KPIs, QA outcomes, customer feedback and compliance data is used to identify capability gaps and shape targeted development activity.

An ability to facilitate confidently, communicate clearly, and engage diverse audiences is key. Curiosity, adaptability and a forward‐thinking mindset support continuous improvement, including exploring new learning approaches, technologies and best practice.

Experience within financial services or another regulated environment is desirable, bringing a clear understanding of conduct, risk, and compliance expectations. Above all, the role suits someone motivated by enabling others to succeed and ensuring colleagues across the branch network have the skills, confidence and support to deliver outstanding, member‐focused outcomes.

As an inclusive employer and member owned mutual, we aim to reflect the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We believe everyone should feel valued, respected, and celebrated for who they are, we want colleagues to feel this is a place they belong. A place to be you.

Financial

• Corporate bonus scheme (on target 10%, up to a maximum 15%)
• Pension scheme (up to 9% employer contribution)
• Annual performance related pay reviews
• Colleague mortgage scheme
• Electric car salary sacrifice scheme
• Life assurance (4x salary) and income protection
• Access to our financial advisers
• Access to a range of high street and online discounts

Work/Life Balance

• A 35 hour weekly contract
• 30 days’ annual leave + bank holidays (rises to 30 with length of service)
• The option to buy and sell up to 5 days’ holiday
• Above statutory family leave entitlement - 3 months full pay, 3 months half pay, regardless of gender or route to parenthood

Health and Wellbeing

• Access to a health cash plan through a Medicash scheme
• Access to an employee assistance programme
• Free onsite gym at our Cobalt head office and access to discounted gyms
• Two paid volunteering days’ each year
• Cycle to work scheme

Recognising there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to recruitment, we’re committed to ensuring every candidate has the opportunity to showcase their full potential throughout the recruitment process. We strive to make our processes as accessible as possible, if there are any ways in which we can provide support or make adjustments, we would love to discuss this with you, you can contact your Recruiter for this vacancy.