At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate Learning & Development strategies across the UK.
- Company: Optimo Care Group, a specialist provider of high-quality care services.
- Benefits: Career progression, access to learning academy, and employee assistance programme.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for continuous learning and growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment while developing future leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in Learning & Development within regulated sectors and strong digital skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
UK Wide – Hybrid with Regular National Travel
Organisation
Optimo Care Group is a specialist provider of high-quality care and support services across the UK, supporting individuals with moderate to complex needs to live fulfilling and independent lives. We are committed to delivering person-centred care through a compassionate, highly skilled workforce while maintaining the highest standards of quality, compliance and safety. As a growing organisation, we offer excellent opportunities for career progression, continuous learning through our Optimo Learning Academy and a supportive environment where colleagues can thrive and make a meaningful difference every day.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and innovative Group Head of Learning & Development to lead the delivery and continuous improvement of our Learning & Development strategy across the Group. This senior leadership role is responsible for creating engaging and commercially balanced learning experiences that support workforce capability, leadership development, compliance, retention and career progression within a regulated environment. Working closely with senior leaders, operational teams and Heads of Department, you will identify organisational learning needs and deliver practical, creative and impactful development solutions. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational delivery and requires regular travel across services with a visible operational presence. You will lead a geographically dispersed Learning & Development team, oversee the organisation’s digital learning environment and ensure learning provision remains accessible, relevant and aligned to operational priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the operational delivery and continuous improvement of the Group Learning & Development strategy
- Develop leadership, career progression and workforce capability programmes
- Identify capability gaps, succession planning opportunities and learning priorities with operational leaders
- Lead multiple learning, change and transformation programmes
- Oversee onboarding, induction and compliance learning frameworks
- Manage and optimise the Learning Management System (LMS), including reporting and learner experience
- Oversee the creation and improvement of eLearning and blended learning content
- Drive learner engagement through innovative and accessible learning approaches
- Lead, coach and develop a geographically dispersed Learning & Development team
- Manage Learning & Development budgets and external providers
- Ensure learning activity supports regulatory and compliance requirements
- Use learner feedback and operational insight to improve learning quality and effectiveness
About You
You will be an experienced Learning & Development leader with a strong background in regulated sectors such as health, social care, healthcare, education or similar environments. You will have experience leading Learning & Development across multi-site or geographically dispersed organisations and be confident building relationships with senior stakeholders. You will be collaborative, commercially aware and able to balance learner experience, compliance and operational priorities. You will also bring strong digital learning capability, including experience creating, commissioning or overseeing digital learning content using tools such as Articulate Rise, Canva or similar platforms.
Significant experience in a senior Learning & Development leadership role within a regulated environment
Experience leading Learning & Development across multi-site or geographically dispersed organisations
Experience managing organisational change, workforce capability or transformation programmes
Experience managing Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Experience overseeing eLearning and blended learning provision
Experience managing Learning & Development or departmental budgets
Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
Professional qualification or equivalent experience in Learning & Development, Leadership or Management
Experience within health and social care settings
Experience in coaching, facilitation or digital learning design
Experience managing apprenticeship levy programmes or funded learning opportunities
Experience working with external learning providers
Skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strong leadership and project management capability
- Ability to translate organisational needs into engaging learning solutions
- Commercially aware and operationally focused decision-making
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills
- Digitally confident with experience using Articulate Rise, Canva or similar tools
Fixed working pattern – 40 hours across 5 days
Access to the Optimo Learning Academy
Career progression opportunities within a growing organisation
Supportive and collaborative team environment
Employee Assistance Programme via Health Assured
Reward Gateway discounts and recognition benefits
Group Head of Learning and Development in Barnsley employer: Optimo Care Group
Optimo Care Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where employees can thrive and make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with complex needs. With access to the Optimo Learning Academy, employees benefit from continuous learning and career progression opportunities, all while being part of a compassionate team dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care and compliance across the UK. The hybrid working model, combined with regular national travel, ensures a dynamic and engaging role for the Group Head of Learning and Development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Head of Learning and Development in Barnsley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. This will help you articulate your experience and skills confidently when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Head of Learning and Development in Barnsley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Group Head of Learning and Development role. Highlight your experience in regulated environments and how it aligns with our mission at Optimo Care Group.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've led Learning & Development initiatives in the past, especially in multi-site organisations. This will help us understand how you can drive our strategy forward.
Be Creative with Your Examples:When discussing your experience, don’t just list your duties. Use specific examples that demonstrate your innovative approaches to learning solutions and stakeholder engagement. We love creativity!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Optimo Care Group
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Optimo Care Group thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges they face in Learning & Development. This will not only help you tailor your responses but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare Your Success Stories
Think of specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your leadership in Learning & Development, especially in regulated environments. Be ready to discuss how you've identified capability gaps or led successful training programmes, as these stories will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Digital Skills
Since the role requires strong digital learning capabilities, be prepared to discuss your experience with tools like Articulate Rise and Canva. Bring examples of eLearning content you've created or overseen, and explain how these contributed to learner engagement and compliance.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's Learning & Development strategy and how you can contribute to its success. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
