At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the L&D team, delivering innovative learning experiences.
- Company: Join Rapport, an award-winning company with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy travel discounts, wellness programmes, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of learning in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior L&D roles and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative atmosphere with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Deputy Head of Learning & Development to join Rapport's award‑winning People Team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the learning strategy across our vibrant, customer‑focused organisation. You'll bring together your operational, financial, consultancy and people management expertise to deliver learning experiences that empower our people and strengthen our culture of excellence.
As Deputy Head of L&D, you will lead the operational delivery of our learning agenda - overseeing day‑to‑day activity, managing a talented team, and ensuring our learning programmes inspire growth, capability and performance across every level of our business. You will also act as a trusted consultant to senior stakeholders, designing and implementing innovative learning solutions that drive success and reflect the warmth, creativity and service excellence that define Rapport.
Salary: up to ÂŁ60,000 per annum.
Type of contract: Full‑time, Permanent.
Hours: Monday‑Friday, 40 hours per week (flexible to suit business needs).
Location: London, Holborn, with some travel.
Working pattern: Approximately four days per week on‑site (head office or client locations).
What will you get?
- Financial freedom: Enjoy exclusive travel and grocery discounts, plus life assurance and cash rewards!
- Secure your future: Benefit from a contributory pension scheme for a stable financial tomorrow.
- Health matters: Access wellness programmes, an Employee Assistance Programme, and digital GP services for holistic support.
- Thrive personally & professionally: Unlock continuous learning and development opportunities to grow your career with a people‑first organisation.
- Celebrate excellence: Recognise and be recognised through our WOW! Awards and Rapport Excellence Awards.
- Give back to community: Take one paid day off each year to volunteer for a cause close to your heart.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the daily operations of the L&D team, ensuring efficient delivery of learning programmes and initiatives.
- Oversee the design, coordination, and evaluation of core learning programmes, including induction, leadership development, compliance and skills training.
- Provide expert L&D consultancy to clients, managers and leaders, identifying needs and developing solutions that align with business goals, and efficiently utilise resources.
- Manage budgets, resources, and supplier relationships to deliver value and quality across all L&D activities.
- Support the Head of L&D in delivering the organisation's learning strategy and deputise as required.
- Champion innovation in learning delivery, embracing digital tools and blended learning approaches.
- Promote a culture of continuous learning, inclusion, and professional growth.
About You
- Proven experience in a senior L&D or operational leadership role, ideally within a luxury hospitality or service‑led environment.
- Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to inspire and develop others.
- Excellent stakeholder management and consultancy skills, able to communicate and influence at all levels.
- Confident managing budgets and suppliers, in part through efficient use of relevant technology and systems.
- Strategic mindset combined with hands‑on delivery capability.
- Experienced in managing the full end‑to‑end learning cycle, from needs analysis and programme design through to delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
- Passionate about learning, development, and creating exceptional colleague experiences.
- Ability to travel weekly to client locations across Central London, quarterly within UK & Ireland, and occasionally to other global locations.
You’ll be part of a collaborative and innovative organisation that truly values its people. We offer a supportive environment where you can make a real impact, shaping the future of learning across a diverse, fast‑paced business. If you’re ready to take the next step in your L&D career and help drive excellence across one of London’s most dynamic corporate guest and workplace service teams – we’d love to hear from you.
About us
Rapport Guest Services is a multi‑award‑winning company, delivering front‑ and back‑of‑house guest services for leading organisations across the UK, Ireland, and globally. As part of Compass Group UK&I, we combine people‑first culture with exceptional service standards. We are proud of our commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive. We are also a Disability Confident Employer, offering meaningful roles for individuals with additional needs.
Deputy Head of Learning & Development employer: Rapport
Contact Detail:
Rapport Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Learning & Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the L&D field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Rapport is all about people-first service, so think about how your experience aligns with their mission and be ready to share examples that showcase your fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss how you've managed teams and delivered successful learning programmes in the past. Highlighting your strategic mindset will definitely catch their attention!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Rapport team.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Learning & Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Deputy Head of Learning & Development role. Highlight your leadership experience and any innovative learning solutions you've implemented in the past.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for learning and development shine through in your application. Share examples of how you've fostered a culture of continuous learning and professional growth in previous roles, as this is key to what we value at Rapport.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where appropriate to make your achievements stand out, and ensure your language reflects the warmth and creativity that define our organisation.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application gets to the right people quickly and allows us to review your details efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rapport
✨Know Your Learning Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into Rapport's learning strategy and values. Understand how they shape their programmes and culture. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop others, as well as your experience in managing budgets and resources effectively. This will show that you're ready to take on the operational delivery aspect of the role.
✨Be Ready for Stakeholder Scenarios
Think of scenarios where you've had to consult with senior stakeholders or clients. Be prepared to discuss how you identified their needs and developed tailored learning solutions. This will showcase your consultancy skills and strategic mindset, which are crucial for this position.
✨Embrace Innovation in Learning
Familiarise yourself with the latest digital tools and blended learning approaches. Be ready to discuss how you've championed innovation in your past roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to promoting a culture of continuous learning and your ability to adapt to new trends in L&D.