Learning & Development Specialist in Sheffield

Simpson Associates transforms raw data into actionable insights that drive positive change. Our Microsoft data expertise, our specialist sector knowledge, and our innovative, trusted advice and guidance are just some of the reasons clients choose to work with us. Our mission is to help purpose-led organisations across the public and private sectors harness data as a lever for change and realise business value more quickly. We provide the full range of services to support organisations on their data transformation journey.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Learning & Development (L&D) Specialist to design, deliver and embed practical learning solutions that build capability across our organisation. Operating as a trusted partner to leaders and teams, you will support the evolution of our learning culture, drive adoption of development activity, and ensure our people have access to the right learning at the right time. This role blends hands-on design and delivery with strategic contribution. You will influence the L&D direction, own our Learning Management System (LMS), and collaborate closely with the People team to ensure development is integrated into performance, talent and people planning processes. This is a mid-level role: partnering confidently with managers and directors while also delivering training and managing operational learning activity.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic L&D Alignment
  • Work with leaders to understand business priorities and identify learning needs.
  • Contribute to the creation and evolution of the L&D strategy.
  • Provide insight into capability gaps and trends to inform workforce and talent planning.
  • Promote and embed a culture of continuous learning across the organisation.
• Learning Design & Delivery
  • Design and deliver learning programmes using blended methods (workshops, digital content, microlearning, self-guided learning, curated resources).
  • Deliver engaging in-person and virtual workshops (first-line manager, core skills, onboarding elements, etc.).
  • Curate and procure external learning solutions where appropriate (e.g., project management, specialist capability uplift).
  • Work with internal subject matter experts to turn expertise into structured learning content.
• Learning Management System (LMS) Ownership
  • Fully own and manage the LMS, maximising its use and adoption across the organisation.
  • Build digital learning content using authoring tools and AI where appropriate.
  • Work with the People Administrator to maintain accurate learning records, reporting and dashboards, and to book training sessions and venues where needed.
  • Work with the Talent & Engagement Business Partner to conduct skills audits and learning needs analyses to understand development requirements.
  • Translate learning needs into practical, scalable learning solutions.
  • Provide signposting and coaching to line managers (directly and working with the People Business Partner) to ensure team members can access relevant learning on a timely basis.
  • Champion and reinforce the organisation’s development planning process.
  • Enable progression through existing career frameworks by ensuring relevant learning is available.
• Integration With Talent & People Processes
  • Work closely with the Talent & Engagement Business Partner and People Business Partner to ensure development activity supports performance reviews, progression, talent and people plans.
  • Provide L&D insight into succession and capability discussions.
  • Support early careers pathways where learning delivery is required.
• Partner Certifications
  • Work with the Partner Manager to understand certification and renewal requirements.
  • Track who holds which certifications, identify gaps, and collaborate to plan required training or exam pathways.
  • Measure learning effectiveness using feedback, behavioural outcomes and performance trends.
  • Use data to refine learning content and make recommendations.
  • Drive participation and awareness of learning through engaging communication and internal campaigns.

Skills and Attributes Required

• Significant proven experience in a generalist L&D role, including learning design, training delivery or organisational development.
• Strong facilitation skills with confidence delivering workshops both in-person and online.
• Proven experience designing blended learning solutions and digital content.
• Experience working in a consulting, technology or fast-paced knowledge-based environment.
• Strong stakeholder management and the ability to operate at all levels of an organisation.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritise and deliver at pace.
• Confidence using data to evaluate learning and inform recommendations.
• Experience managing an LMS or digital learning platform.
• Experience in e-learning content creation tools (e.g., Articulate, Microsoft tools, AI content builders).

Advantageous Qualifications and Skills

• CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning & Development or equivalent.
• Experience within a Microsoft Partner organisation (advantageous but not essential).