At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create innovative learning experiences and manage training strategies.
- Company: Join Southdown, Sussex's largest not-for-profit care provider, making a real difference since 1972.
- Benefits: Enjoy health cashback, interest-free loans, discounts on travel, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Shape the future of learning with cutting-edge methods and a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Level 7 in L&D or equivalent, plus experience in leading L&D strategy.
- Other info: Apply now for a chance to impact lives and grow your career!
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Southdown is the largest not-for-profit provider of care, support, and housing in Sussex. We’ve been helping people access stable accommodation, mental health and care services since 1972, now counting over 900 people as part of our team.
Are you passionate about creating inspiring learning experiences that make a real difference? We’re looking for a dynamic Learning & Development leader to shape and deliver a fresh, blended learning strategy that combines digital innovation with face-to-face training.
You’ll lead a talented team of L&D professionals, including Business Partners, Trainers, and an Apprenticeship & Qualifications Lead, helping them grow while ensuring our learning approach meets compliance, service, and cultural goals. From managing mandatory training and using data to guide decisions, to embedding a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement, you’ll be at the heart of our people development journey.
In this role, you’ll work closely with managers and senior leaders to align learning with our wider goals—from onboarding and talent development to strategic workforce planning. You’ll champion new, accessible learning methods like AI-enhanced tools and microlearning, ensuring our approach stays fresh and engaging.
With responsibility for the L&D budget and external partnerships, you’ll ensure our learning offer is cost-effective and scalable. You’ll also represent Southdown externally, sharing best practices and staying ahead of sector trends. If you’re ready to make a big impact and help shape the future of learning with us, we’d love to hear from you.
Please refer to the attached role profile for full details of this exciting opportunity.
We welcome applications from candidates with previous experience in roles such as Learning and Development Manager, Head of Learning and Development, Learning and Development Specialist, Development Manager, Training Manager, Training & Development Manager, Corporate Trainer, Training Consultant.
Perks and benefits:
- Health cost cash-back scheme: access to our health insurance scheme which covers dental, optical, physical therapies and other medical treatments with the option to add greater levels of cover.
- Interest-free loans: assistance with larger costs that arise such as tenancy deposits, season travel tickets or buying a car.
- Access to the Easit Network: discounts and incentives on train, bus and car journeys such as 15% off eligible daily and season rail tickets.
- Blue Light card: access to discount services for the social care sector with savings across thousands of online shops, restaurants, and high-street vendors.
- Free advice and counselling service: confidential emotional support and practical guidance from our independent telephone service.
- 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
What you’ll need for the role:
- Level 7 or above in L&D, OD, Education, or equivalent.
- Experience leading L&D strategy and managing a team in a complex organisation.
- Confident using digital learning tools and data to drive decisions and track impact.
- Strong understanding of compliance and regulatory training requirements.
- A full driving licence is essential along with access to your own vehicle or a vehicle insured for you.
What would be nice:
- Coaching, training, or facilitation qualification desirable (e.g. ILM, CIPD, AoEC).
- Familiarity with apprenticeships, qualifications frameworks, and sector networks.
- Experience with innovative learning methods like AI tools or microlearning.
- A passion for building a reflective, co-created learning culture.
Training: We will help you to gain valuable qualifications, continually develop your skills and build a great career with the largest provider of housing, care and support in Sussex.
How to apply: Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button and fill out our simple one-page application form. We recommend you review the attached Candidate Guidance before completing your application. This advert will remain open until 31st July, but we’ll be reviewing applications and holding interviews on a rolling basis. If we receive a high volume of interest, we may close the advert early—so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Manager, Learning and Development employer: Southdown
Contact Detail:
Southdown Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager, Learning and Development
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in Learning and Development, especially around digital tools and AI-enhanced learning methods. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your passion for innovative learning strategies.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the L&D field, particularly those who have experience in not-for-profit organisations. Engaging with them can provide insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within this sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you would align L&D initiatives with broader organisational goals. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully implemented a learning strategy that had a measurable impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've developed and managed teams in previous roles. Highlight your approach to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and reflective practice.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager, Learning and Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Manager, Learning and Development position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with their needs.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for learning and development. Discuss specific experiences where you've successfully implemented learning strategies or led teams, and explain how you can contribute to Southdown's mission.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on your previous roles related to Learning and Development. Include quantifiable achievements, such as improvements in training outcomes or team performance, to demonstrate your impact in past positions.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to follow the application instructions carefully. Fill out the one-page application form as specified and review the Candidate Guidance document to ensure you provide all necessary information.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southdown
✨Showcase Your Passion for Learning
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for creating inspiring learning experiences. Share specific examples of how you've previously developed engaging training programmes that made a real difference in your organisation.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a manager, it's crucial to highlight your experience in leading teams. Discuss how you've supported and developed L&D professionals in the past, and be ready to share strategies you used to align learning with organisational goals.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Digital Tools
Since the role involves using digital learning tools, come prepared to discuss your experience with these technologies. Mention any innovative methods you've implemented, such as AI-enhanced tools or microlearning, and how they improved learning outcomes.
✨Understand Compliance and Regulatory Needs
Be ready to talk about your knowledge of compliance and regulatory training requirements. Provide examples of how you've ensured that training programmes meet these standards while still being engaging and effective.