Learning & Development Manager in Manchester

Permanently Unique Group are seeking a passionate and dedicated Learning & Development Manager to join the team. The Learning & Development Manager is responsible for creating, delivering and continuously improving the learning, leadership and performance development strategy across Permanently Unique Group. This role will partner closely with operational and support teams to build a high-performance culture, ensuring every team member has the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to deliver exceptional guest experiences while supporting the Group's commercial objectives. This role will be based at our HQ in Manchester covering the UK learning and development needs with occasional support of our international business. Regular travel is expected in this role.

The successful candidate will lead learning initiatives across all brands, driving engagement, retention, internal progression and operational excellence through innovative and impactful development programmes. Reporting to the Group HR Manager, this role sits within the PUG People team, and has line management responsibilities for the Learning & Development Executive.

Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Design and implement a Group-wide Learning & Development strategy aligned to business objectives and growth plans.
• Create clear development pathways for all positions across front-of-house, back-of-house and support office teams.
• Lead management and leadership development programmes to build a strong internal talent pipeline.
• Be accountable for succession planning and identify high-potential individuals across the Group.
• Develop onboarding and induction programmes that ensure a consistent and engaging new starter experience.
• Coach and support operational leaders in delivering effective training and performance development.
• Drive employee engagement through learning initiatives that promote growth, recognition and career progression.
• Partner with the People Team to support retention strategies and improve employee satisfaction.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, feedback and accountability across all venues.
• Oversee development of employees in international sites and ensure development is aligned.
• Oversee the work of department Artists to ensure suitable initial and ongoing training of our teams.
• Ensure learning initiatives contribute directly to commercial performance and operational efficiency.
• Analyse training ROI through performance metrics, guest feedback, retention rates and operational KPIs.
• Support labour optimisation by improving team capability, productivity and cross-functional skills.
• Reduce recruitment costs through internal development and promotion opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to improve revenue generation through enhanced sales training and guest experience programmes.
• Manage the Learning & Development budget effectively, ensuring maximum return on investment.
• Support venue openings and expansion projects through structured training plans that enable successful launches.
• Ensure all team members have comprehensive knowledge of food, beverage, service and brand standards.
• Develop product education programmes that enhance guest engagement and commercial performance.
• Collaborate with culinary, beverage and operational leaders to create training content for new menu launches and product innovations.
• Maintain up-to-date training resources that reflect evolving concepts, menus and service standards.
• Champion excellence in guest experience by embedding product knowledge and storytelling into learning programmes.
• Ensure brand standards are consistently understood and executed across all venues.
• Support the development of specialist knowledge programmes for leadership, wine, cocktails, culinary and guest experience disciplines.
• Lead pre-opening training for new venue openings.
• Maintain knowledge of new technology and applications that can enhance and support content and delivery.
• Develop and maintain group training frameworks, standards and competency assessments.
• Create and manage learning systems, training calendars and compliance tracking processes.
• Standardise training materials and delivery methods across all brands while respecting brand-specific requirements.
• Implement robust evaluation and feedback mechanisms to continuously improve learning effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance training is completed and maintained across all departments.
• Work closely with operational leaders to identify training needs through performance reviews, audits and business analysis.
• Establish clear measurement and reporting processes for learning outcomes and development activity.
• Support operational excellence by embedding best practices into all training programmes.
• Maintain business wide communication via our internal communication platform.
• Position learning and development as a key driver of career growth and business success across the Group.
• Promote internal progression opportunities and celebrate development achievements.
• Support employer branding initiatives by showcasing learning and career development opportunities.
• Collaborate with marketing and people teams to communicate learning successes and talent stories.
• Develop recognition programmes that reward learning, performance and professional growth.
• Act as an ambassador for the Group's values, culture and leadership expectations.
• Support the attraction and retention of top hospitality talent through a market-leading development offering.
• Partner with external providers and co-ordinate brand led training.

Key Skills

• Proven experience in a Learning & Development, Training or Talent Development leadership role within hospitality, leisure or luxury service environments.
• Strong understanding of restaurant operations and guest experience standards.
• Experience designing and delivering leadership, management and operational training programmes.
• Excellent facilitation, coaching and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior leaders and drive cultural change.
• Strong project management and organisational capabilities.
• Experience with learning management systems and digital learning platforms.
• Data-driven approach with the ability to measure and demonstrate learning impact.
• Passion for developing people and creating exceptional hospitality experiences.

General

• Ensure all employees are complying with the personal grooming policy during visits, feeding back concerns to the site management, ops and people teams.
• Communicate all issues relating to the business to the relevant people.
• Undertake projects as requested by key stakeholders.
• To be aspirational within the team – leading by example and maintaining company standards, ensuring these are a natural skill in your day-to-day role.