At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of impactful learning solutions and develop leadership capabilities across our venues.
- Company: Join Searchlight Ventures, a dynamic group behind The Light Cinemas and All Star Lanes.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and perks like private medical insurance and discounts.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting business venture with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a fast-paced environment while shaping future leaders.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in L&D within operational settings and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Searchlight Ventures is the group company for The Light Cinemas, Light Entertainment and All Star Lanes. We operate a growing network of cinema, entertainment and hospitality venues across the UK, bringing together film, leisure activities, food and drink to create memorable experiences for our guests.
The Head of Learning & Development is a key leadership role responsible for creating a high-impact learning culture that supports business objectives, strengthens leadership capability, and enables employees to perform and grow. Reporting to the People Director, the role works closely with HR and Operations to address capability gaps, raise standards and improve consistency across sites.
The Head of L&D is expected to stay close to operations, focus on what actually improves performance and challenge activity that doesn’t add value.
What you will be doing:
- Own business-wide capability, with a focus on leadership and management effectiveness
- Lead and evolve performance and development frameworks
- Ensure leadership, management and compliance training is effective and consistent
- Develop practical learning solutions for a fast-paced, multi-site environment
- Align recruitment and development activity to support future capability needs
- Drive internal progression, succession planning and high-potential talent development
- Own learning systems, content and engagement
- Ensure learning content remains relevant, accessible and effective
- Partner with HR and operational leaders on capability and performance priorities
- Focus on high-value interventions that improve performance
- Lead the Recruitment Manager and create alignment across recruitment, onboarding and development
About You:
- You’ll be an experienced L&D leader who understands how to build capability in a fast-moving, operational environment.
- You’re as comfortable shaping strategy as you are rolling up your sleeves to deliver practical solutions that make a real difference.
- Strong experience leading Learning & Development within an operational or multisite business
- A track record of improving manager capability, leadership effectiveness and performance
- Experience creating practical learning frameworks that drive measurable results
- The confidence to build strong relationships with HR and Operations, offering both support and constructive challenge
- Experience managing learning platforms, systems and engaging content
- The ability to turn insight and data into action that delivers impact
- A pragmatic, commercially minded approach, with credibility and strong influencing skills
In return we offer:
- Competitive salary
- Employee perks, social events and discounts across venues
- Private medical insurance
- Life insurance
- Wagestream - access to your earned £££ whenever you need
- Up to 33 days holiday
- Flexible working
- The opportunity to be part of an exciting business venture
- Employee assistance programme
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Career development opportunities in a growing company
If you’re passionate about building capability, developing leaders and creating learning that delivers real business impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Head of Learning & Development employer: The Light
Searchlight Ventures is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee growth and development within the dynamic sectors of cinema, entertainment, and hospitality. With competitive salaries, flexible working options, and a strong focus on internal progression, employees are empowered to thrive in their careers while enjoying unique perks and a supportive environment that fosters collaboration and innovation across multiple sites.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Learning & Development
✨Dive into Digital Learning Communities
Join online forums and communities focused on digital education, like EdTech Meetups or LinkedIn groups. Engage actively—share ideas and insights, and you'll not only learn a ton but also connect with potential employers and thought leaders in the industry.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Skills
Create content that demonstrates your understanding of digital learning—think blogs, videos, or even free online workshops. This could catch the eye of companies like The Light looking for innovative thinkers. Plus, it’s a great way to practice your presentation skills!
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're still in education or have access to an alumni network, make the most of your university's career services. They often have exclusive job listings and workshops tailored to students wanting to break into full-time roles in education technology.
✨Apply Directly Via Company Websites
When you come across roles like Head of Learning & Development at The Light, make sure to apply directly through their website. It not only shows you're serious but sometimes you'll find positions listed there that may not be on job boards yet. Keep an eye on those!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Learning & Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning and education at The Light, make sure to sprinkle your application with examples of your enthusiasm for teaching and learning technologies. Share specific experiences where you've used, designed, or implemented digital learning solutions, as this shows us that you truly get the field.
Highlight Relevant Education and Certification:In the digital learning space, having a strong educational background can set you apart. Don't shy away from showcasing your degrees, certifications, or relevant courses related to e-learning, instructional design, or educational technology. We love seeing candidates who have actively invested in their learning journey!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Your CV is your first impression, so let's make it count! Focus on your skills directly related to digital learning, such as course development, learning management systems, and data analysis. Be sure to show measurable results from your past roles to demonstrate your impact and effectiveness.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express not just your qualifications, but your vision for the future of digital education. Discuss how your experiences align with the mission of The Light and highlight any innovative ideas you might have for enhancing learning experiences. This is your chance to connect with us on a deeper level!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Light
✨Get Hands-On with Learning Technologies
Familiarise yourself with common digital learning tools and platforms, like LMS systems or authoring tools that The Light might use. Understanding these will give you an edge and show you’re ready to jump in from day one!
✨Showcase Your Creativity in Lesson Design
Prepare a portfolio of your past projects if you have them, or create sample lesson plans or digital content demos. Being able to discuss your creative approach to engaging students can really set you apart in a full-time role at The Light.
✨Brush Up on Educational Trends
Stay in the loop with the latest trends in digital education, like gamification or personalised learning experiences. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your experience working collaboratively with educators or other stakeholders. Consider discussing how you've contributed to a team effort in creating engaging educational content or improving student outcomes.
