Senior Talent Development Specialist in Leeds

At the National Wealth Fund, our mission is to swiftly and effectively mobilise trusted sector insights and investment expertise to unlock billions in private finance for projects across the United Kingdom. We are looking for skilled and results-oriented individuals who are motivated to help us build the National Wealth Fund into an industry-leading institution.

Location: Hybrid working with a minimum of 3 days per week in the Leeds office. Deadline to Apply: 1st June 2026. Early submission is encouraged, and applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Reporting to the Head of Learning & Engagement, this role will lead how we approach talent development across our organisation. At NWF we don’t focus on traditional models; instead, we take a practical approach to building skills across the whole workforce. This includes how people learn through their work, how our managers support growth, and how we create the right conditions for people to succeed.

Your work will be hands-on, including how we identify and support talent development, support career progression especially in diverse groups, develop our Learning Advocate cohort, and champion innovation, digital solutions, and analytics to create impactful development experiences. The role covers the full development lifecycle – from setting direction through to delivery and evaluation – with a clear focus on impact rather than activity. Success will be measured on engagement feedback, stronger skills, internal progression, and a workforce able to adapt as our priorities change.

• Translate business needs into a clear talent development strategy, plan, and roadmap that puts organisational objectives at the centre and supports the Fund’s priority sectors.
• Lead the design and delivery of programmes for wider organisational capability including a proactive talent pipeline for our most critical roles.
• Support the delivery of a Strategic Workforce plan, completing a long and short-term skills assessment, mapped to our strategic plan and deliver a plan to close any gaps.
• Work with the wider HR senior leadership team to develop succession and career frameworks, ensuring capability pipelines and pathways are clear and connected to learning.
• Build on existing leadership programmes, support the development of our Extended Leadership Team (ELT) to strengthen adaptable leadership and embed behaviour-led practices for leaders and colleagues.
• Embed coaching and high-quality development conversations, and play a key role in developing and implementing a robust performance management framework to drive continuous improvement and growth across the organisation.
• Design and develop blended learning solutions - from bite-sized learning to in-depth specialist programmes – working with Learning Advocates to ensure accessibility and relevance for all colleagues.
• Enhance learning processes and journeys by leveraging technology and innovative tools, including embedding LinkedIn Learning, to ensure content is easily accessible, widely adopted, and delivers an efficient, engaging experience for all colleagues.
• Act as a trusted advisor, bringing external best practice and fresh ideas to shape NWF’s approach and embed behaviours across colleague and leader development programmes.
• Manage third party relationships (e.g. Women in Banking and Finance, Whitehall and Industry Group) to make the most of external development opportunities.
• Use data and analytics to set clear outcomes, measure impact on performance, and continuously improve; audit and evaluate initiatives to evidence ROI and value.
• Work with Procurement to compliantly source and manage external providers under civil service procurement frameworks—scoping requirements, drafting statements of work, and managing tender processes.

• Significant HR Business Partner / L&D / Talent Development experience in a senior leadership position and with an awareness of regulated or financial services requirements.
• Proven track record of translating business needs into a learning strategy, plan and roadmap.
• Proven design & delivery across blended learning—micro-learning, digital, cohort programmes, and specialist technical development.
• Strong evaluation capability (e.g., outcome measures, LMS analytics, MI dashboards) with evidence of performance impact and ROI.
• Significant experience in using metrics to demonstrate value to Executive and Board members.
• Expertise in leadership development, behaviour-led learning, coaching, mentoring, and development-focused performance practices.
• Confident collaborating with Procurement to source, evaluate and manage suppliers, ideally with experience of operating within civil service procurement frameworks.
• Experience managing budgets in partnership and secure value for money while building internal capability.
• Excellent stakeholder partnership, plain-English communication, and the ability to influence at all levels.
• CIPD qualified or equivalent; degree level or equivalent.
• Strong project management and organisational skills: delivery of goals, plans, and projects.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to present to small and large audiences.

A career with us offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact and work on cutting-edge technologies that will drive the UK’s future. We value diversity in our people and inclusion is at the heart of what we do. We offer competitive benefits and unique learning opportunities from combining both private and public sector skills and experience. Please note, referencing and background checks are carried out for all roles here at the National Wealth Fund.