Championing growth, wellbeing and opportunity for all!

The Learning & Development Manager is responsible for leading and delivering a comprehensive people development strategy that supports the employee lifecycle – from induction through to progression and succession. The role ensures all staff are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and support required to deliver excellence in teaching, learning, and business support services.

This postholder will embed a culture of continuous professional development, high performance, and wellbeing, ensuring compliance with mandatory training requirements while enabling career progression through structured learning pathways, leadership development, and talent management initiatives.

The role will align people development activity with organisational priorities, including equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), quality improvement (QiP), and staff wellbeing.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Leadership & Management Development

Design and deliver a comprehensive leadership and management development framework, including programmes for aspiring, new, and experienced managers.
Lead initiatives such as new manager induction programmes and internal management development pathways.
Facilitate access to accredited leadership programmes (e.g. CMI, ILM) and sector-led initiatives.
Support the development & delivery of Senior Leaders Away Days.
Develop management competencies and promote effective line management practices, including performance conversations and staff support.
Model the responsible and effective use of AI within the role to enhance efficiency, ensuring ongoing awareness of developments, risks and best‑practice guidance.
Commission and manage external leadership development provision where appropriate.

2. Staff Development & CPD

· Lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of Staff Development Days (SDD) and celebration events aligned to college priorities.

· Develop and implement structured CPD frameworks and learning pathways for different staff groups, including:

· Teaching staff (level 3-5 teaching qualifications)

· Support staff (operational systems and professional skills)

· Managers (leadership and management competencies)

· Conduct training needs analysis and develop annual training plans at organisational and team levels.

· Promote a blended learning approach, including digital CPD, e-learning platforms, webinars, and on-the-job training.

· Develop relationships with external providers, awarding bodies, and sector organisations (e.g. ETF programmes).

· Source and manage external development opportunities, including apprenticeships and leadership programmes.

· Monitor the effectiveness and impact of training through data and evaluation tools.

3. Mandatory Training & Compliance

· Oversee the delivery, monitoring, and reporting of mandatory training, including use of systems such as iHasco.

· Produce regular KPI reports (weekly/monthly) on compliance and completion rates.

· Ensure mandatory training is role-specific, including health and safety training aligned to job roles and responsibilities.

· Embed mandatory training within onboarding, probation, and ongoing development processes.

4. Teaching Qualifications and Professional Standards

· Support teaching staff to achieve and maintain appropriate teaching qualifications and professional standards.

· Oversee Initial Teacher Training pathways and ongoing professional development aligned to sector expectations.

· Work with curriculum leaders to ensure teaching quality is supported through targeted CPD and qualifications.

5. Talent Management and Succession Planning

· Develop and implement a robust talent management strategy, identifying high-potential staff and supporting career progression.

· Establish clear succession planning frameworks and career pathways across all staff groups.

Support internal progression through apprenticeships, qualification routes, and leadership development opportunities.
Facilitate coaching and mentoring programmes (e.g. “Work and Grow”) to support career development.

6. Staff Wellbeing and Engagement

· Champion staff wellbeing through a structured wellbeing strategy and activities.

· Lead and coordinate “Wellbeing Wednesdays” (first Wednesday of each month), promoting physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Review and update mental health and wellbeing policies and initiatives.
Support managers in adopting positive workplace environments and addressing wellbeing-related challenges.

Essential Qualifications:

· Relevant professional qualification (e.g. CIPD Level 5 or above, or equivalent experience).

· Evidence of continuing professional development.

· Clear understanding of safeguarding responsibilities within an education setting

Essential Knowledge & Experience:

· Proven experience in a learning and development, organisational development, or HR role within Further Education or a comparable sector.

· Strong knowledge of CPD frameworks, leadership and management development, and staff development practices.

· Demonstrable experience in talent management and succession planning.

· Experience of managing mandatory training compliance and reporting (e.g. safeguarding, health & safety, EDI).

· Demonstrable experience in using Excel and other data tools to analyse data, produce clear management reports, and inform decision‑making.

· Knowledge of teaching qualifications, and professional standards

· Experience of leading staff development days and organisational learning initiatives.

· Experience of using digital learning platforms and systems to deliver and monitor training.

· Understanding of staff wellbeing strategies and initiatives within a workplace setting.

· Demonstrable understanding of how to use AI tools appropriately and effectively within the role, with a commitment to keeping knowledge up to date.

Personal Attributes:

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.

· Ability to lead, motivate, and inspire others to achieve high performance.

· Strategic thinker with the ability to translate organisational priorities into effective people development initiatives.

· Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.

· Collaborative and inclusive approach, with a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

· Proactive and innovative, with a focus on continuous improvement.

· Empathetic and supportive, with a genuine commitment to staff wellbeing.

Why Oaklands?

At Oaklands, your work matters. We invest in both students and staff to ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed and grow.

Generous holiday allowance - 35 days plus bank holidays.
Local Pension Scheme with excellent employer contributions.
Ongoing CPD and free access to Adult Community Learning courses.
Free onsite permit parking.
Onsite gym and wellness treatments at discounted rates.
Cycle to Work Scheme and discounted travel through UNO Bus Scheme.
Eye care vouchers and employee assistance programme.
Mental health and wellbeing support, including peer supporters.
Staff development days and annual awards celebrating your achievements.

Oaklands College is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and we actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and stakeholders to share this commitment.

We review applications on a rolling basis and may close this advert early if we receive high interest. Don’t miss your opportunity to join a college that’s shaping futures and transforming lives.

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Learning & Development Manager