Head of Learning & Development

My client, a successful global Partnership, that has enjoyed significant growth over the last few years, is now focused on expanding their professional training function. The firm is recruiting a Head of L&D to join their business.  The role is responsible for developing and implementing a Learning & Development Strategy and Plan for the firm and for leading and managing the L&D team. This involves working with all relevant people (partners, lawyers, business services personnel) to identify and prioritise training needs for all roles within the firm. A further responsibility is to recommend appropriate approaches to partner development, and to help to enhance the process of career development for lawyers and business services staff.

Main duties and responsibilities:

1. Work with the Training Partner and HR Director, to develop schedules of training needs which are built into an annual training plan and budget.
2. Resource the detail of the training plan through internal or external providers.
3. Where external providers are used draw up a preferred supplier list and manage the contract negotiations to achieve maximum cost-effectiveness.
4. Ensure a robust training administration process and system is in place to ensure publication of curriculum of courses, course registration, course attendance and CPD accreditation, course feedback collation, training cost collation and reconciliation to budgets.
5. Operate as an internal consultant in advising on the behavioural aspects of change management, assisting managers and partners in maximising team and individual performance.
6. Contribute to the firm’s approaches to fee earner and business services career development and provide careers advice and guidance to individuals as required.
7. Contribute to the development of the firm’s performance management and review processes and recommend improvements/enhancements to these processes.
8. Ensure that proper systems for evaluating training are in place such that the value of all training interventions can be demonstrated to the partnership.
9. Ensure compliance with SRA requirements for all training which falls under its jurisdiction.
10. Lead relevant L & D strategic projects and initiatives as required.

 Knowledge, Skills and Experience

1. Previous L&D experience at Manager level or above,  in a professional services environment.
2. Demonstrable experience across HR/Learning & Development, with in-depth experience in Learning & Development.
3. Strong training design, development and delivery skills and experience of managing external supplier relationships.
4. Strong consulting and interpersonal skills: communication, relationship management, influencing, credibility in working with senior stakeholders and people at all levels both internally and externally, preferably in a large, complex organization.
5. Team player, including experience of working successfully in a virtual team.
6. Good project management skills with a track record of delivering quality products, on time and on budget, tailored as necessary to meet local needs.
7. Previous experience of working in a local or regional management capacity and culturally sensitive. Fluency in more than one language is desirable but not essential.
8. Appropriate professional qualification (e.g. HR, OD, learning design) or equivalent professional experience. Experience of coaching (e.g. internal or external accreditation) desirable but not essential.