Learning and Development Manager

Edinburgh, Midlothian
Harvey Nash Plc

Learning and Development Manager| 6 Month Contract | (Outside IR35) | Hybrid, Edinburgh| Starting ASAP

Day Rate: £420

About the Role:

You will provide clear leadership to deliver the organisation’s learning and development strategy and roadmap. The focus is on execution, alignment and embedding sustainable ways of working across the team so that learning solutions are targeted, inclusive and joined up with business priorities.

You will coordinate plans, resources and standards across the learning function. You will strengthen how we consult with internal customers and how we partner with the wider people function, so that learning meets real operational needs and demonstrably improves performance.

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead delivery of the agreed learning and development strategy and roadmap. Maintain clear oversight of progress, risks and interdependencies. Keep momentum on priorities and ensure deliverables are achievable and aligned to organisational needs.
• Embed consistent planning, prioritisation, quality assurance and communication practices across the team. Build confidence and capability so work is delivered in a structured and sustainable way.
• Strengthen customer consultation. Use insight from users and stakeholders to shape solutions that improve the customer experience and support operational outcomes.
• Operate a clear intake and prioritisation process for new learning needs. Assess value, risk and capacity. Resource activity transparently in partnership with the business.
• Partner closely with the Operational Learning Lead so strategic and operational learning activity is coordinated, with shared planning and joint decisions on resourcing.
• Set and maintain standards for inclusive learning design and delivery. Ensure solutions consider accessibility, neurodiversity and different learning preferences. Draw on evidence-based practice including spaced learning, deliberate practice and effective feedback.
• Define and track outcome measures for learning. Use data to evaluate and iterate offers using recognised approaches such as goal-based evaluation and Kirkpatrick style outcome levels.
• Manage suppliers where relevant. Ensure value for money, strong contracts and delivery to agreed service levels.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships across the organisation. Act as a visible point of contact for learning priorities and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
• Lead people management responsibilities. Set objectives, coach and develop colleagues. Role model inclusive, fair and respectful ways of working.

Essential technical experience

• Background in learning and development practice or organisational development.
• Relevant professional accreditation in learning or people practice.
• Proven leadership of a learning or people function. Able to provide stability, direction and clear priorities during change.
• Delivery of complex programmes or projects in a public sector or service environment. Strong planning, prioritisation and governance.
• Track record in building team capability and embedding effective rhythms of work.
• Strong stakeholder consultation and relationship management. Able to shape solutions with users and partners.
• Practical experience of inclusive learning design. Comfortable applying accessibility standards and neurodiversity friendly practices.
• Ability to define outcome measures for learning and use data to evaluate and improve offers.
• Supplier and contract management that achieves value for money and quality outcomes.

This role has been deemed Outside IR35 by the client. Applicants must hold, or be happy to apply for, a valid Basic Disclosure Scotland. Please click the link to apply.