Proposed interview date: Initial Teams Interviews 24th November with second round interviews in person w/c 1st December 2025
Optimistic - Inclusive - Healthy - Innovative – Collaborative
Derby College Group (DCG) are recruiting for a dynamic Learning & Development Manager to join our high performing HR team. This is an exciting opportunity to establish an outstanding Learning & Development function that proactively designs, delivers, and evaluates impactful learning interventions aligned with our HR strategy. This includes developing a robust L&D strategy to underpin the achievement of organisational goals, managing stakeholder expectations, and ensuring the current and future provision of effective leadership and management development solutions. This role will involve hybrid working, including working across sites according to operational needs, and some home working.
If you have any questions regarding the role or team before applying, please reach out to hrrecruitment@derby-college.ac.uk.
Please note that, in accordance with Further Education regulations, we are unable to accept CVs. Your application will be assessed solely based on the information provided in the application form. Kindly ensure that all relevant details are included within this document.
The Opportunity
As part of the HR team, you will build and lead a dynamic Learning & Development function, shaping the learning culture across multiple sites and organisational functions. You’ll ensure all training initiatives are strategically aligned with the College’s values and the overarching HR strategy and look beyond immediate skills demands to prepare the workforce for future needs and opportunities.
You’ll manage learning operations, including the LMS and training materials, while balancing delivery with continuous improvement.
You’ll use data and feedback to enhance learning outcomes and team performance. You’ll also represent HR at internal and external events and contribute to strategic projects. Compliance with policies and professional standards will be central to your role. For a full explanation of the roles and responsibilities, please click here.
About you
We’re looking for someone with experience in learning and development, strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills, and a data-driven approach to improvement. You should be confident in presenting and adapting training for varied audiences, with experience designing and delivering engaging in-person and remote sessions using diverse methodologies and tools.
Knowledge of HR practices and compliance is essential, and experience in establishing a Learning and Development function from the ground up would be highly beneficial.
For a full explanation of the Person Specification, please click here.
The Benefits
Salary of £46,672 per annum pro rata
Fantastic Annual Leave allowance of 35 days per year plus 6 College closure days where applicable and 8 statutory days per year pro rata
Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with a 19.9% employer contribution
Discount at our Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ onsite Little Explorers Nursery
TOTUM discount card (aka NUS/Student Discount Card) / discounted Tastecard
Discounts on East Midlands Railway Annual Season Tickets
Microsoft Office for FREE with 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage
Discount on treatments at SENSI our onsite salon at the Roundhouse
Flint Bishop Solicitors – free will writing, 1-hour free consultation with family department, 10% discount on Conveyancing services
Continuous development and progression opportunities
Free eye tests with Specsavers
Employee Assistance Programme
Cycle to Work Scheme
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace which promotes and values diversity. We welcome all talent irrespective of age, disability, neuro-divergence, sex, gender identity and gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances. We ensure that our policies and procedures treat all applicants consistently and fairly during our recruitment process.
If you have any questions about the recruitment process, reasonable adjustments, or about the role, please contact us at hrrecruitment@derby-college.ac.uk.
Safeguarding statement
DCG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. An online search of the preferred candidate is also completed to help to identify any incidents or issues that have happened, and are publicly available online, which the college may need to explore with the candidate further. Please be advised that it is an offence to apply for this position if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
If you require visa sponsorship
Please note that unfortunately, this role is ineligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration points-based immigration system. Applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK but would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route. Please consult the Home Office website for further information.
Recruitment Agencies - We have a PSL of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list.
