Learning & Development Partner

Summary and Purpose

The Learning & Development (L&D) Lead is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing learning initiatives that build workforce capability, support career growth, and strengthen the company’s culture of continuous improvement. This role partners closely with People Partners, department heads, and business leaders to align development programs with strategic goals and workforce planning priorities.

Responsibilities & Key Tasks

1. Learning Strategy & Partnership

• Partner with department heads and People Partners to assess capability needs and identify learning priorities.
• Develop and implement L&D initiatives aligned with business goals, customerexperience standards, Danesmoor Group values.
• Contribute to the company’s people strategy by providing insights on skills, workforce capability, and future talent needs.

2. Learning Design & Delivery

• Design, deliver, and evaluate learning programs covering leadership, technical, and soft skills.
• Launch and manage an online learning platform to enable self-paced and blended learning.
• Source and manage relationships with external providers, trainers, and accreditation bodies when necessary.
• Ensure all learning content supports product knowledge, excellent customer experience, quality standards, and company culture.

3. Performance & Growth

• Support managers in conducting performance reviews and identifying development opportunities.
• Partner with People Partners to identify skill gaps and implement targeted training interventions.
• Develop frameworks for career pathways, internal mobility, and succession planning.
• Create and embed mentorship and coaching programs that foster growth and knowledge sharing.

4. Culture of Learning

• Champion a learning culture by promoting continuous development and knowledge sharing across teams.
• Encourage and facilitate participation in professional development opportunities.
• Recognize and celebrate learning achievements across the organization.

5. Reporting & Evaluation

• Track and report on training participation, skill development progress, and internal mobility rates.
• Measure the effectiveness and ROI of learning initiatives through feedback, assessments, and business outcomes.
• Develop and present budget proposals.
• Provide regular insights to leadership on workforce capability, engagement, and talent development trends.

Experience

Essential:

·Proven experience in an L&D, Training, or People Development role.

·Experience implementing and managing learning platforms.

·Experience designing and delivering engaging, hands-on training (in-person and online).

Desirable:

·Background in manufacturing, construction, retail, or kitchen/interiors industry.

·Experience working with apprenticeships is an advantage.

Qualifications

Essential:

·CIPD Level 5 or equivalent in Learning & Development or HR (or working towards).

Skills

Essential:

·Excellent communication, facilitation, and coaching skills.

·Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building abilities.

·Proactive, organised, and adaptable in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.

·Comfortable working across manufacturing, showrooms, and office environments.

·Passionate about people growth and organizational development.

·Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach.

·Collaborative, empathetic, and adaptable.

·Curious and innovative — always looking for ways to enhance learning experiences.

Desirable:

·Knowledge of competency frameworks and succession planning models.

·Understanding of technical or trade-based training.