Head of Learning and Development Jobs
Organizations that fail to take learning and development seriously stagnate in their marketplace and lose their best talent to rival companies. Fortunately, all large forward-looking companies not only have L&D at the heart of their HR strategies, they have teams of people dedicated to that end alone. The head of L&D oversees the team, which could be anything from one or two L&D specialists in an office to dozens around the country.
The head of learning and development’s main task is designing and executing coaching strategies that are custom made for the needs of the company and its employees. For maximum impact this is a two-way street, so employees at all levels are appraised but are also given the chance to air their own views on the most contentious and defining subjects, and this information is then fed back into their personal development programmes. The ultimate aim is to increase productivity by enhancing engagement and reducing employee churn.
The skills required
The typical head of L&D companies are looking for are already a senior learning and development professional or are someone who has a proven track record of delivering L&D to teams of employees. Sometimes a blank canvas is preferred as the company is able to instil its values and culture into the role, but a deep experience of a challenging L&D execution is usually preferred.
A firm background in HR is a requirement for most positions, so that the candidate needs to be aware of how learning and development fits into the bigger picture. Experience of dealing with the sector in which the company operates will also be advantageous to the applicant, as all fields have different expectations.
Head of Learning and Development Jobs in Ashford
The Kent town of Ashford was traditionally a market town and stop-off point for London to Folkestone or Dover travellers. Although it has a moderately large population of around 65,000, it is by far the largest settlement for 20 miles in any direction, and remains an important shopping town in the region, especially now that it has a designer outlet to accompany its several shopping districts.
It is the railways that have played the largest part in Ashford’s history since the nineteenth century, however. The town served as an important hub for trains to London (50 miles, or 80 km, to the north west), Tonbridge, Hastings, Folkestone and Canterbury and this brought trade and population to the town. But Ashford’s link with the railways became international when it was made a stop on the Eurostar line to France in 1996. The town now has at least five distinct trading and industrial estates, some of which are located there mainly thanks to its excellent links with London and the Continent.
Ashford has always been a busy town but the Eurostar line coming to town has made it a key element in Britain’s transport infrastructure. Ashford is also well connected by road, with the M20/A20 that links Folkestone/Dover and London passing by Ashford’s eastern borders. This all adds up to a positive picture for anyone seeking Head of Learning and Development jobs in Ashford or the surrounding area.
Popular locations
Find Head of L&D Jobs with Cast UK
With offices in London, Birmingham and Manchester and a client list that covers the whole of the UK, Cast UK is the first place many HR professionals contact when they are ready to take the next step in their careers.
Similarly, many companies now come direct to us the moment they deduce that they need a head of learning and development. That’s how we are able to provide a fast, high quality service to clients and candidates alike. We can only put your name forward if we have your details, however.
That’s why you should call us today on 0333 121 3345 so that we can get your name in our system and let you know of any openings that could be attractive to you.
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