Head of Learning and Development

Zotefoams; Croydon; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a strategic Learning and Development Manager to spearhead their global L&D agenda. This role focuses on nurturing talent, enhancing performance management, and ensuring succession planning to support ambitious growth. You'll collaborate with various stakeholders to create impactful training programs and foster a learning culture. Join a dynamic team that values innovation and professional growth in a supportive environment, where your contributions will make a significant impact on the workforce's development.

Qualifications

• Experience in a senior L&D role, ideally in manufacturing or technical environments.
• Proven success in designing and implementing early careers and apprenticeship programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead global L&D agenda focusing on talent development and performance management.
• Design and manage graduate and apprenticeship programs aligned with business needs.

Skills

L&D Strategy Development

Performance Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Training Delivery

Apprenticeship Program Design

Education

Degree in Human Resources or related field

Job description

Zotefoams plc is a world leader in cellular material technology, headquartered in Croydon, UK, with additional manufacturing sites in Kentucky, USA and Brzeg, Poland, Oklahoma, USA (foam products manufacture and conversion)and Jiangsu Province, China (T-FIT).

We produce lightweight foams for various markets including sports and leisure, aviation, automotive and healthcare. Zotefoams also owns and licenses patented technology and sells advanced insulation systems

The Company is on a fast growth path, with strong revenue and profitability growth in recent years and ambitious growth plans for the near future.

About the Role:

We are looking for a strategic and dynamic Learning and Development Manager to lead our global L&D agenda. With a focus on talent development, early careers, performance management, and succession planning, you’ll be instrumental in developing a high-performing workforce to support Zotefoams’ global growth. The role reports to the Chief People Officer and works closely with Talent Acquisition, HR Business Partners, and external learning providers.

Role Responsibilities:

Early Careers & Graduate Development

• Partner with Talent Acquisition and HRBPs to define a global early careers strategy.
• Manage and improve our graduate programme to support business growth and future leadership.
• Design and lead a new apprenticeship scheme aligned with workforce planning needs.
• Optimise the Apprenticeship Levy to support structured development and succession.

Performance Management & Talent Development

• Work with the CPO and HRBPs to embed a performance-driven culture.
• Develop a global performance framework that links individual growth with business outcomes.
• Build and lead career development initiatives for all levels of the organisation.

Workshops & Management Programmes

• Create and deliver management development programmes and leadership workshops.
• Work with external training providers where appropriate to enhance learning solutions.
• Design and tailor learning content to meet the evolving needs of our workforce.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure all training activities are compliant with relevant regulations and internal policy.
• Track and report on training impact, using insights to drive improvements and accountability.

Succession Planning

• Establish and roll out a succession framework to ensure business continuity.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders to maintain a strong and diverse talent pipeline.

What you'll need:

• Experience in a senior L&D role, ideally in manufacturing, engineering, or a technical environment.
• Proven success in designing and implementing early careers and apprenticeship programmes.
• Expertise in performance management and talent development.
• Hands-on experience with training delivery and learning design.
• Solid knowledge of Apprenticeship Levy funding and ROI.
• Strong influencing skills and stakeholder engagement across all levels.

What were looking for?

• Commercial mindset with a strategic approach to L&D.
• A proactive leader who thrives in fast-paced and evolving settings.
• Strong communicator with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally.
• Someone passionate about driving a learning culture and developing others.

Why Join Us?

At Zotefoams, we believe in fostering a supportive and innovative environment where everybody can thrive. By joining us, you will be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and opportunities for professional growth and development.

Our Values

Courage - The courage to take bold action to ensure that we succeed in tackling our challenges and opportunities.

Impact – Dedicated to making a significant and positive impact in everything we do.

Respect - Cultivate a respectful and inclusive environment where everyone is valued and collaboration is encouraged.

Zotefoams is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees