Head of Learning and Development

Lidl GB; London; Hybrid; GBP 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in London is seeking a Head of Talent to build a learning culture and enhance colleague development. This role involves leading a team, creating learning strategies, and managing budgets to support organizational goals. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, experience in L&D, and a passion for people development. A hybrid working model is offered, along with competitive benefits including generous holiday and pension scheme.

Benefits

35 days holiday (pro rata)

10% in-store discount

Enhanced family leave

Sabbatical

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience of steering projects and managing budgets.
• Ability to think strategically and lead Succession Planning sessions.
• Understanding the role of L&D/Talent teams in organizational success.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of learning and development professionals.
• Create and lead delivery of learning concepts from onboarding to development training.
• Shape the learning and development strategy to achieve organizational goals.
• Oversee localization and implementation of international talent management concepts.
• Identify skills gaps and create engaging learning initiatives.

Skills

Strong communication and influencing skills

Hands-on approach

Passion for people development

Project management experience

Understanding of L&D/Talent teams

Fluency in German

Job description

Summary

Salary banding starts from over £100,000* | 35 days’ holiday (pro rata) | 10% in-store discount | Pension scheme

Everyone who works at Lidl brings something unique to the table - but we also have a whole lot in common. We’re curious, collaborative and ready to make a tangible impact on where we work.

Just like you.

At Lidl, we’re big on development—of our people, our business, and our future. As our Head of Talent, you’ll lead the charge in building a learning culture that helps every colleague grow, perform, and thrive. You’ll shape and deliver smart, scalable learning strategies that support our fast-paced, high-performing environment.

At Lidl, we offer a hybrid working model to give you the best of both worlds. Spend three days or more in our state-of-the-art office, where you can enjoy an on-site gym, restaurant, and more of the perks you deserve. And with up to two days at home, you’ll find the work/life balance you need to thrive.

‘To keep in line with company structure this role will be called Head of Talent internally’

What you'll do

• Lead and inspire a team of learning and development professionals. This includes direct leadership of our head office team as well as close guidance of the regional talent teams through our matrix management structure
• Be nationally accountable for creating and leading the delivery of learning and development concepts from onboarding, basic training, development training, leadership and high-potential development, emerging talent programmes, succession planning and talent management, including the identification of key talent and governance of the annual talent cycle
• Lead and shape the learning and development strategy, suggesting market leading initiatives and supporting Lidl GB to achieve its goals by ensuring that every colleague has the skills to achieve the highest possible performance
• Oversee the localisation and implementation of international talent management concepts across Lidl GB, supplementing these with national initiatives to offer a comprehensive development offering
• Work closely with key stakeholders to identify skills gaps, both present and future, and create practical and engaging learning initiatives to drive performance and progression.
• Work closely with senior HR colleagues to make progress on our journey to embedding a learning culture into each day.
• Guide the selection and management of external partners to support both the creation and delivery of national development programmes and learning solutions
• Take responsibility for budget planning and cost control of all national costs relating to talent development
  
  

What you'll need

• A hands-on approach—you’re just as comfortable thinking strategically as you are running a Succession Planning session.
• Strong communication and influencing skills—you’ll work with stakeholders at every level.
• A passion for people development and a practical mindset.
• Experience of steering projects and managing budgets
• A deep understanding of the role that L&D/ Talent teams play in the success of an organisation
• Strong experience of creating and shaping talent, development and / or learning strategies
• Fluency in German is an advantage
• The ability to occasionally travel both nationally and internationally is required
  
  

What you'll receive

• 35 days holiday (pro rata)
• 10% in-store discount
• Sabbatical
• Enhanced family leave
• Pension scheme
• Plus, more of the perks you deserve
• Includes an additional 10% non-contractual London Weighting
  
  

You’re Lidl like us. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds. Join us to celebrate individuality and grow in a fair, respectful, and inclusive environment

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date. This is to ensure our teams can manage application levels while maintaining a positive candidate experience. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

FOR INTERNAL COLLEAGUES: Please note, colleagues who have achieved the development E in their most recent Talent Forum or who are already operating at Head of Department level will be given first consideration for interview.

Ready to make a real impact?

Join us and help build a learning culture that’s as ambitious as our business.