Head of Learning and Development

Lidl; London; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading grocery retailer in London is seeking a Head of Talent to lead the learning culture and development strategy within the company. You will inspire a team to implement innovative learning initiatives and address skills gaps, contributing to a high-performing environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in people development, project management, and strategic communication. This role offers a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and numerous perks including enhanced holiday and pension scheme.

Benefits

35 days holiday

10% in-store discount

Pension scheme

Sabbatical

Enhanced family leave

Qualifications

• Hands-on approach—capable of strategic thinking and operational running.
• Passion for people development with a practical mindset.
• Experience in steering projects and managing budgets.
• Deep understanding of L&D/talent team roles in organizations.
• Strong experience in creating and shaping talent and development strategies.
• Fluency in German is an advantage.
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire learning and development professionals.
• Create and lead delivery of learning and development concepts.
• Shape the learning and development strategy.
• Oversee implementation of international talent management concepts.
• Identify skills gaps and create engaging learning initiatives.
• Work with HR for embedding a learning culture.
• Manage external partners for training programmes.
• Plan and control talent development budgets.

Skills

Communication skills

Project management

Influencing skills

People development

Budget management

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.