Head of Learning and Development EMEA (Director) - Fixed Term Contract

SMBC Bank International plc; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services provider is seeking a Head of Learning and Development (EMEA) for a 12-month contract in London. This role involves driving organisational capability through learning initiatives, engaging with stakeholders across the region. Ideal candidates have a strong background in L&D within financial services, excellent strategic and analytical skills, and robust leadership experience. The company offers a competitive remuneration package, hybrid working, and a diverse, inclusive workplace culture.

Benefits

Hybrid and flexible working

Competitive paid leave days

Private medical insurance

Life and invalidity insurance

Mental wellbeing support

Career progression opportunities

Ambitious remuneration package

Qualifications

• Expertise in learning and organisational development.
• Understanding of adult learning principles and psychology.
• Proven track record leading L&D in financial services.
• Experience introducing new initiatives in diverse organisations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of the EMEA Learning & Development strategy.
• Build management capability and foster a high-performance culture.
• Oversee governance, operations, budget and L&D team leadership.
• Monitor emerging trends and apply best practices.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical ability

Strong stakeholder management

Consultative approach

Project management

Facilitation

Education

Strong academic credentials

HR or psychology-related qualifications

Job description

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SMBC: A trusted partner for the long term

Here at SMBC Group, we want to help you find the next step in your career so read on to discover if this opportunity is the one for you. We like to recognise potential in our people, so we welcome your application even when your experience doesn't perfectly align with the job description. Whilst we'll always strive to be better, we're proud of our inclusive culture, and encourage our applicants and colleagues to be their authentic, unique selves.

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers - to be a trusted partner for the long-term - and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Role Summary

Is the next step in your career at SMBC Group EMEA? We're looking for a Head of Learning and Development (EMEA) to join our Human Resources team on a 12 month Fixed Term Contract.

Summary of Role

The Head of Learning and Development EMEA (Director) is responsible for driving organisational capability across the EMEA region through strategically aligned, high-quality learning and development initiatives. Based in London, this role provides expertise across all EMEA businesses and partners with senior leaders, HR teams, and global stakeholders to deliver impactful solutions that support business priorities.

Essentials of Role

• Lead the design and implementation of the EMEA Learning & Development strategy.
• Build management capability and foster a high-performance culture.
• Oversee governance, operations, budget and L&D team leadership across EMEA.

Candidate Requirements

• Knowledge: Expert in learning and organisational development; understanding of adult learning principles and psychology.
• Skills: Strategic thinking, analytical ability, strong stakeholder management, consultative approach, project management, and facilitation.
• Experience: Proven track record leading L&D in financial services; experience introducing new initiatives in diverse, multi-location organisations.
• Qualifications: Strong academic credentials, ideally supplemented by HR or psychology-related qualifications.

Business Area

The role sits within the Talent, Learning and Development (TLD) Team in HR. The team provides expertise across:

• Talent Acquisition
• Learning and Development
• Talent Management
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Wellbeing
• Culture and Engagement

The role interfaces with senior leaders across EMEA, HR Business Partners and Global HR teams.

Position Description

Learning & Development

• Develop and implement the EMEA L&D strategy and operating model.
• Establish a region-wide approach for learning needs analysis and prioritisation.
• Design and deliver tailored interventions aligned to business needs.
• Enhance engagement and accountability for learning across EMEA.
• Maintain robust governance, systems, and supplier management.

Management Development

• Build manager capability and articulate the role of managers within SMBC.
• Deliver interventions to strengthen leadership behaviours.

Performance Management

• Partner with Reward to enable a unified performance management approach.
• Lead initiatives to foster continuous feedback and a high-performance culture.

Team Development

• Facilitate team collaboration and problem-solving using tools and frameworks.

Other Responsibilities

• Monitor emerging trends and apply best practices.
• Partner with business leaders and HR to provide expert advice.
• Negotiate and manage vendor contracts.
• Review effectiveness of interventions using data insights.
• Recruit, motivate, and develop team members.
• Manage the L&D budget.

Competencies

Customer Focus
Driving Change
Driving Results
Embraces Diversity
Enterprise Leadership
Judgement and Decision Making
Risk Management
Strategic and Visionary
Trust and Integrity

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it's only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

• Hybrid and flexible working
• Competitive paid leave days
• Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance and life and invalidity insurance
• Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services
• Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities
• Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!!

We recognise our role as a bank to support social change and welcome all applications, including those from groups often under-represented in financial services. We value the uniqueness of professional and personal, backgrounds and perspectives as they play a vital role in continuing the sustainable growth of our organisation. We'll ensure reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process are offered due to a disability or long-term condition whenever requested.

About SMBC

A trusted partner for the long term
United by a sense of purpose towards our customers - to be a trusted partner for the long-term - and our universal banking platform in EMEA, we deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers, including corporate, structured and trade finance, leveraged finance, loan market and treasury products. We can also provide investment banking and advisory services and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets.
Find out more about what we do and who we are at https://www.smbcgroup.com/emea/careers