Head of Learning and Professional Development

MLC Partners; Gateshead; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave

Pension contribution

Membership funding

Flexible working

Hybrid/Remote

Job summary

MLC Partners is delighted to partner with The Institute of Water to recruit a Head of Learning & Professional Development.

This newly created leadership role will shape the strategy for member learning, CPD, mentoring and digital learning, across the UK.

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in Learning & Development functions or programmes.
• Knowledge of online learning platforms and digital learning solutions.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Commercial mindset with ability to identify growth opportunities.
• Ability to balance strategy with hands-on delivery.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the organisation's Learning & Professional Development strategy.
• Design a professional development framework enabling members to plan and record CPD.
• Lead the development of engaging learning programmes, events and digital learning opportunities.
• Enhance learning management systems to deliver an outstanding user experience.
• Develop and expand mentoring and professional recognition programmes.
• Identify opportunities to grow commercially focused learning products and services.
• Manage budgets, governance, reporting, policies and risk within your portfolio.
• Contribute as a vital member of the institute to develop the wider organisational strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Online learning

Stakeholder engagement

Commercial mindset

Strategic thinking

Delivery execution

Collaboration

Tools

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Job description

Head of Learning & Professional Development

MLC Partners is delighted to be partnering with a The Institute of Water, a respected professional membership organisation to recruit a Head of Learning & Professional Development.

Permanent | Up to £46,000 FTE | Hybrid/Remote (with monthly travel to Gateshead and across the UK)

This is a newly created leadership role offering the opportunity to shape the future of learning and professional development within a nationally significant sector. Reporting directly to the CEO, you'll have the autonomy to design strategy, influence organisational direction, and build a modern, engaging learning offer that delivers lasting impact.

The Opportunity

This is more than a traditional L&D role. You'll be responsible for creating and embedding a long-term learning and professional development strategy, ensuring members have access to innovative, high-quality development opportunities throughout their careers.

Working closely with internal staff, volunteers, members and sector stakeholders, you'll help establish the frameworks, systems and programmes that support continuous professional development while identifying new commercial opportunities to enhance the organisation's offering.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the organisation's Learning & Professional Development strategy.
• Design a professional development framework enabling members to effectively plan and record CPD.
• Lead the development of engaging learning programmes, events and digital learning opportunities.
• Enhance learning management systems to deliver an outstanding user experience.
• Develop and expand mentoring and professional recognition programmes.
• Identify opportunities to grow commercially focused learning products and services.
• Manage budgets, governance, reporting, policies and risk within your portfolio.
• Contribute as a vital member of the institute to develop the wider organisational strategy.

Key criteria

We welcome conversations with ambitious Learning & Development professionals who enjoy building new initiatives and influencing organisational strategy.

You'll bring:

• Significant experience leading Learning & Development functions or programmes.
• Knowledge of online learning platforms and digital learning solutions.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
• A commercial mindset with the ability to identify and pursue opportunities for growth.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on delivery.
• A collaborative and proactive approach, with a genuine passion for helping people develop.

Experience within membership organisations, professional bodies, instructional design or project management would be advantageous, although sector experience is not essential.

• Salary up to £46,000 FTE (with a salary review after one year).
• Hybrid working with the flexibility to work predominantly remotely.
• Applications welcomed from candidates seeking 4 or 5 days per week.
• Generous annual leave.
• Employer pension contribution with enhanced matching.
• Professional membership funding and ongoing personal development.
• Flexible working and excellent work-life balance.
• The opportunity to shape a brand‑new function and make a lasting impact nationally.