Head of Learning & Development

BDO UK; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

BDO UK is seeking a Head of Learning & Development to lead the firm-wide L&D function, initially supporting the Audit stream and expanding to all business streams. You will design and deliver high-quality learning programmes that meet strategic priorities and regulatory requirements, collaborating with senior stakeholders across the firm.

The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking and experience in managing learning initiatives, with travel to London and other locations as required.

Qualifications

• Senior Manager experience, preferably in Learning & Development.
• Strong understanding of Audit and regulatory environment.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders and suppliers.
• Proven influence and strategic project delivery.
• Leadership with coaching and development of teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the L&D function, ensuring cohesive learning offerings aligned with strategic objectives.
• Develop and maintain firm-wide and stream-wide curricula, informed by learning-needs analysis.
• Manage priorities to deliver agreed curricula on time and to expected quality standards.
• Support regulatory compliance, including developing responses to queries and engaging with regulators.
• Engage with central teams and individual streams to identify emerging L&D needs and develop effective responses.
• Maintain quality-assurance procedures for learning delivery, supporting commercial aims and quality standards.
• Oversee systems, controls and processes across the learning cycle, assess risks and drive continuous improvement.
• Establish and monitor metrics to measure learning effectiveness, manage risk and report to governance bodies.
• Handle budgeting and financial management, justifying deviations and managing commercial risks.
• Bring innovation, tools and design-thinking into the learning portfolio and advise the Director of L&D on strategy.
• Advocate L&D activities, promote a learning culture, role-model BDO values and represent the firm at external events.
• Travel regularly to London and other locations as required.

Skills

Senior Manager experience

Stakeholder management

Strategic project delivery

Leadership

Coaching & development

Relationship building

Commercial mindset

Quality assurance

Analytical skills

Strong communication

Audit knowledge

Job description

We’re BDO, an accountancy and business advisory firm that supports entrepreneurial organisations in navigating today’s changing world.

Role Overview

As Head of Learning & Development you will lead the firm‑wide L&D function, initially supporting the Audit stream and later expanding to all business streams. You will collaborate with senior stakeholders to design and deliver high‑quality learning programmes that meet strategic priorities and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day operations of the L&D function, ensuring cohesive learning offerings aligned with strategic objectives.
• Develop and maintain firm‑wide and stream‑wide curricula, informed by learning‑needs analysis.
• Manage priorities to deliver agreed curricula on time and to expected quality standards.
• Support regulatory compliance, including developing responses to queries and engaging with regulators.
• Engage with central teams and individual streams to identify emerging L&D needs and develop effective responses.
• Maintain quality‑assurance procedures for learning delivery, supporting commercial aims and quality standards.
• Oversee systems, controls and processes across the learning cycle, assess risks and drive continuous improvement.
• Establish and monitor metrics to measure learning effectiveness, manage risk and report to governance bodies.
• Handle budgeting and financial management, justifying deviations and managing commercial risks.
• Bring innovation, tools and design‑thinking into the learning portfolio and advise the Director of L&D on strategy.
• Advocate L&D activities, promote a learning culture, role‑model BDO values and represent the firm at external events.
• Travel regularly to London and other locations as required.

Qualifications

• Senior Manager experience, preferably in Learning & Development.
• Strong understanding of Audit and the regulatory environment.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with senior stakeholders and suppliers.
• Proven influence and strategic project delivery.
• Strong project‑management, prioritisation and critical‑thinking skills.
• Commercial mindset focused on operational excellence.
• Commitment to quality and excellence in delivery.
• Leadership skills, including coaching, development and inspiration of teams.
• Professionalism and gravitas to represent the firm to senior leaders.
• Cohesive, collaborative mindset aligned with BDO values.
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Understanding of business strategy and goals.
• Audit background is beneficial but not essential.