Head of Learning & Development

OCS; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading facilities management company is seeking a Head of Learning and Development to lead strategic learning initiatives. The role involves managing apprenticeship programmes, optimizing the Learning Management System, and enhancing employee engagement. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills and experience in L&D within a complex organization, ensuring alignment with business objectives and compliance requirements.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Inclusive work environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading Learning & Development at senior level.
• In-depth knowledge of UK apprenticeship frameworks and compliance.
• Strong people management and coaching skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute regional L&D strategy aligned to business objectives.
• Lead the design and expansion of apprenticeship programmes.
• Oversee development of LMS to enhance engagement and compliance.

Skills

Leadership & People Development

Stakeholder Management

Data & Commercial Acumen

Project Management

Communication & Influence

Education

CIPD L5/7 or Learning Technologies Certification

Tools

Learning Management Systems (Totara, Think Learning)

Job description

About The Company

OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award-winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering.

Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values - Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.

About The Role

Role Purpose

As the Head of Learning and Development – UK & Ireland, you will lead the strategic and operational delivery of learning initiatives that enable our people to thrive and our business to grow. You will take ownership of apprenticeship programmes, drive optimisation and innovation in our Learning Management System (LMS), and ensure our L&D function is supporting the current and future needs of the organisation.

This is a key leadership role with a strong focus on building capability, enhancing employee engagement and retention, and supporting compliance and career development at all levels.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a regional L&D strategy aligned to business objectives, talent requirements and the broader HR agenda.
• Champion a learning culture that supports high performance, inclusion, and employee development across all functions.
  
  

Apprenticeships & Early Careers

• Lead the design, delivery, and expansion of apprenticeship programmes across the UK & Ireland, ensuring alignment with business needs and compliance with funding and regulatory requirements.
• Maximise the use of the UK Apprenticeship Levy and develop robust provider relationships.
• Promote internal career pathways and progression through apprenticeship and early careers programmes.
  
  

Learning Management System (LMS) & Digital Learning

• Oversee the continued development, enhancement, and utilisation of the LMS to drive engagement, compliance, and reporting.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external vendors to curate and deploy effective digital and blended learning content.
• Ensure the LMS is user-friendly, up to date, and capable of supporting scalable learning solutions.
  
  

Reporting & Data Insight

• Build and maintain L&D reporting frameworks to track participation, effectiveness, ROI, and compliance metrics.
• Use data-driven insights to inform decision-making and continuously improve learning strategies and outcomes.
  
  

Team & Operational Management

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing L&D team across the region.
• Oversee departmental planning, budgeting, and supplier management.
• Ensure efficient and consistent L&D processes, governance, and standards across the UK & Ireland.
  
  

Compliance & Mandatory Training

• Ensure delivery of all mandatory training requirements, including health & safety, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor and manage training completion rates and audit readiness.
  
  

Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with HR management, operational leaders and other OCS senior stakeholders to assess needs and deliver tailored learning solutions.
• Act as a key contact for external bodies, regulators, and training partners.
  
  

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience leading Learning & Development at a senior level in a complex, multi-site organisation.
• In-depth knowledge of UK apprenticeship frameworks, funding, and compliance.
• Experience managing LMS platforms (e.g. Totara, Think Learning, or similar), driving improved colleague engagement through the user experience and content strategy.
• Strong people management and coaching skills.
• Demonstrated ability to drive L&D strategies using data, technology, and business insight.
• Relevant L&D, HR, or education qualifications (e.g., CIPD L5/7, Learning Technologies Certification) desirable, but not essential.
• Professional Insights delivery accreditation would be desirable, but not essential.
• Experience / qualifications within coaching would be desirable, but not essential.
  
  

Key Competencies

• Confidentiality
• Strategic Thinking & Execution
• Leadership & People Development
• Stakeholder Management
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement
• Data & Commercial Acumen
• Project Management
• Communication & Influence
  
  

How To Apply

If you are interested in joining a business that encourages professional development, career progression and the chance to work with inspirational people then please click apply and register your interest! You can also sign up to our job alerts when registering which will notify you when other suitable vacancies are available.

We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.