Head of Skills & Capability

Unilever; Kingston on Soar; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consumer goods company in Kingston is seeking a Head of Skills & Capability to drive learning transformation across the enterprise. The role involves leading a team, defining skills strategy, and aligning learning with business growth. Ideal candidates will have over 12 years of experience in talent strategy and leadership. This position promotes inclusivity and offers flexible working options.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Inclusive workplace

Diversity support

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in learning, capability building, or talent strategy.
• Proven success leading capability academies or enterprise learning ecosystems.
• Strong understanding of skills-based workforce planning.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the enterprise-wide skills strategy.
• Oversee functional academies and embed learning into workflows.
• Manage vendor strategy to ensure high-quality content.

Skills

Leadership

Business acumen

Learning technology

Analytical skills

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Head of Skills & Capability

Apply locations: Kingston Head Office | Time type: Full time | Posted on: Posted 6 Days Ago | End Date: August 8, 2025 (6 days left to apply) | Job requisition id: R-61091

Please Note: The deadline for applying is 23.59 the day before the job posting end date.

Job Title: Head of Skills & Capability

Location: Kingston Head Office

Work-Level: 3X

Job Purpose

As the Head of Skills and Capability, you will lead the transformation of learning across the enterprise—building a future-ready workforce through an agile, business-integrated, and data-informed skills strategy. You will oversee the development and performance of our strategic capability academies (Commercial/Customer Development, Supply Chain/Technology, R&D) and work closely with Marketing. You will own the enterprise-wide skills and capability agenda, including emerging technology, vendor ecosystems, and priority skill development. Additionally, you will build and own the blueprint for a strong skill signal that forms an integral part of data-based talent decision making through our SPEL framework.

You will play a key role in shaping a culture of continuous learning and capability building aligned with business outcomes and the future of work. Reporting directly to the Chief Talent, Development & People Analytics Officer, and being a member of the E&I leadership team, you will lead a team of 15 members with 7 direct reports. This role focuses on business growth and transformation through skills, not just traditional L&D.

Responsibilities

Enterprise Skills Strategy & Capability Building

• Define and lead the enterprise-wide skills strategy aligned with company growth, digital transformation, and the future of work.
• Partner with CHROs, Business Leaders, and functional heads to identify current and future skills needs.
• Establish a strategic skills framework and taxonomy integrated into workforce planning, career architecture, and talent mobility.
• Utilize workforce analytics and market intelligence to evolve capability needs.
• Identify intersections between skills, talent, and performance to develop future-fit solutions.

Capability Academies Leadership

• Oversee functional academies (Commercial, Supply Chain/Tech, R&D) ensuring ROI and strategic alignment.
• Embed learning into daily workflows, combining experiential learning, coaching, digital content, and cross-functional development.
• Partner with SMEs, vendors, and sponsors to curate relevant learning journeys.

Modern Learning Experience & Ecosystem

• Champion a learner-centric, tech-enabled ecosystem for personalized, self-directed learning.
• Build an innovation pipeline using learning technology, staying ahead of industry trends.
• Leverage platforms (LMS/LXP, skills platforms, AI solutions) for seamless digital learning.
• Manage vendor strategy and ensure content and platform quality.

Priority Skills & Strategic Initiatives

• Identify and develop enterprise-wide priority capabilities (digital fluency, data literacy, AI readiness).
• Manage partner ecosystems with platforms like LinkedIn, Udemy, Section, etc., to offer relevant skill development options.
• Implement learning governance with NIIT, deploying skills across locations efficiently.
• Integrate skills development into DEI, internal mobility, talent marketplaces, and performance processes.
• Drive initiatives like career skills development, skill-based job design, and internal talent mobility.

Measurement & Analytics

• Define and monitor key metrics such as capability ROI, business impact, adoption, and proficiency gains.
• Use data and AI to personalize learning, measure outcomes, and support decision-making.
• Evaluate learning strategies using insights from analytics and KPIs.

Strategic Insight & Network Influence

• Maintain external and internal networks to stay ahead of trends in learning and capability development.
• Engage with thought leaders, academic institutions, vendors, and peers for benchmarking and innovation.
• Translate business signals into capability priorities, ensuring alignment with transformation goals.

Team Leadership & Culture Building

• Lead and motivate a high-performing team passionate about growth and impact.
• Provide clear guidance, coaching, and purpose, fostering connectivity and engagement.
• Cultivate a culture of experimentation, curiosity, and continuous learning.
• Embed the team within the business, acting as trusted partners and role models.

About You

Key Skills & Experience

• 12+ years of progressive experience in learning, capability building, or talent strategy in complex global organizations.
• Proven success leading capability academies or enterprise learning ecosystems.
• Deep understanding of skills-based workforce planning, learning technology, and future trends.
• Strong business acumen and experience working with senior leaders across functions.
• Strategic thinker capable of translating complex needs into scalable solutions.
• Experience in learning analytics, vendor management, and digital transformation.
• Familiarity with industry frameworks and thought leadership.

Notes

Please apply via this portal; email applications may not be processed. Include your Future Fit Plan if possible.

By applying, you confirm your manager is aware, and you are at an appropriate career stage for this application.

For additional info or adjustments, contact Talent Partner Emily Casey at [e-mail].

What We Offer

While full-time, flexible working options are open for discussion. We promote a family-friendly, inclusive workplace and support diversity across age, disability, gender, race, religion, sex, orientation, marriage, and maternity. We provide reasonable adjustments during the application process. Learn more about our Employee Resource Groups and inclusion initiatives on our website.

Location

In 2020, we announced plans to consolidate offices into a new Kingston-upon-Thames campus by early 2025. However, in August 2024, we proposed to retain our London head office at 100 Victoria Embankment until 2027. We are consulting with staff on the final location, which may either remain at 100VE or move to Kingston post-2025. Until concluded, your role's location will be as per your current statement of terms.

Relocation to the UK

If applying from outside the UK and successful, your transfer will be treated as self-funded, with potential expense reimbursement up to £5,000. Contact your Talent Partner for details.

About Us

Unilever is a leading consumer goods company with over 400 brands used by over two billion people daily. We are committed to sustainability, diversity, and growth. Join us to be part of a dynamic, purpose-driven organization.