Head of Talent Development

Activate Learning; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education group in the UK seeks a Head of Talent Development to lead its HR team. This pivotal role focuses on creating a high-impact employee experience through strategic talent acquisition and development. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in L&D, exceptional leadership skills, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.

Benefits

Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards

Wellbeing & Resources Groups

Health Cash Plan

Continuous professional growth opportunities

Flexible Working Options

Generous Annual Leave

Competitive salaries with incremental progression

On-Site Facilities including gym access

Qualifications

• Experienced senior L&D professional with a strong track record.
• Extensive experience at strategic and operational levels.
• Passion for learning and talent development.

Responsibilities

• Lead Talent Acquisition, Teaching & Learning Development, and L&D teams.
• Ensure alignment of talent strategies with organisational goals.
• Focus on leadership development and embedding a coaching culture.

Skills

Leadership development

Coaching

Talent acquisition

Inclusive workplace practices

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Degree or equivalent professional experience

Qualifications in L&D, coaching, or leadership (e.g., CIPD, ILM)

Job description

About the role: Head of Talent Development

This is a pivotal role within Activate Learning’s Group Human Resources (HR) team, leading on the design and delivery of an exceptional employee experience that supports our strategic ambitions. As one of three senior leaders within the People function, this role oversees Talent Acquisition, Teaching & Learning Development, and Learning & Development (L&D), ensuring that all activities align with our organisational goals and culture.

As one of three senior leaders within the People function, the Head of Talent Development will lead our Talent Acquisition, Teaching & Learning Development, and Learning & Development (L&D) teams to drive performance and deliver high-quality, inclusive people development practices across the group.

As the Head of Talent Development, you will collaborate with a range of stakeholders to align talent strategies with Activate Learning’s 5-year plan and ensure we are building the skills and capabilities needed for the future. With a strong focus on leadership development, succession planning, and embedding a coaching culture, you’ll ensure our workforce continues to thrive and grow in line with our Learning Philosophy.

We operate a hybrid working model with a minimum of three days on-site. Your base can be one of our campuses in Base campus Oxford, Reading, Bracknell or Guildford, with travel required across our Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Surrey sites.

This is a permanent, full-time role working 37 hours per week.

What do you need to be a successful Head of Talent Development?

To thrive as the Head of Talent Development, you’ll need to be an experienced senior Learning & Development (L&D) professional with a strong track record of shaping and delivering high-impact people strategies within complex organisations. You’ll bring deep expertise in leadership development, coaching, talent acquisition, and inclusive workplace practices.

We’re looking for a confident, strategic leader with the vision and capability to drive large-scale change. You’ll need exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders across all levels of the organisation.

As the Head of Talent Development, key requirements are

• A degree or equivalent professional experience
• Extensive experience leading L&D at both strategic and operational levels
• Relevant qualifications in L&D, coaching, or leadership (e.g. CIPD, ILM) are advantageous
• Proven experience managing and developing diverse teams across learning and talent acquisition
• Demonstrated success in designing and delivering impactful management and leadership development programmes
• Practical expertise in inclusive recruitment practices and employer branding
• A data-informed mindset, with the ability to measure impact and drive continuous improvement
• An inclusive, values-led leadership style and a genuine passion for learning and talent development
  
  

Who We Are

Activate Learning is a pioneering education group with a global reach, committed to transforming lives through our approach to learning.

We see our employees as individuals, empowering them to make the right choices for their ambitions and careers. We value our people as vital to our continued success and aspire to a diverse, open and inclusive environment that provides the motivation for everyone to pursue their career goals and flourish.

When you work for Activate Learning, you’re working for an organisation that provides you with the advantages of a large employer, a trusted partner in your career development, and a transformational way of working whilst also investing in building a community environment for everyone.

Together, we will bring out the best version of yourself.

Activate Learning Group Employee Benefits

• Monthly Staff Appreciation Awards: Celebrating staff for their dedication and accomplishments aligned to our award-winning Learning Philosophy.
• Wellbeing & Resources Groups: Comprehensive range of resources, guides and tools to support staff wellbeing
• Company benefits: Including free eye tests and will writing, plus access to a Health Cash Plan covering optical, dental, health screening, and therapy treatments for you and your dependents.
• Learning and Development: continuous opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement through our in-house L&D team.
• Teaching Support: Tailored induction and development programs for teaching staff.
• Pension Schemes: Teacher and Local Government pension schemes for AL staff
• Generous Annual Leave: Up to 6 weeks paid leave
• Flexible Working: Options include hybrid and remote, term time only, and flexible working patterns.
• Competitive salaries: Annual incremental progression and a twelve point pay scale for teachers.
• On-Site Facilities: Free parking at all campuses, refectories, hair and beauty salons & gym access.
  
  

For a comprehensive list of all of our benefits please visit our work-with-us/wellbeing-and-benefits page

Applicants should apply at the earliest opportunity; closed vacancies will prevent application form submission.

Applications are reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis, we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts.

Activate Learning is committed to safeguarding and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a DBS check at the appropriate level.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK, we do not sponsor work permits. Work permits from other organisations are unacceptable as proof of right to work in the UK.

Note: Some positions may require a legally mandated health surveillance check for exposure to hazardous conditions.

Applications are encouraged from all candidates who meet or exceed minimum criteria, regardless of age, disability, gender, orientation, race, religion, or ethnicity. Activate Learning are committed to employing people with disabilities and will ensure our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible. If you require any reasonable adjustments either at application or interview stage, please contact the talent team directly.

Recruitment agencies who submit unsolicited CVs to any partner or employee at Activate Learning, have no authority to enter an arrangement. Recruitment agencies engaging with Activate Learning Talent Team will be on our PSL.