L&D Specialist

Mears Group; Gloucester; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading development organization is looking for a Learning & Development Specialist to create impactful learning experiences across its workforce. This full-time role involves designing innovative training and collaborating with leadership to foster a culture of continuous learning. Ideal candidates will have a relevant L&D qualification, strong interpersonal skills, and proficiency in digital learning tools. The position includes a salary of up to £38,000 plus allowances and various employee benefits.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Generous Pension Scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Staff perks with Mears Rewards

Qualifications

• Good standard of education (including English and Maths).
• Proven experience in learning and development training delivery or facilitation.
• Knowledge of social housing or facilities management sectors is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop engaging learning programs.
• Lead workshops and innovative learning interventions.
• Manage learning administration processes using Workday Learning.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Facilitation

Adaptability to diverse audiences

Digital tools proficiency

Education

Recognised L&D or training qualification

Tools

Workday Learning

Job description

Annual salary

Annual salary: up to 38000.00

Learning & Development Specialist

Location: UK-wide (with travel to Mears sites and offsite locations)

Contract: Full-time / Permanent

Salary: 38000 plus 4000 car allowance

Are you passionate about creating impactful learning experiences and driving a culture of continuous development Join Mears as a Learning & Development Specialist and help shape the future of our people.

When applying please attach a CV and a Cover Letter explaining your experiences and why you think you would be suitable for this role.

Applications will NOT be considered if either document is missing!

About the role

Working under the direction of the Learning & Development Lead you’ll develop high-quality learning interventions that support Mears organisational objectives and advance the knowledge and skills of our national workforce. Collaborating with business leaders HR Business Partners and subject matter experts you’ll play a key role in embedding a culture of growth and continuous learning across the organisation.

Responsibilities

• Co‑design and develop engaging tailored development programmes with colleagues across Quality Design and Learning Partnerships ensuring alignment to organisational priorities and capability needs.
• Design and curate engaging learning content and resources across leadership personal development compliance and core business skills incorporating evidence‑based methodology and best‑practice instructional design.
• Lead the design and facilitation of interactive workshops blended programmes and innovative learning interventions (virtually and in‑person) that address identified skill gaps and performance challenges.
• Develop multi‑format learning solutions including face‑to‑face virtual digital and blended learning pathways supported by clear learner journeys and structured content plans.
• Support key people and capability initiatives such as performance management talent development succession planning and career progression by providing L&D insight recommendations and design expertise.
• Build strong consultative relationships with stakeholders across the business to understand needs diagnose capability requirements recommend solutions and drive engagement with learning initiatives.
• Provide targeted coaching and structured support through facilitated induction programmes and development conversations for managers and new employees.
• Manage and optimise learning administration processes using Workday Learning including programme setup enrolments logistics reporting and maintaining accurate learner records.
• Evaluate learning effectiveness using feedback data insights performance metrics and stakeholder input to inform continuous improvement and future decision‑making.
• Champion a culture of learning across the organisation and ensure learning solutions are accessible inclusive and meet industry standards for quality.

Qualifications

• Good standard of education (including English and Maths).
• Recognised L&D or training qualification (e.g. PCGE AET L3 DTLLS CIPD).
• Proven experience in learning and development training delivery or facilitation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills adaptable to diverse audiences.
• Confident with digital tools and learning platforms (Workday Learning experience a plus).
• Ability to translate business needs into effective learning solutions.
• Skilled facilitator and coach committed to inclusive and accessible learning.
• Knowledge of social housing or facilities management sectors is desirable.
• Flexible detail‑oriented and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience across compliance leadership and skills development.
• Experience in both operational and corporate environments.
• Full driving licence and access to own vehicle.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Generous Pension Scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Annual Mears Fun Day.
• Staff perks with Mears Rewards – discounts of up to 10% on coffee, weekly groceries, holidays, share‑save scheme and eye‑test vouchers plus much more.

Family Friendly policies

Volunteering Leave – Mears supports employees to undertake volunteering in the community in support of our social value commitment.

All our roles require candidates to have the entitlement to work within the UK. Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship.

To drive a Mears vehicle you must be aged over 21, have held your licence over 3 months and have less than 9 points.

All our roles are subject to relevant Background Identity & Security checks before commencement of employment.

Apply

Apply below or to discuss your application further; contact 

Vickie Rudge

At Mears Group we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We are a Disability Confident employer valuing individuality and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

We proudly support the Armed Forces Covenant and are honoured to have achieved the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). To coincide with this we hold an Endorser Award for the Career Transition Partnership recognising our commitment to veterans transitioning into civilian careers.

In our continued effort to promote social mobility we invite applicants to voluntarily share their background information during the application stages to help us better understand the diverse experiences of our candidates. These questions are optional and will not impact your ability to apply.