Learning and Development Partner

Ascot Racecourse; Ascott-under-Wychwood; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading horse racing venue is seeking a Learning and Development Partner to join their HR team in Ascott-under-Wychwood, UK. This full-time, permanent role involves designing training programmes, managing Learning Management Systems, and improving employee engagement. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and flexible training abilities, aiming to enhance team performance and support diversity and inclusion initiatives. Competitive benefits include training access, wellbeing support, and community involvement opportunities.

Benefits

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Complimentary race day entry

Exclusive local discounts

Qualifications

• Relevant professional experience in learning and development.
• Track record of designing and delivering successful in-house programmes.
• Ability to work flexibly in operational environments.

Responsibilities

• Create and communicate the yearly training plan.
• Manage and deliver training programmes, including induction processes.
• Conduct training needs analysis to identify skills gaps.

Skills

Communication

Presentation

Training Delivery

Attention to Detail

Flexibility in Dynamic Environments

Education

CIPD qualification

Certified coaching and/or mentoring qualification

Tools

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

e-learning platforms

Job description

Who We Are

Welcome to Ascot where tradition meets innovation and excitement is the heartbeat of our business.

We are a destination for over 500,000 guests each year where passion, elegance, and celebration converge, and it is our team of behind-the-scenes heroes that bring every intricate detail to life.

As one of the world's leading racecourses, Ascot is renowned for its rich heritage spanning over 300 years. But we are not bound by the past; we're driven by the pursuit of excellence in everything we do.

From hosting our flagship event, Royal Ascot, to pioneering sustainable practices, we are committed to building a global lifestyle brand, wrapped around the world‑class horse racing we stage.

At Ascot we believe in preserving the beauty of our surroundings and minimising our ecological footprint. From eco‑friendly initiatives to community engagement programs, we strive to make a positive impact on both the environment and the lives of those around us.

What We Are Looking For

We are currently seeking a Learning and Development Partner to join our HR team, based in our offices at the racecourse in Ascot, Berkshire.

The Learning and Development Partner at Ascot Racecourse plays a pivotal role in shaping employee growth and engagement. Reporting to the Head of Human Resources, the role involves designing and delivering training programmes, managing systems, conducting training needs analysis, and overseeing onboarding and performance review processes. It also supports talent mapping, succession planning, and inclusive recruitment practices, while fostering knowledge sharing across the workforce. The position requires strong communication, presentation skills, and flexibility to operate in dynamic environments such as race days.

This is a full‑time, permanent role.

What You’ll Be Doing

Learning & Development

• To create a yearly training plan which is clearly communicated to the organisation
• Act as key lead on the internal Learning Management Systems (LMS)
• Design and delivery of internal training programmes, including corporate induction process
• Facilitate and enable training sessions using various methods (face‑to‑face, online)
• Partner stakeholders in the business to create bespoke learning packages for the organisation
• Evaluation of training programmes to ensure continuous improvement of offering
• Management of e‑learning provision ensuring relevant module content
• Conduct regular training needs analysis to identify skills and knowledge gaps
• Review and update onboarding activities, ensuring integrated with probation process
• Ownership of annual Performance Review cycle (September‑August)
• Create and provide relevant metrics to Head of Human Resources
• Maintain relationship with external learning partners and system account managers
• Maintain relationship with external contractor management teams to ensure completion of compliance training
• Maintain training administration as and where necessary (eg, internal training records)

Talent & Recruitment

• Delivery of the annual talent mapping process, in partnership with Head of Human Resources
• Support the development of role specific talent pathways within the organisation
• Training managers on inclusive and effective recruitment practices
• Educating and advising managers on the importance of succession planning
• Ownership of internal apprenticeship agreements across the organisation
• Utilising the internal workforce to support knowledge sharing, to act as trainers and/or presenters

Racing And Events

• To be present at race day events on a roster basis with wider HR team
• Supporting and delivering staff welfare and engagement activity during race days to improve employee experience for permanent and casual workforce
• Develop effective working relationships with race and event day staff as appropriate

Team

• Member of the HR management team
• Act as a role model, following best practice, policies and procedures
• Act as a responsible budget holder within HR, ensuring good value for money and return on investment
• Supporting HR departmental activity as and when required
• Responsibilities include other duties as the Company may, at times, reasonably require.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Relevant professional experience in learning and development
• Experience in management of LMS and e‑learning platforms
• Understanding of training needs for a variable workforce including casual workers / agency / contractors
• Track record of designing and delivering successful in‑house programmes
• Ability to deliver varied methods of training including face‑to‑face delivery
• Presentation and public speaking ability
• Excellent communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work flexibly and in an operational environment (events, racing)

Desirable

• CIPD qualification
• Insights Discovery Accredited Practitioner
• Certified coaching and/or mentoring qualification

What You Can Expect From Us

• A best‑in‑class welcome with a tailored induction and racecourse tour, as well as a wide range of training schemes to help with your learning and development
• Access to a range of wellbeing support for yourself and your family including a dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and Healthcare support app with 24/7 virtual GP access
• Opportunity to make an impact in our volunteer week with a day out of the office to support local community and charity partners
• End of year offices closed (extra 2 days annual leave added to your entitlement)
• Time Off in Lieu (toil) for working weekend race days
• Clothing and hat hire
• Complimentary race day entry for friends and family
• Exclusive discounts in local shops and cafes
• Exclusive discounts from selected partner brands and suppliers

And lets not forget, invitations to our monthly social nights as well as annual parties and afternoon teas to celebrate our most special occasions throughout the year.

What Sets Us Apart From The Rest

We take pride in our commitments to make a positive change for now and future generations to come, whether through our Diversity and Inclusion strategy and training programmes, our award‑winning Racing To Zero sustainability actions, or our forward‑thinking employee benefits including flexible working and menopause policies, as well as health and EAP support access.

We are also proud of our community outreach which includes a volunteering week for all employees to spend time supporting local charities.

Our Diversity and Inclusion Vision

We are committed to ensuring guests from all backgrounds and communities feel welcome at the Racecourse and are working to ensure our internal teams are nurtured within a supportive and inclusive environment. Our mission is to eliminate discrimination and prejudice of any kind at our venue and throughout our business. By educating and implementing meaningful actions across all that we do, we can make certain that Ascot is a place for everyone to enjoy. As an equal opportunities employer, Ascot Racecourse is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join our company.

How To Apply

Applications will close on Monday 5th January 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a suitable candidate be identified.

For assistance with your application or should you require an alternative application format, please contact .