Learning Design Lead

Xterna; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public sector organization in Greater Manchester is seeking a Learning Design Lead to enhance learning experiences and foster innovation. You will collaborate with various stakeholders to promote a culture of curiosity and develop engaging learning solutions. The ideal candidate brings design and facilitation skills, supporting community-driven initiatives, and requires a commitment to diversity and inclusion. This position offers hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Hybrid working options

Qualifications

• Experience in design and innovation methods.
• Ability to nurture a culture of curiosity and collaboration.
• Comfortable with complexity and open to new perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Design and facilitate engaging learning experiences.
• Support community-driven approaches to learning.
• Connect with peers and specialists across Greater Manchester.

Skills

Facilitation

Creative problem-solving

Connection-making

Inclusivity

Job description

Fixed Term Contract until May 2028

At GMCA, we’re nurturing a culture where learning and innovation flourish in all we do. As Learning Design Lead, your contribution will help us move forward together. You’ll work closely with the Strategic Lead for Innovation Capacity Building to nurture a culture of curiosity, creativity and collaboration across GMCA and the wider city region. You’ll design and facilitate engaging learning experiences, support community‑driven approaches, and help turn insights into action on priorities like prevention, climate and wellbeing. You’ll use creative tools such as storyboards, visual mapping, participatory workshops to bring people together and make complex ideas accessible and meaningful. As part of the Bloomberg Philanthropies iteam programme, you’ll connect with peers and specialists, sharing learning across Greater Manchester and beyond.

About You

You are a thoughtful facilitator and creative problem‑solver who believes learning is for everyone. You’re skilled at making connections between people, ideas and communities as well as translating insights into practical steps that others can use. You’re comfortable with complexity, open to new perspectives, and passionate about making a difference on issues like climate, health and social justice. You bring experience in design and innovation methods, and you know how to create spaces where everyone feels included and able to contribute. You value collaboration, curiosity and kindness, and you’re committed to helping Greater Manchester become a place where learning through innovation leads to lasting change.

About Us

As an employer, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is made up of a number of key Greater Manchester strategic functions and service providers including:

• Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS)
• Waste and Resources
• Environment
• Work and Skills
• Research
• Public Sector Reform
• Police, Crime and Criminal Justice
• Homelessness
• the Greater Manchester Ageing Hub
• the Commissioning Hub

We value the diversity of our employees, and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities across Greater Manchester. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified persons, irrespective of age, disability, trans status, non‑binary identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people with a disability.

To find out more about working for us please click here: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/

Our Offer

In return for your hard work, we offer our employees a competitive package as part of our offer that you can find out more about here: Greater Manchester Combined Authority - Home | greater.jobs

Mandatory Information

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We embrace AI to enhance our operations and to innovate our services. However, we value human talent and are looking for passionate individuals to join our organisation. Please ensure you personally complete your application and read all the instructions carefully to maximise your chances of success. Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting, however we understand that AI may be used as a reasonable adjustment; if using AI to support your application, please give a brief explanation why to help ensure a fair selection process.

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Employees on the redeployment register will be given priority for any vacancies in the first instance. If employees are identified as a match from the register, then the vacancy may be withdrawn or put on hold pending an outcome.

For this opportunity, you must be able to prove you have the right to work in the UK. If in doubt please visit the following link: Employers' right to work checklist – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Please note we are not a licensed sponsor.

Hybrid working

This role is part of GMCA’s hybrid working scheme. As part of our commitment to Build Back Fairer in Greater Manchester following the Covid‑19 pandemic, we have evolved our management methods by trusting and empowering staff to deliver their work in the best way that suits the business and their individual needs, and supports health and wellbeing. Our hybrid working policy sets out a flexible approach, combining attendance at our Manchester city centre office / Fire and Rescue service HQ in Swinton / other location with remote working, typically from home; the location of work is primarily dictated by the needs of the business. Do what is right for you and the business on that day. If appointed to the role you will work with your manager to agree and regularly review the best working pattern for you, your team and your work.