Learning & Development Manager

North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust; Bolton; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Annual leave 33 days

Training & development

NHS discounts

Car lease

Cycle to work

NHS mortgages

Childcare vouchers

Job summary

North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust is seeking a Learning & Development Manager to lead a dynamic learning function across the Trust. You will coach managers, design and deliver engaging development programs, and drive strategic People initiatives to build a capable, compassionate workforce.

You'll partner with senior leaders to shape learning strategies and ensure delivery of high-quality training that supports NHS objectives.

Qualifications

• Recognised learning and development qualifications and experience.
• Experience delivering high-quality learning and facilitation and driving improvements.
• Ability to develop and deliver organisation-wide learning strategies.

Responsibilities

• Be a trusted advisor to managers and staff on learning and development.
• Deliver engaging learning experiences and team-building initiatives.
• Support delivery of People strategies and learning projects Trust-wide.

Skills

Training/ learning/ facilitation

Coaching experience

Outstanding communication andInfluence

Knowledge of L&OD best practices

Project leadership & org development

Education

Masters-level qualification or equivalent

Recognised coaching qualification

CIPD registration

Evidence of CPD

NHS/public sector knowledge

Job description

North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to providing services which embrace diversity and which promote equality of opportunity. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet our minimum selection criteria at each stage of the selection process. We will not tolerate discrimination on any of the following: gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, colour, nationality, religion, age, disability, working pattern, caring responsibilities trade union activity or political beliefs-or any other grounds.

At NWAS, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and anti-racist workplace where everyone feels valued and has the opportunity to thrive. Our Anti-racist Statement sets out our commitment to becoming an anti-racist organisation and ensures these principles are embedded throughout our recruitment practices.

Our workforce is currently under-represented by people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, and we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. By building a workforce that better reflects the diverse communities we serve, we can provide the right care, at the right time, in the right place, every time.

The Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy early if a large number of applications are received.

Due to the volume of applications received for our advertisements, we will only contact those candidates shortlisted for interview via email; we aim to do this within 4 weeks of the closing date. If you do not receive the email, it will be that you have not been shortlisting on this occasion. When applying for this position, it is essential that you read the job description and person specification fully. Please use the supporting information space to demonstrate your ability to undertake this role, drawing on your skills, knowledge and experience.

We also offers a range of excellent benefits including a pension scheme, up to 33 days Annual leave (exclusive of bank holidays), training and development opportunities, access to NHS discounts, Car Lease Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme, NHS Mortgages and Childcare Vouchers.

Job overview

Are you passionate about people, leadership, and unlocking potential? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where no two days are the same? Do you love to facilitate great learning experiences? We're looking for a Learning & Development Manager to help us build a brilliant, compassionate, and forward-thinking NHS workforce.

In this exciting role, you’ll:

• Be a trusted advisor to managers and staff on all things learning and development.
• Deliver engaging, impactful learning experiences—from engaging training delivery, to team building.
• Provide support Trust wide through the delivery of our People strategies and projects.

Main duties of the job

You’ll need to bring:

• Training/ learning/ facilitation delivery skills
• Coaching experience and a passion for people development
• Outstanding communication and influencing skills
• Knowledge of L&OD best practices
• The drive to lead projects, organisational development interventions and shape future-ready teams

This is your chance to make a real impact across the organisation- empowering individuals, enhancing services and helping to shape a positive culture!

You will drive the continuous professional development of our staff through the identification and provision of learning and development opportunities. You will actively support a culture of learning and personalised, impactful development.

Working for our organisation

North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust provides 24 hour, 365 days a year accident and emergency services to those in need of emergency medical treatment and transport.

Our highly skilled staff provide life-saving care to patients in the community and take people to hospital or a place of care if needed.
We also provide non-emergency patient transport services for those patients who require non-emergency transport to and from hospital and who are unable to travel unaided because of their medical condition or clinical need.

Alongside the other emergency services, we also work to ensure the safety of the public and treatment of patients in the event of a major incident.

We also deliver the NHS 111 service in the North West. NHS 111 replaced NHS Direct in 2013. This service was introduced to make it easier for people to access local NHS healthcare services in England. It provides non-emergency medical help fast, and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Our ideal candidate will hold a recognised and relevant learning qualification. You will have knowledge of current issues and future trends in learning. You will have demonstrable experience of delivering high-quality learning and facilitation with the ability and drive to develop and deliver improvement to learning and strategies that support this. You will have developed strength in supporting teams and have experience of embedding a learning culture across organisations.

This advert will close on 22 September 2026.

NWAS is committed to employing compassionate, inclusive adaptive leaders. We offer a dynamic recruitment process, enabling applicants to work together, be at their best to make a difference, in line with our Trust values and leadership philosophy. Applicants are requested to be available on 1 st October 2026 for the selection process.

As part of the recruitment process, if you are successfully shortlisted, you will be invited to take part in an Assessment Centre. This may include completion of group activities, delivering a micro teach or similar, followed by a professional discussion.

The dates of these elements are as follows:

• Notification of final shortlisting by 28 th September 2026.
• Assessment centre will take place on 1 st October 2026.
• Able to communicate complex and sensitive information to staff at all levels of the organisation and to external agencies, using a range of techniques
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present and explain complex information clearly
• Effective presentation and organisational skills
• Ability to negotiate and influence persuasively, commanding confidence and respect from colleagues, staff and representatives
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, reasoning and decision-making skills
• Ability to design, deliver and facilitate training and learning interventions
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive situations appropriately
• Strong management, motivation and leadership skills
• Able to work to tight deadlines and pay close attention to detail
• Able to prioritise and manage own workload, proactive and self-motivated
• Flexible, highly motivated and able to project a professional image
• Demonstrable compassionate and inclusive leadership
• Experience in the application of HR processes
• Demonstrable experience of line management responsibilities

Qualification and Knowledge

• Masters-level qualification or equivalent experience, or willingness to work towards
• Recognised coaching qualification
• CIPD registration, or willingness to work towards
• Evidence of relevant continuing professional development (CPD)
• Knowledge and understanding of key issues within the NHS and/or other public sector organisations

Experience

• Experience of providing advice and guidance on Learning & Development
• Experience of developing and delivering learning interventions to meet specific needs
• Experience of managing organisation-wide processes (such as appraisal) and monitoring continued performance against required standards
• Full driving licence and able to travel across the Trust footprint

Values and Behaviours

• Working together – demonstrate collaborative and inclusive working and challenge behaviour that is not inclusive or acceptable
• Being at our best – professional and adaptable and takes pride in work
• Making a difference – act with compassion, kindness and integrity towards everyone

Any offer of employment may be withdrawn if you knowingly withhold information, provide false or misleading information.

Should you be successful at interview stage successful candidates will receive a conditional offer of employment, this will be subject to the NHS Employment Checks Standards.

A valid right to work and identity check

Reference checks -Thiswill cover a minimum of a three year period and will include a request for the number of days and occasions of sickness absence covering a minimum two year period. In line with equality legislation, the earliest point at which we will ask health related questions is when an offer of employment has been made. Absences related to disability may be excluded from these considerations; consideration would be given as to what would be a reasonable attendance level, based on the information available. Absences related to pregnancy, maternity and/or gender reassignment will be excluded from these considerations. Detailed information on the NHS Employment Checks Standards is available on the NHS Employers website; search ‘employment checks’.

DBS Checks - If the post is subject to DBS disclosure, a charge will be made for this disclosure.

Occupational Health - You will require satisfactory medical clearance.

Whilst not a condition of employment, all staff are encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as this remains the best lined of defence against COVID-19.

From 1 st September 2018, Section 2 of the Agenda for Change Terms and Conditions will automatically apply to the calculation of unsocial hours for all appointments that commence in post from this date (except secondments).

If you do not have regular access to your email please contact a member of the HR Hub Team on 03451122018.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Name Danielle Soens-Hughes Job title Head of Learning and Leadership Development Email address [e-mail]