Learning & Development Manager

Avanti West Coast; Crewe; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Final salary pension

Free travel for you and spouse/partner

Privilege Travel card

30 days holiday rising to 37

10 free journeys on other operators

Job summary

Avanti West Coast is seeking an experienced Learning & Development Manager to lead the design, delivery and continuous improvement of learning solutions for Customer Experience teams. You will coach a team of Trainer/Assessors, forge strong relationships with senior stakeholders, and shape priorities to drive performance and safety standards.

Leverage adult learning principles, digital learning and governance to ensure engaging, compliant programmes that deliver measurable results and support

Qualifications

• Experience leading an L&D team within an operational environment.
• Designing, implementing and evaluating learning solutions that deliver measurable results.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles and learning evaluation methodologies.
• Strong leadership, coaching and communication skills.
• Data-driven approach to decision making and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop a team of Trainer/Assessors, creating a high-performing and supportive learning culture.
• Identify capability gaps and design learning solutions that improve performance and customer outcomes.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across Customer Experience and the wider business.
• Ensure learning programmes are engaging, effective, inclusive and aligned with business needs.
• Provide governance and oversight of training quality, compliance and competence assurance activities.
• Use data, learner feedback and performance insights to drive continuous improvement.
• Champion modern learning approaches, digital learning and innovation.
• Support business change programmes by ensuring colleagues have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
• Act as Fire Precautions Manager for the Talent Academy.

Skills

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Learning design

Digital learning

Data-driven decision making

Regulated environment

Education

Level 3 Award in Education and Training

Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocational Achievement

CIPD Level 5 or Level 7

Job description

We're looking for an experienced and passionate Learning & Development Manager to lead the design, delivery and continuous improvement of learning solutions that enable and empower our Customer Experience teams.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an established L&D professional who enjoys combining people leadership, stakeholder engagement and strategic thinking to make a real impact on organisational performance. You'll lead a team of Trainer/Assessors, work closely with senior operational leaders and help shape learning priorities that support our customer experience ambitions.

As Learning & Development Manager, you will:

• Lead, coach and develop a team of Trainer/Assessors, creating a high-performing and supportive learning culture.

• Identify capability gaps and design learning solutions that improve performance and customer outcomes.

• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across Customer Experience and the wider business.

• Ensure learning programmes are engaging, effective, inclusive and aligned with business needs.

• Provide governance and oversight of training quality, compliance and competence assurance activities.

• Use data, learner feedback and performance insights to drive continuous improvement.

• Champion modern learning approaches, digital learning and innovation.

• Support business change programmes by ensuring colleagues have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.

• Act as Fire Precautions Manager for the Talent Academy.

You’ll bring:

• Experience leading an L&D team within an operational environment.

• A track record of designing, implementing and evaluating learning solutions that deliver measurable results.

• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across different levels of the business.

• Knowledge of adult learning principles and learning evaluation methodologies.

• Experience working in a regulated, customer-focused and/or safety-critical environment.

• Strong leadership, coaching and communication skills.

• A data-driven approach to decision making and continuous improvement.

Essential Qualifications

• Level 3 Award in Education and Training

• Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocational Achievement

Desirable Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 or Level 7 qualification

Benefits include:

• Final salary pension

• Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you/spouse/partner/dependents

• Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators fares for leisure travel)

• 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays)

• 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operator

Be You. With Us.

At Avanti West Coast, we believe our strength comes from the unique perspectives, experiences and backgrounds of our people. We are proud to build a workplace where diversity is embraced, and everyone is supported to thrive.

We welcome individuals of all races, religions, ages, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations and abilities. Our goal is to reflect the communities we serve and create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

When you join Avanti West Coast, you become part of a close-knit team that encourages authenticity. We want you to bring your whole self to work. No need to change who you are to fit in. Your individuality is what makes us better.

We celebrate it, we respect it and we put it to great use.