Management Development Lead

Kids Planet Day Nurseries; England; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A childcare organization in the United Kingdom is seeking a Learning and Development Specialist to design and evaluate management development programmes. This pivotal role involves enhancing management skills and fostering a high-performing culture aligned with the organization's core values. Candidates should have experience in developing learning solutions, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work in a hybrid setting, with part-time office presence in Lymm. Some travel is required for training delivery.

Qualifications

• Experience designing and implementing learning solutions that address a range of learner requirements.
• Experience in multi-site organisations.
• Practical approach with awareness of operational priorities in customer-facing roles.

Responsibilities

• Design learning and development programmes that enhance management skills across various levels.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of all learning interventions, gathering feedback.
• Work collaboratively with the Leadership and People Team to drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Experience in designing and delivering management development programmes

Knowledge of management and leadership competencies

Proficient in using digital platforms and blended learning methods

Ability to build relationships and manage stakeholders

Excellent communication and engagement skills

Job description

Reporting to: People Director

Role Purpose

Responsible for designing, delivering, and evaluating learning and development programmes focused on building strong management capability across all levels. This role is pivotal in supporting the growth and continuous improvement of our managers, ensuring they have the skills and confidence to foster a positive, high‑performing culture that aligns to the Kids Planet CARE values and vision. Facilitate management development for effective succession planning throughout the group as growth continues through acquisitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design learning and development programmes that enhance management skills and competencies across various career stages and organisational levels.
• Adapt core programmes to suit various learner groups, including those new to Kids Planet and fast‑track learners.
• Determine effective development methods to support learning in various geographical regions, with consideration to nursery and departmental operations.
• Create engaging materials using the Kids Planet e‑learning platform, in‑person sessions, and other creative approaches.
• Deliver training and develop a core team of co‑facilitators drawn from People team colleagues and the broader organisation, ensuring consistent delivery standards are maintained.
• Plan and prioritise programme creation and implementation utilising data and insights from nursery performance, People KPIs, succession plans and recruitment needs.
• Conduct regular training needs analyses to identify skill gaps and areas for development within the management population, ensuring that programme content remains relevant and future‑focused.
• Work collaboratively with the Early Years Training team to ensure that management development initiatives are aligned with and consider Early Years knowledge and skills development.
• Collaborate with the Kids Planet Training Academy to determine how management development programmes and Level 5+ qualifications can effectively complement one another.
• Work collaboratively with the Leadership and People Team to drive continuous improvement.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of all learning interventions, gathering feedback and utilising data to continuously refine and enhance the management development offering.
• Advocate the Kids Planet CARE values and ensure they are embedded in all learning.

Key Skills and Experience

• Experience in designing and delivering management development programmes.
• Knowledge of management and leadership competencies.
• Experience designing and implementing learning solutions that address a range of learner requirements.
• Proficient in using digital platforms and blended learning methods to support engagement and knowledge retention.
• Experience in multi‑site organisations.
• Practical approach with awareness of operational priorities in customer‑facing roles.
• Ability to build relationships and manage stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and engagement skills.
• Experience of the early years sector is an advantage.

Location

Hybrid working with Lymm office‑based part week. Some travel and flexibility in working hours are required for training delivery.