Organisational Development Manager

Dovetail and Slate; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking education provider in the UK is seeking an experienced Learning & Organisational Development professional to lead the OD strategy and enhance a culture of engagement and inclusion. The role involves driving organisational change, developing staff engagement initiatives, and overseeing workforce transformation projects. Candidates should have a strong background in OD, excellent communication skills, and relevant qualifications. The position offers generous leave, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Pension scheme

Professional development opportunities

Health & wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading cultural change and improving employee experience.
• Strong understanding of leadership development and engagement techniques.
• Ability to manage complex portfolios and influence senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the organisation's people development and culture strategy.
• Drive improvement initiatives to enhance employee experience.
• Design organisational development plans that promote engagement.

Skills

Cultural change leadership

Workforce transformation

Communication skills

Organisational diagnostics

Education

Degree level qualification, ideally CIPD Level 7

Job description

We're seeking an experienced Learning & Organisational Development professional to lead the OD strategy and shape a culture of engagement, inclusion, and continuous improvement across the organisation.

The Organisation

This forward-thinking education provider is committed to creating a positive, inclusive workplace where every member of staff can thrive. Their focus is on empowering people, strengthening leadership capability, and driving meaningful organisational change aligned to their long-term vision.

Role Purpose

• Lead the organisation's people development and culture strategy, ensuring staff are engaged, supported, and equipped to deliver excellent performance.
• Drive organisational change and improvement initiatives that strengthen leadership capability, inclusion, and employee experience.
• Build a modern, responsive L&OD function that aligns workforce development with long-term strategic goals.

Role Responsibilities

• Design and deliver organisational development plans that build engagement, leadership strength, and an inclusive culture.
• Lead workforce transformation projects, ensuring OD is embedded into change programmes and service redesign.
• Use surveys, data, and feedback to diagnose organisational needs and shape interventions that deliver measurable impact.
• Partner with leaders to design and implement staff engagement, satisfaction, and wellbeing initiatives.
• Manage the staff survey cycle, analyse results, and coordinate action plans that improve organisational culture.
• Oversee budgets, suppliers, and reporting to ensure OD and development activity is cost-effective and aligned to strategy.

Essential Requirements

• Experienced OD professional with a track record of leading cultural change and workforce transformation.
• Strong understanding of leadership development, staff engagement, and organisational diagnostics (e.g. surveys, focus groups).
• Skilled communicator able to influence senior leaders and build positive relationships across all levels.
• Qualified to degree level, ideally with CIPD Level 7 or equivalent OD/L&D certification.
• Able to manage complex portfolios, prioritise effectively, and evidence impact through data and evaluation.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave and pension scheme.
• Professional development opportunities to support continued growth.
• Inclusive, supportive environment that values innovation and wellbeing.
• Access to staff discounts and health & wellbeing initiatives.

We are committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory vetting, including a right to work check and, where relevant, an enhanced DBS, PVG (Scotland), or EWC (Wales) check, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

We are an equal opportunities employer.