People Development Specialist (12 Months FTC)

Great Places Housing Group; Manchester; Hybrid; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension contributions up to 10%

Healthcare scheme

Hybrid working options

26-30 days annual leave

Professional fees coverage

Discounts for gyms and other services

Access to wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

A UK Housing Organization is seeking a People Development Specialist for a 12-month FTC in Manchester. Ideal candidates will possess a CIPD Level 3 certification and excel in designing engaging learning initiatives. Responsibilities include analyzing training needs and promoting a learning culture across the organization. The role offers a range of employee benefits including flexible working, pension contributions, and health initiatives. Closing date for applications is January 11, 2026.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of designing and delivering training initiatives.
• Experience conducting training needs analysis.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver tailored learning programs aligned with organizational needs.
• Lead the ongoing training needs analysis and develop learning initiatives.
• Promote a continuous learning culture within the organization.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Strong facilitation skills

Customer-focused mindset

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Experience with digital learning solutions

Education

CIPD Level 3 or alternative L&D certification

Tools

Learning Management System (LMS)

Job description

People Development Specialist (12 Months FTC)

Great Places Housing Group is seeking a People Development Specialist to embed a colleague‑led learning culture, prioritising continuous development across all levels.

Great Places Housing Group provided pay range

This range is provided by Great Places Housing Group. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

People Development Specialist (12 Months FTC)

Location: Head Office - Didsbury

What you’ll be doing

• Work proactively with the business to ensure the delivery of a tailored learning offer that fits current and future needs.
• Lead the ongoing learning needs analysis, identify additional learning requirements, and design and deliver high‑quality, impactful and engaging learning initiatives (face‑to‑face, blended, or online).
• Lead the design and development of various training interventions from learning requirements within a business area, the broader organisation or our central People Development offer (Academy of Greatness).
• Facilitate People Development activities covering soft skills and technical training, including our induction day, “The Great Welcome” and “Great Conversations” cultural masterclass on building trust and connection.
• Proactively promote and encourage a learning culture throughout the organisation.
• Ensure the development of learning activities aligned to the learning lifecycle: design, promotion, delivery, assessment and full evaluation of programmes spanning induction to change projects.

What you’ll need

• CIPD Level 3 and/or alternative L&D certification, or relevant work experience within a busy HR & L&D function.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written.
• Experience designing and/or delivering a range of training initiatives to colleagues at all levels – from bite‑size sessions to in‑depth programmes.
• Experience conducting or contributing to a full training needs analysis and evaluating solutions.
• Strong facilitation skills, virtually and in person, that engage and challenge the audience.
• Experience utilising and embedding digital learning solutions; essential experience navigating and administering a Learning platform or LMS.
• Strong IT skills; advanced level proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

What we need from you

• A customer‑focused mindset and a desire to support the delivery of an outstanding experience for all.
• Constantly seek to personally develop your own skills; identify opportunities for personal development and positively engage in a full CPD programme.
• Ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload effectively.
• Flexibility to work on business needs and travel to regional offices if required.
• Consistently striving for excellence in service standards, aiming to exceed expectations and standards.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills: connect with the audience and convey complex topics engagingly.
• Innovative thinker comfortable with critical thinking to bring about improvements.
• Outcome‑focused with a proven track record of achieving great results.
• Proactive and positive, with a “can‑do” solution‑focused mindset.
• Professional and values‑led with integrity, inclusivity and respect for diversity.
• Strong attention to detail and great organisation skills.
• Keen interest in business performance and industry data trends.

What we give you in return for your hard work and commitment

• Pension – DC scheme (up to 10% contribution from both colleagues and Great Places)
• WPA – Healthcare scheme starts at no contribution level with £1,250 of savings available per year (option to increase & add family members)
• Ways of Working – We offer some hybrid and flexible working
• Annual leave – Start at 26 days, increasing up to 30 days within 5 years + Bank Holidays
• Reward & Recognition – You Count Rewards are individual rewards for going “above & beyond”
• Professional fees – The business pays the cost of one professional role‑related membership fee for each colleague
• The Market Place – high street, restaurant & supermarket discounts, gym memberships, cycle to work, smart tech loans and much more
• Wage Stream – You can access savings opportunities and early access to wages
• Health and Wellbeing Initiatives – Wellbeing campaigns throughout the year, activities designed around our four pillars: career, mental, physical, financial wellbeing

At Great Places we believe the wellbeing of our colleagues is vital to enable them to deliver great services. All your benefits can be used inside and outside of work.

Closing date: 11th January 2026

Shortlist date: 12th January 2026

Interview date: TBC