Senior L&D Leader — AI-Driven, Hybrid, Youth Talent

Wickes; Watford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive bonus

Private Medical and Life Assurance

Enhanced contributory pension

Wellbeing programme

Job summary

Wickes in Watford is seeking a Senior Learning and Development Manager to own the end-to-end design and delivery of learning across the business, leading a team of six and shaping a strategy that builds today’s skills and tomorrow’s capabilities. You will drive leadership development, apprenticeships, and youth programmes while ensuring every colleague has essential skills to serve customers.

This pivotal role supports Wickes’ rapid store expansion, HR system transformation, and the strategic

Qualifications

• Experience leading a Learning and Development team in a multi-site business.
• Strong track record in leadership development and talent pipelines.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and external suppliers.
• Experience with apprenticeship and early careers programmes.
• Experience using digital/AI-enabled learning solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of L&D professionals across multiple sites.
• Own early careers, apprenticeships and youth employment programmes.
• Ensure core skills for safety, customer service and leadership are taught.
• Develop leadership development pipelines across all levels.
• Manage a budget and demonstrate learning impact to the business.
• Evolve learning delivery with technology and AI to personalise learning.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

People management

Apprenticeships

Early careers

Job description

Wickes in Watford is seeking a Senior Learning and Development Manager to own the end-to-end design and delivery of learning across the business, leading a team of six and shaping a strategy that builds today’s skills and tomorrow’s capabilities. You will drive leadership development, apprenticeships, and youth programmes while ensuring every colleague has essential skills to serve customers.

This pivotal role supports Wickes’ rapid store expansion, HR system transformation, and the strategic