Head of Learning and Development - Somerset

Head of Learning and Development Jobs

Organizations that fail to take learning and development seriously stagnate in their marketplace and lose their best talent to rival companies. Fortunately, all large forward-looking companies not only have L&D at the heart of their HR strategies, they have teams of people dedicated to that end alone. The head of L&D oversees the team, which could be anything from one or two L&D specialists in an office to dozens around the country.

The head of learning and development’s main task is designing and executing coaching strategies that are custom made for the needs of the company and its employees. For maximum impact this is a two-way street, so employees at all levels are appraised but are also given the chance to air their own views on the most contentious and defining subjects, and this information is then fed back into their personal development programmes. The ultimate aim is to increase productivity by enhancing engagement and reducing employee churn.

The skills required

The typical head of L&D companies are looking for are already a senior learning and development professional or are someone who has a proven track record of delivering L&D to teams of employees. Sometimes a blank canvas is preferred as the company is able to instil its values and culture into the role, but a deep experience of a challenging L&D execution is usually preferred.

A firm background in HR is a requirement for most positions, so that the candidate needs to be aware of how learning and development fits into the bigger picture. Experience of dealing with the sector in which the company operates will also be advantageous to the applicant, as all fields have different expectations.

Head of Learning and Development Jobs in Somerset

Located in the west of England, Somerset shares borders with four other counties: Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Dorset and Devon. It also borders Bristol, which is its own unitary authority.

Somerset is a good option for those seeking Head of Learning and Development roles, with settlements in the region including two cities, Bath and Wells, as well as Weston-Super-Mare, Yeovil and Bridgwater. There's also the county town, Taunton.

During the Industrial Revolution, the region's biggest port was the one at Bridgwater on the River Parrett. Bricks and roof tiles were common exports at the time, but today, the region's economy is varied, with important industries including the service sector, retail and tourism, as well as agriculture, light industry and technology.

Just some of the products manufactured in Somerset include helicopters from AgustaWestland and oxygen systems for aircraft from Normalair Garratt.

Meanwhile, Ariel Motors Ltd makes performance motor vehicles in Crewkerne and there's a BAE Systems facility in Yeovil that produces military software.

Somerset is also home to a number of large distribution centres run by companies like Argos, Gerber Juice and Toolstation. Stone quarrying is also an important part of the local economy.

Other companies based in the region or with large facilities here include Blackthorn Cider, Ilchester Cheese and YeoValley Organic.

Popular locations

Find Head of L&D Jobs with Cast UK

With offices in London, Birmingham and Manchester and a client list that covers the whole of the UK, Cast UK is the first place many HR professionals contact when they are ready to take the next step in their careers.

Similarly, many companies now come direct to us the moment they deduce that they need a head of learning and development. That’s how we are able to provide a fast, high quality service to clients and candidates alike. We can only put your name forward if we have your details, however.

That’s why you should call us today on 0333 121 3345 so that we can get your name in our system and let you know of any openings that could be attractive to you.

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