Learning and Development Manager

Job Description

Overview of the FunctionThe L&D function supports the firms global vision through the delivery of best practice learning and development initiatives.The team develops the business and interpersonal skills of fee earners and business services staff through the implementation of professional and personal development programmes covering a range of interpersonal and commercial skills.The L&D function comprises regional L&D managers and a central digital learning team that supports training initiatives across the firm. Whilst the regional L&D managers are primarily responsible for their local offices, they work closely together to deliverglobal initiatives.Role summary/purpose of jobThe role is part of the global L&D team. The primary focus is to develop and implement L&D strategy for the London fee earner population, whilst contributing to firmwide L&D projects. This includes planning for legal and technical skills in addition to managementand commercial skills.This role is one of three L&D manager roles within the UK. The other two L&D managers are based in Manchester and support global programmes, Manchester and the London Business Services teams.Key responsibilities and deliverablesGlobal responsibilities

• Create content, facilitate and deliver on global development programmes for partners and staff (potentially taking on the programme manager role for selected global courses).
• Localise centrally-produced content for London.
• Represent the London perspective to the wider global L&D team and in the development of global programmes.
• Join regular global L&D team calls.
• Deliver remote digital training on occasion.

Local responsibilities

• Analysing development needs, identify appropriate development methodologies and tools, design and deliver training across practice groups using a mixture of digital tools (e.g. Microsoft Teams) and face to face training.
• Support the implementation of global L&D/HR initiatives, in particular those supporting the Firm strategy and culture, e.g. Partner Leadership Framework, global leadership and business skills development programmes, performance support (e.g. mentoring andcoaching) and training curricula within the London office.
• Evaluate and continuously improve L&D programmes delivered to ensure they are meeting objectives and delivering value to business.
• Partner with other teams and functions to design high quality training in different areas.
• Identify, develop and promote best practices in learning and development methodologies.
• Manage the regional nomination process for global training programmes.
• Develop close productive relationships with partners, the HR community and key stakeholders in the office. Work as business partner to Practice Groups, Heads of Departments and HR Managers.
• Conduct reporting, budgeting and quality assurance as required.
• Work with external training providers to outsource training sessions, preparing detailed specifications, managing the vendor relationship and ensuring value and quality of service, where appropriate internal resources are not available.

Management

• Working with the Head of Human Resources, UK & MENA to prepare and manage the annual regional L&D budget, including responsibility for monitoring costs against budget.
• Working with the L&D services delivery team based in the firms Global Centre in Manchester, England) who provide administrative support for local and regional training programmes.

Key requirements (Communication/skills/experience)Essential

• Minimum of 10 years of experience as a Learning and Development professional.
• Experience of using a wide range of tools in the analysis, design, development and evaluation of learning interventions.
• Specific experience in working with SMEs (subject matter experts) in the co-development of professional and business development training.
• Strong experience of delivering training.
• Experience coaching senior staff.
• Experience of managing external suppliers.
• Confident, mature individual with a robust personality and professional presence.
• Very strong influencing skills combined with diplomacy and discretion.
• Good analytical skills.
• Structured and organised approach, as well as delivery orientated.
• Excellent planning and project management capability.
• Team player.
• Excellent design, facilitation and delivery skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Positive, flexible, enthusiastic and displays initiative.
• Resilient and able to work under pressure and deliver on tight deadlines.
• Ability to understand and assimilate an understanding of the business.
• Ability to act as a positive role model and inspire others.
• Willingness to travel as necessary (periodically between London and Manchester and to Europe).

Desirable

• Coaching qualifications
• Degree in Occupational / Organisational Psychology
• Experience of working with professional services firms

InclusionFreshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. Alloffers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case by case basis and takea number of factors into account (eg the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.