Learning & Development Manager

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Learning & Development Manager to join our Talent & Development team in London.

The central Talent & Development (T&D) team provides learning and development for all staff globally through training programmes and other development support. T&D supports the business in developing our talent and delivers business skills and personal development training for partners, associates, and support staff. We design and plan the overall delivery of training and work closely with the Training Events team to ensure the smooth set up and running of each programme.

The T&D team sits within HR and is a small central team based in London. The job holder reports to a senior manager with overall responsibility for associate development and does not manage direct reports but works closely with members of the Training Events team.

Role purpose

The specific populations and programmes that the job holder is responsible for is subject to change over time as priorities evolve and work split is agreed between the team. At the current time, the planned main focus is on associates and trainees and supporting other members of the team on facilitation, delivery and observations. The firm is continually reviewing its T&D offering and part of your role will be to initiate reviews and refreshes of the programmes that we currently have and/or that we should have, for example moving towards a more blended learning approach using e-learning tools.

The role involves advising colleagues about the programmes and development issues more generally and working closely with the business on bespoke learning required which falls outside of the standard programmes and learning. There is also ad-hoc and project work to contribute to and responsibility for reporting.

The role is varied, rewarding and challenging, with access to high level information and influence/input. Internally, the role will be referred to as Talent & Development Manager.

Role and responsibilities

• To work closely with the T&D Senior Manager to define training needs and the content of core programmes and contribute to the overall approach to associate development globally.
• To project manage the delivery of programmes, managing the relationship with relevant members of the Training Events team to ensure the effective organisation, delivery and follow up of all programmes.
• To ensure that programmes have defined learning objectives, that the style and structure of sessions and the flow of learning appropriately meets these, that programmes employ up to date and effective techniques including e-learning and that a blended approach maximises learning.
• To facilitate and/or observe on various programmes and to deliver selected programmes and sessions.
• To build and manage relationships across the global network with key stakeholders and line colleagues to ensure that needs are understood and to cover key information on learning, programmes and new developments.
• To add to, refresh and update learning as necessary to ensure continuous improvement and to reflect changing priorities and in response to feedback.
• To work with the T&D Senior Manager to identify and select training providers who have expertise that meets the particular requirements of a programme(s).
• To work with internal experts to develop content and/or run sessions on programmes.
• To create and maintain key documents, frameworks, materials and intranet sites as required.
• To deliver value for money on all programmes – and manage the budget to achieve this.
• To source and curate e-learning content that learners can access on demand, ensuring this is high quality, refreshed and relevant for learners.
• To promote the use of the new learning platform so that utilisation is high and learning benefits are maximised.
• To design and deliver workshops on a bespoke/ad-hoc basis, for example around performance management.
• To advise on an ad hoc basis as needed on team or department off-sites with regard to any learning objectives.

Key requirements

Candidates must have previous learning and development experience of working to design and implement successful development programmes and have some experience in delivering (skills) training. Of particular interest is experience within legal and the professional services sector. Candidates need to be client focused and demonstrate understanding of the business context including aligning training to business priorities and strategy. They need to be credible with senior management and adept at managing a range of stakeholders.

Required experience includes

• Developing the design for and implementing skills programmes and implementing changes to existing programmes.
• Some experience of training and facilitating on skills programmes/sessions to junior staff.
• Working at all levels within the organisation and managing different expectations.
• Negotiation and influencing skills, good communicator.
• Ability to build credibility and have impact at a senior level.
• Attention to detail.
• Managing several different projects at any one time.
• Experience of presenting to and facilitating groups.
• Ideally trained to use psychometrics such as MBTI.
• Build strong relationships internally and with external providers.

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees.

Additional information - External

A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 29 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients.