L&D Manager

AJ Chambers are working with a top Regional Law Firm who are looking for an L&D Manager to join the growing firm.The L&D Manager will be organised, credible and engaging to shape and deliver learning across the firm. This varied, hands-on role combines learning strategy, programme design and facilitation with effective day-to-day administration.A key initial priority will be establishing robust systems, learning plans and course administration to ensure colleagues receive a consistent, high-quality development experience.Working within our four-person HR team and reporting to the HR Director, you will partner with Departmental Training Partners, leaders and colleagues across the firm. You will lead early careers development, support internal progression, coordinate firm-wide and regulatory learning, and ensure our approach aligns with the Balanced Framework and Learning and Development Strategy.Key ResponsibilitiesLearning Strategy and Departmental PartnershipTranslate the Learning and Development Strategy into annual priorities, programmes and measurable learning plans, using the Balanced Framework to guide career-stage development.Lead an effective annual and in-year training needs analysis, using performance reviews, progression discussions, business priorities, regulatory requirements and colleague feedback.Partner with the HR Director, HR team, Departmental Training Partners, Lead Partners and managers to identify learning needs and develop practical solutions.Coordinate cost-effective learning through internal experts, external providers, workshops, coaching, mentoring, peer learning and digital content.Manage agreed budgets and ensure best value for the business.Early Careers and Internal ProgressionLead learning and development for trainees, solicitor apprentices and other early careers colleagues, coordinating induction, reviews, learning records and development activity.Develop structured learning pathways covering professional knowledge, practical skills, client care, commercial awareness, wellbeing and relationship-building.Represent at careers fairs and relevant school, college, university and community events, particularly around Spalding and Alconbury.Develop progression pathways between roles and departments, including secretary-to-paralegal and other support-to-legal routes.Manage mentoring programmes for early careers colleagues and those progressing through the development structure, including reverse mentoring.Firm-wide, Leadership and Professional SkillsCoordinate firm-wide programmes covering induction, leadership and people management, client service, commercial skills and business development.Design and deliver workshops, briefings and induction sessions, including soft skills training supporting the Leadership Programme and Balanced Framework.Help managers embed learning through coaching, mentoring, peer discussion and practical application.Further develop AI coaching tools to support individual development plans and objectives.Support the performance review and objective-setting cycle for all employees and Partners.Support the implementation and embedding of partnership promotion and progression processes, providing evidence to the Remuneration Committee where required.Compliance, Regulatory and Digital LearningCoordinate mandatory compliance and regulatory learning, including schedules, enrolment, communications, completion tracking, escalation and auditable records for SRA, Lexcel and other quality standards.Develop MBL Seminars+ as a core learning resource, creating role-based learning plans for support staff, early careers, professional development and mandatory training.Monitor completion, engagement and feedback to identify gaps and improve learning.Course Administration and Learner ExperienceManage the end-to-end learning calendar, including scheduling, invitations, venues, virtual links, materials, attendance, evaluation and follow-up.Maintain accurate learning records, course files, provider information, budgets and forward plans.Provide a responsive and professional service to learners, managers, facilitators and suppliers.Evaluation and Continuous ImprovementEvaluate learning through participation, feedback, knowledge, workplace application and agreed business outcomes.Provide management information to the HR Director and relevant leadership groups on impact, compliance, risks, costs and recommendations.Manage budgets and supplier relationships, continuously reviewing programmes and processes to improve quality and value.Team ContributionWork collaboratively across the HR team, supporting wider people priorities where required.Handle personal, performance and development information with discretion and integrity.Act as a positive ambassador for learning and continuous development.Skills & Experience RequiredEssentialSubstantial Learning and Development or talent development experience, including coordinating programmes from needs analysis through to evaluation.Excellent organisation and project management skills, with the ability to balance administration with longer-term priorities.Experience designing learning pathways, programmes, workshops or blended learning for different career stages.Confident facilitation, presentation and communication skills, with credibility across all levels.Strong stakeholder management and consulting skills, including the ability to challenge constructively and translate business needs into practical solutions.Experience using learning systems, digital platforms and Microsoft 365, with strong attention to data, reporting and evaluation.A professional, discreet, inclusive and learner-focused approach.A recognised L&D, coaching, facilitation or CIPD qualification, or equivalent experience.DesirableExperience within a law firm, professional services or regulated organisation.Experience supporting trainees, apprentices, early careers programmes or regulatory learning.Experience with MBL Seminars+ or a similar digital learning platform, with an understanding of SRA competence requirements and Lexcel or comparable standards.Personal AttributesHighly organised and dependable, with strong attention to detail.Engaging and approachable, with the ability to build trust at all levels.Able to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery and administration.Curious, collaborative and improvement-focused, with the resilience to manage changing priorities.Working ArrangementsThe role supports colleagues across all offices and requires regular collaboration across departments.Regular travel to offices and external careers or learning events will be required, including activity around Spalding and Alconbury.Occasional flexibility may be required outside normal working hours for inductions, learning events or careers activities.Contact Ella at AJ Chambers for more detail