Learning and Development Manager

Housing Quality Network; Northwich; Hybrid; GBP 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Northwich is seeking a Learning and Development Manager to lead the design and delivery of innovative learning solutions. This role involves shaping the L&D strategy, managing budgets, and fostering a culture of continuous development. The ideal candidate should possess relevant qualifications and experience in leading L&D functions, and a full UK driving license is required. This position offers generous annual leave, pension contributions, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

12% employer pension contribution

Annual health and wellbeing allowance

Qualifications

• Experience of designing and delivering a range of development interventions.
• Experience of leading an L&D function within a small to medium organisation.
• Sound knowledge of learning and development theory.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of a strategic learning framework.
• Shape L&D strategy and manage budgets.
• Oversee succession planning and apprenticeships.

Skills

Designing development interventions

Leading learning and development function

Working with business leaders

Using learning management systems

Education

Relevant learning and development qualification

Job description

Learning and Development Manager (Permanent)

Hours: 37 hours per week (flexible to be worked in line with business needs)

Salary: £53,000 per annum (Full Time Equivalent based on 37 hours)

Location: Gadbrook Park, Northwich

Flexibility: Work from office at Gadbrook Park, Northwich or home depending on role needs.

Overview

Weaver Vale Housing Trust offers an exciting opportunity for someone looking to develop their career with a great company. Passionate about unlocking potential and creating learning experiences that make a difference? We’re looking for an inspiring Manager to lead the design and delivery of innovative, inclusive learning that empowers our people to thrive, shape our learning strategy, champion continuous development, and build capability and confidence across the organisation.

What Will You Do?

Lead the design and delivery of a strategic learning framework that builds capability, drives performance, and supports organisational goals. Shape L&D strategy, modernise training, manage budgets, champion a culture of continuous development, and oversee succession planning, induction, apprenticeships, and talent initiatives.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant learning and development professional qualification, or working towards, or strong evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Experience of designing and delivering a range of development interventions.
• Experience of leading an L&D function within a small to medium organisation or holding a management position in a large organisation.
• Experience of working with business leaders to diagnose need and propose effective interventions.
• Experience of contributing to change, talent, succession and engagement projects.
• Sound working knowledge of learning and development theory and best practice approaches.
• Experience of using and implementing learning management systems.

Required: Full current driving licence and access to a car. Successful candidate will undergo a DBS check.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement – 29 days (for Managers in ‘Leadership’ group) plus UK public/bank holidays.
• Ability to buy up to 5 days additional annual leave (pro rata for part-time).
• 12% employer contribution to our pension scheme (minimum 2% employee contribution) with life assurance benefit.
• Contribution to the cost of nursery or afterschool care.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and development opportunities.
• Day off for your birthday during your birth month.
• One day’s paid leave (per year) to support a charity or community group of your choice.
• Candidate Referral Scheme.
• Annual health and wellbeing allowance or enrolment in a health cash plan.
• Thank‑you gift for continuous service starting at 5 years and every 5 years thereafter.
• 24/7 employee assistance programme (EAP) including free counselling.
• Professional membership compensation.
• Free annual flu vaccines and eye care vouchers.
• Discounts on gym membership and phone contract.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Free use car park at Gadbrook Park office.
• Regular health and wellbeing initiatives and charity fundraising activities.

How to Apply

Send your CV and a covering letter (max. 2 pages) to [e-mail] demonstrating how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the accountability profile.

Closing Date

Thursday 22 January 2026 at 12:00 noon.

Interview Schedule

Virtual first stage interviews – Wednesday 28 January 2026.

Second stage in‑person and presentation – Thursday 5 February 2026.

Equal Opportunity

We invite applications from all members of the community, irrespective of gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, disability, age, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership. The Trust is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.