Head of Learning and Talent

White City Campus - Hybrid

About the role

Are you a visionary Learning and Development leader passionate about empowering people to thrive? Do you excel at building connections and driving innovative, impactful talent strategies within a complex, dynamic environment?

Imperial College London is undergoing exciting transformations within our People Function, and we're seeking a Head of Learning and Talent to play a pivotal role in shaping our university-wide learning and talent initiatives.

This isn't just about managing programs; it's about re-imagining how learning and talent development integrate across every stage of the employee lifecycle. You'll be instrumental in transforming our existing offerings, ensuring they align with our strategic priorities and foster a culture of continuous growth and excellence.

What you would be doing

As our Head of Learning and Talent, you'll be at the forefront of innovation, leading a dedicated team to:

• Strategically lead our Learning and Development function, designing and delivering a comprehensive plan aligned with Imperial's wider People and Talent strategies.
• Drive innovation in L&D, constantly exploring and embedding cutting-edge approaches, including leveraging AI, to enhance our offerings.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across Imperial, gaining a deep understanding of development needs and translating them into impactful solutions.
• Partner closely with HR, Leadership Development, and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion teams to lead talent development, performance management (ARC), and succession planning processes.
• Develop a comprehensive curriculum for all people managers, empowering them to inspire and support our staff to perform at their best.
• Oversee the creation of career pathways and development frameworks for all job families, ensuring accessible and relevant learning for everyone.
• Lead with impact, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing Learning and Talent team.

What we are looking for

We're looking for an experienced individual with:

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, or demonstrable work experience in learning & development and/or talent development.
• CIPD qualification.
• Proven experience in leading a comprehensive Learning & Development function within a complex organisation, with a strong focus on integrating EDIC principles.
• A track record of leading L&D innovation and embedding cutting-edge approaches, including the use of AI.
• Demonstrable experience in conducting organisation-wide learning needs analysis.
• Expertise in the design, delivery, and implementation of organisational talent development programmes, ideally in partnership with external providers.
• Experience with LMS systems and digital learning tools.
• Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with senior leaders, academics, and unions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, coupled with resilience and a customer-focused approach.

What we can offer you

Imperial College London is a world-leading university with a global reputation for excellence in science, engineering, medicine, and business. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where all staff can thrive.

At Imperial, our values underpin everything we do: Respect, Collaboration, Excellence, Integrity, and Innovation. You'll be joining a community that values diversity of thought, prioritises wellbeing, and is dedicated to making a real impact.

Further information

If you require any further details about the role, please contact:

Nichola Stallwood – n.stallwood@imperial.ac.uk

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