Manager, Learning and Development

What you’ll be doing:

Southdown is the largest not-for-profit provider of care, support, and housing in Sussex. We’ve been helping people access stable accommodation, mental health and care services since 1972, now counting over 900 people as part of our team.

Are you passionate about creating inspiring learning experiences that make a real difference? We’re looking for a dynamic Learning & Development leader to shape and deliver a fresh, blended learning strategy that combines digital innovation with face-to-face training.

You’ll lead a talented team of L&D professionals, including Business Partners, Trainers, and an Apprenticeship & Qualifications Lead, helping them grow while ensuring our learning approach meets compliance, service, and cultural goals. From managing mandatory training and using data to guide decisions, to embedding a culture of reflective practice and continuous improvement, you’ll be at the heart of our people development journey.

In this role, you’ll work closely with managers and senior leaders to align learning with our wider goals—from onboarding and talent development to strategic workforce planning. You’ll champion new, accessible learning methods like AI-enhanced tools and microlearning, ensuring our approach stays fresh and engaging.

With responsibility for the L&D budget and external partnerships, you’ll ensure our learning offer is cost-effective and scalable. You’ll also represent Southdown externally, sharing best practices and staying ahead of sector trends. If you’re ready to make a big impact and help shape the future of learning with us, we’d love to hear from you.

Please refer to the attached role profile for full details of this exciting opportunity.

We welcome applications from candidates with previous experience in roles such as Learning and Development Manager, Head of Learning and Development, Learning and Development Specialist, Development Manager, Training Manager, Training & Development Manager, Corporate Trainer, Training Consultant.

Perks and benefits: 

• Health cost cash-back scheme: access to our health insurance scheme which covers dental, optical, physical therapies and other medical treatments with the option to add greater levels of cover.
• Interest-free loans: assistance with larger costs that arise such as tenancy deposits, season travel tickets or buying a car.
• Access to the Easit Network: discounts and incentives on train, bus and car journeys such as 15% off eligible daily and season rail tickets.
• Blue Light card: access to discount services for the social care sector with savings across thousands of online shops, restaurants, and high-street vendors.
• Free advice and counselling service: confidential emotional support and practical guidance from our independent telephone service.
• 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

What you’ll need for the role: 

• Level 7 or above in L&D, OD, Education, or equivalent.
• Experience leading L&D strategy and managing a team in a complex organisation.
• Confident using digital learning tools and data to drive decisions and track impact.
• Strong understanding of compliance and regulatory training requirements
• A full driving licence is essential along with access to your own vehicle or a vehicle insured for you

 What would be nice: 

• Coaching, training, or facilitation qualification desirable (e.g. ILM, CIPD, AoEC)
• Familiarity with apprenticeships, qualifications frameworks, and sector networks.
• Experience with innovative learning methods like AI tools or microlearning.
• A passion for building a reflective, co-created learning culture.

Training:
We will help you to gain valuable qualifications, continually develop your skills and build a great career with the largest provider of housing, care and support in Sussex.

How to apply:
Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button and fill out our simple one-page application form.
We recommend you review the attached Candidate Guidance before completing your application.

This advert will remain open until 31st July, but we’ll be reviewing applications and holding interviews on a rolling basis. If we receive a high volume of interest, we may close the advert early—so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.