Learning & Apprenticeship Director (6 month FTC)

Location: UK (with potential travel as required)
Contract Type: Full-Time, Fixed-Term Contract (FTC) for six months
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience

At Serco, our mission is to impact a better future by delivering essential public services that make a real difference in people's lives. As a strategic partner to governments, we work alongside them to provide innovative solutions that address their most pressing challenges. In the UK & Europe, our business units span across Justice & Immigration, Health, Defence, Transport, and Community Services. Join us and be part of a team that shapes the future of public services through dedication, collaboration, and excellence.

We are looking for a dynamic Learning & Development Director to join our UK People and Culture Function on a six-month fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave. This role will lead our UK Learning & Development team, which supports a diverse workforce of 2,500 managers and 26,000 employees across the UK and Europe. You will be managing a team of 40 professionals and have overall budget responsibility for £1.5 million in people management and £3.0 million annually in funding revenue.

Key Responsibilities

-    Lead and manage the Learning & Development team to deliver innovative learning solutions that support business growth and development across the UK&E region.
-    Develop and implement effective strategies for learning delivery, design, and administration, ensuring alignment with Serco's business goals.
-    Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including regulatory bodies such as OFSTED and funding agencies like the ESFA.
-    Ensure all learning programmes meet compliance, quality, and governance standards, with a particular focus on Serco's Apprenticeship Levy commitments.
-    Develop and maintain Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), continuously improving services to exceed customer expectations.
-    Collaborate with People and Culture colleagues to drive service-related initiatives, ensuring effective communication and updates on process or policy changes.
-    Act as a strategic partner to internal customers, utilizing lean design principles to solve learning challenges and enhance the learner experience.
-    Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, including Ofsted inspections, QAA, and SFA funding audits.
-    Oversee the management of Serco's learning management system, driving continuous improvement and innovation in content and delivery.
-    Monitor employment legislation and adapt policies and procedures as needed to minimize risk and ensure service compliance.
-    Provide leadership to the Learning & Development team, ensuring they are motivated, equipped, and empowered to achieve their objectives.
-    Support continuous professional development within the team, fostering a culture of learning and innovation.
-    Conduct regular performance reviews and provide mentoring and coaching to direct reports.
-    Manage budgetary controls and operational decisions related to the Learning & Development service, ensuring efficient use of resources and maximising value.
-    Contribute to setting annual KPIs and strategic objectives to enhance the performance and profitability of the function.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:
-    A strong understanding of learning and development within complex organizations, including experience with learning technologies, processes, and policies.
-    Sound financial acumen with experience managing a P&L and budgetary controls.
-    Experience in managing large-scale apprenticeship programmes, understanding the Apprenticeship Levy, and ensuring compliance with OFSTED and ESFA requirements.
-    Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and external partners.
-    A creative and innovative mindset with the ability to drive ideas into tangible outcomes.
-    Strong experience in 3rd party supplier and contract management, focusing on process improvement and operational excellence.

Why Serco?
At Serco, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels supported and encouraged to be themselves. We offer a strong basic salary with a range of corporate benefits, flexible working arrangements, and the opportunity to develop a rewarding career in a challenging and supportive environment.