L&D Specialist

We are regarded as the trusted decorating and DIY retail brand in Central London, selling paint, tools, plumbing, electrical & woodwork materials throughout our 30 plus stores. As part of the Grafton Group, we have the stability and support of a leader in the field of Building Materials & DIY Retail.

Let’s paint the picture for you!

We are seeking a dedicated Learning and Development Specialist to enhance our colleagues' growth through our Training Academy. This role involves collaborating with the leadership team and managers, to design and deliver high-quality training programs that align with our business needs and support continuous learning and career development. Reporting to the Head of HR and based in our Acton office, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to a thriving trade and retail DIY business in London.

What is the Learning and Development Specialist accountable for?

• Stakeholder Management and Training Needs Analysis: Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including senior leaders, department heads, managers and members of the HR team. Collaborate with these groups to determine specific training requirements, effectively managing stakeholder expectations and requirements, and align learning initiatives with organisational goals.
• Learning Program Design and Delivery: Design and develop engaging and interactive learning programs, courses, workshops, and training materials. Utilise a variety of instructional techniques to deliver across the business on a variety of topics including induction, technical, soft skills, and management development. Utilise e-learning, classroom training, blended learning, and experiential learning, to ensure effective knowledge transfer and skill development.
• Learning Program Implementation: Coordinate and oversee the implementation of both internally and externally delivered learning programs, including scheduling, logistics, participant/delegate communication, and evaluation. Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external vendors, trainers, or subject matter experts as needed.
• Learning Evaluation and Measurement: Establish metrics and evaluation methods to assess the effectiveness of learning programs. Collect and analyse feedback from participants and key stakeholders to continuously improve the quality and impact of training initiatives.
• Talent Development: Collaborate with the Head of HR to evolve talent development plans to nurture high potential performance and growth and prepare them for future leadership roles.
• Learning Technology and Tools: Stay updated on the latest trends, tools, and technologies in the L&D field. Utilise and maintain the learning management systems (LMS), e-learning platforms, virtual training tools, and other digital resources to enhance the learning experience and accessibility, as well as facilitate record-keeping and reporting.
• Compliance and Regulatory Training: Ensure that mandatory compliance and regulatory training requirements are met, and associated policies and procedures are communicated effectively to colleagues.
• Apprenticeship Support: Identify and implement apprenticeship programs, working closely with apprenticeship providers, whilst providing ongoing support for apprentices.
• Additional Duties: Undertake any other reasonable projects or duties as requested by the line manager.

Candidate Profile:

• Proven experience in learning and development, training, or related roles, having designed and delivered both in person workshops and e-learning content.
• Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) and e-learning platforms, including creation of e-learning.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven interpersonal and influencing skills.
• High level of computer literacy.
• Experience in system administration and managing training records.
• Cheerful outlook and ‘can-do’ mindset.
• Future-focused, professional, and engaging.
• Ability to hit the ground running and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience with a variety of learning methods and interventions.
• Knowledge of our products is not essential as training would be given, but would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of Access Learn and/or Articulate Authoring Tool an advantage but full training will be provided.
• CIPD, L&D and/or a coaching certification is advantageous but not essential.

How will we reward you?

*       On top of an attractive salary, we have an excellent benefits package on offer:

*       Hybrid working

*       Generous bonus opportunity

*       33 days holiday a year (includes public holidays)

*       Generous Company Pension contributions

*       Up to 20% discount in Leyland SDM, plus discount across other Grafton Group brands

*       Health Cashplan – claim money back on everyday healthcare needs and treatments (Dental, physio, prescriptions to name a few)

*       Share saving scheme into our parent company, the Grafton Group

*       Enhanced Maternity/ Paternity Leave

*       Travel allowance

*       Paid time off for Volunteering

*       Company sick pay

*       Life assurance

*       Cycle2work scheme

*       100’s of retail discounts available through our flexible benefits portal