Head of Skills Development Programmes

Job Description

Our people are at the heart of our business, and we are looking for those that are just as passionate about that as we are. Join our People team, and come with us on a journey as we transform the way we do HR. Our team is made up of business partners working with leaders to get the most out of their teams, specialist knowledge in our centres of expertise, and colleague-centric, efficient people services. Our work ranges from making sure that our 150,000+ colleagues are paid on time to attracting brilliant talent to drive our strategy, to unlocking the skills and capability of our colleagues. This is a fast-moving business, and we make sure our policies and rewards keep up with that too. We know flexibility is important and helps you be more productive so there's more choice than ever about where and when you work. When it comes to your development, we'll support your growth in your own unique way. When you join us, you’ll be joining a team that knows just what it means to be happy and engaged, and who makes a real impact across our business.

Why join us

As our Head of Skills Development Programmes, you will play a crucial role in leading our strategic agenda for skills development, including early careers, apprenticeships, and qualifications. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with a talented and dedicated team to design and deliver innovative training and re-training programmes aligned with our business strategy. With access to resources, a strong network, and the autonomy to make decisions, you will contribute to shaping the future of skills development in our organisation.

 

What you'll do

As the Head of Skills Development Programmes at Sainsbury's, you will be accountable for leading the strategic skills development agenda across the company. There will a key focus on translating our vision into a strategy to develop our internal skills marketplace. Aligning with the business strategy, you will review and redefine the skills development offer, which includes identified/ prioritised skills, that delivers a return for the business. You will work closely with the Director of People Development and Capability Consultants to understand their priorities in order to design and deliver the right solutions. Establishing a clear plan for our Early Careers provision, you will make sure this is strategic in its approach. You will do this by overseeing early careers, apprenticeships, and qualifications, as well as designing and implementing training and re-training programmes aligned with strategic capability priorities. Measurement is key and with your analytical mindset you will ensure that all programmes have robust reporting.

Collaboration is key in this role as you build strong relationships with People Partners and Recruitment to ensure great delivery of the programmes. You will also manage external providers, deliver the skills requirements for the Retail Food Services teams, and continuously improve the skills development offering through innovation and exploration of new learning approaches. Your role will be crucial in shaping the skills development landscape at Sainsbury's and driving long-term, sustainable learning outcomes for the organisation.
 

Who you are

You have deep expertise in skills development, early careers, and apprenticeship, with practical experience of designing, delivering, and evaluating a skills development framework. Your strategic mindset and practical approach enable you to design and lead the implementation of learning strategies that align with the organisation's capabilities and future growth. With your strong understanding of theoretical knowledge and learning principles, you create sustainable learning outcomes and continuously seek opportunities for improvement. Commercially astute, you have excellent data analytical skills that drive informed decision-making, while your exceptional relationship management and stakeholder engagement abilities allow you to influence senior stakeholders and foster commitment to strategic change. As a proactive and accountable leader, you demonstrate a passion for personal and professional development, ensuring the success of skills development programmes across Sainsbury's.

What you need to know and show

Essential

• Ability to work at a strategic level is key, combined with a pragmatic approach based in your own personal experience of delivering skills solutions in a fast moving, operational environment. 
• Practical experience of designing, delivering, and evaluating a skills development framework.
• Deep specialist expertise in skills development programmes, Early Careers and Apprenticeships.
• Commercially astute with good data analytical skills.
• Excellent relationship and stakeholder management skills at all levels, with ability to influence senior stakeholders and gain commitment to strategic change/ new ways of working.

Desirable

• Ability to think long-term and act proactively to deliver long-term, sustainable learning outcomes and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Experience of, and desire to be hands-on in designing, implementing, and evaluating learning strategies in skills development.
• As well as own direct contribution, be adept at leading others’ contribution and managing third party support as necessary.
• Strong understanding of theoretical knowledge around learning principles such as 70:20:10 and inter-personal skills such as EI & coaching.
• A high level of knowledge of learning principles, both current and future.
• Strong understanding of the macro environment that defines our decisions – this includes the HR/L&D landscape, the retail environment, and the macro-economic climate.
• Being proactive and curious, always challenging to make improvements.
• Considered, balanced decision-making.
• Comfortable working in an environment of rapid change and ambiguity; an advocate for change.
• Demonstrates accountability for their own development.
• Excellent verbal, presentation, and written communication skills.