Learning and Development Manager – 12 Months FTC Fixed Term NEW

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a world-leading global law firm, where our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.

Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why so many are longstanding. We enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 170 years.

As a fully integrated transatlantic and transpacific firm, we are where you need us to be. Our footprint is extensive and committed across the world’s largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs.

At our best tackling complexity and navigating change, we work alongside you on demanding litigation, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.

We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, infrastructure and resources. And we’re focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world.

All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition – which is to help you achieve yours.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer: Your goals. Our ambition

The Opportunity

Primary Objectives

• Strategic management of development programmes for the mid-level associate population

• Strategic management of leadership and development programmes for Business Services leaders and professionals

• Line management responsibility for one Learning & Development Adviser / Coordinator

• Delivery on other lawyer, business services and client development programmes

• Member of the internal coaching faculty

Primary Responsibilities:

Strategic management of leadership and development programmes

• Lead on the design and delivery of the firm’s Business Skills Academy for mid-level associates across UK/US and EMEA.

• Lead the design, delivery and continuous evolution of development programmes for Business Services leaders and professionals across the UK, US and EMEA, ensuring alignment with the firm’s strategic priorities and growth ambitions.

To include:

• Developing scalable and adaptable programme models that respond to increasing demand and organisational expansion, optimising reach, impact and efficiency across regions and cohorts.

• Partnering with senior stakeholders to identify current and future capability needs, shape programme priorities, and agree participant nominations.

• Working with external providers (where necessary) to design and deliver high-quality, impactful learning solutions.

• Establishing efficient and scalable delivery processes, leveraging the LMS and digital tools to manage participation, streamline administration, and enhance the learner experience.

• Embedding robust evaluation approaches, using data and insights to measure impact, demonstrate return on investment, and inform ongoing improvement.

• Managing programme budgets effectively, balancing cost efficiency with growth in scale and ambition.

• Identifying opportunities to simplify, standardise and automate delivery to increase capacity for strategic activity.

Organisational Development projects

• Lead on the design and implementation of organisational development projects and change management initiatives (for example: leadership development, digital and AI adoption and business integration projects).

• Conduct research and analysis to understand organisational needs and monitor market trends.

• Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure successful implementation of change management initiatives. 

• Monitor, evaluate and report on the effectiveness of organisational development interventions.

Line management

• Line management of L&D Adviser and/or Co-ordinator

• Supporting individual and L&D team development,

• Assisting with any L&D team resourcing, including screening, interviewing and on-boarding

Coaching [Desirable and subject to appropriate qualification]

• Act as an internal coach within the firm’s internal coaching faculty

• Support others in the firm to develop their coaching skills

Key Performance Indicators

• Enhancement of relationships with relevant stakeholders

• Consistent, positive feedback from stakeholders

• Enhancement and development of L&D provision generally

• Excellent feedback from L&D programmes managed and sessions designed and delivered

• Positive feedback from L&D team members, particularly line reports

• Development of other L&D team members including sharing of subject matter expertise

Qualifications, skills and experience

• Ideally, we expect candidates to have in the region of 5 years’ experience in a similar L&D role but will consider candidates who have less experience, provided they can demonstrate they have the necessary competencies outlined in this job description

• Professional services experience but if not, then some service-related industry expertise e.g. banking, consultancy

• HR/ Business/ Psychology background

• (Desirable) Recognised coaching qualification (ideally level 5 or above) or equivalent professional accreditation.

• Experience in programme management including scoping, designing and delivery of L&D content, ideally in a professional services environment.

• Experience of exploring and advising on development needs and organisational development issues with individuals and senior stakeholders.

• Experience of innovating and experimenting with different digital solutions and approaches (including AI tools) to develop learning resources and refine operational processes.

• Demonstrable experience of simplifying complex activities into scalable, systemised solutions.

• Strong facilitation and coaching skills

• People management experience and aptitude

• Proven ability to analyse data and use business insights to support decision-making and advise on appropriate development interventions. 

• An innovative mindset, curious about AI and emerging technologies.

Team

People

Full time

Location

London

Contract type

Fixed Term Contract

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.