Head of Learning & OD - Invest NI

Head of Learning and OD - Invest NIMCS Group is delighted to be partnering exclusively with Invest NI, as they seek to appoint a Head of Learning and OD on a full-time permanent basis. The successful candidate will design, develop and implement learning and organisational development (OD) programmes and interventions to enhance Invest NI''s efficiency and long-term success.This will ultimately improve the organisation''s capacity to achieve its goals while fostering a healthy work environment, and encouraging a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and adaptability.Invest NIInvest NI is transforming to be a leading economic development agency responsible for driving a high-performance economy. They do this by supporting new and existing small to large businesses from right across the region to increase export sales, drive high value job creation, improve skills and boost productivity; whilst also attracting new inward investment to the region.The role will sit within Invest NI''s People and Culture Group, who''s objective is to support the delivery of their business strategy by providing a full range of cost effective and efficient, business aligned people solutions and services. The Group adopts a Trusted Business Partnership approach, working as advisers to the organisation to offer a range of people solutions that assist Invest NI to deliver service excellence to our customers.About the RoleReporting to the Executive Director, People and Culture, you will design, develop, and implement learning and OD programs and interventions. The primary goal is to enhance Invest NI''s efficiency and long-term success by improving the organisation''s capacity to achieve its goals. This includes fostering a healthy work environment, encouraging a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and adaptability. The role is crucial in driving the organisation''s growth and ensuring that it remains competitive and effective in achieving its objectives.Key Responsibilities include:Playing a pivotal role in the development and implementation of a People and Organisational Development Strategy, in conjunction with the Executive Director, People and Culture, which will embed a high-performance culture, and support the implementation of Invest NI''s strategy and the Minister''s Vision.Developing and implementing strategies and initiatives for learning and development that align with Invest NI''s goals and objectives.Developing, obtaining approval for, implementing and continuously reviewing Invest NI''s Skills Strategy and associated Learning and Development Plan. This includes ensuring robust assessment of skills needs and gaps, establishing fit for purpose skills-based learning models and the development of plans to ensure critical skills gaps are successfully filled.Developing, implementing and continuously improving a Talent Management Plan to improve all aspects of the employee experience, to include effective identifying and nurturing of talent within the organisation, succession planning and career development. Collaborating with the Head of HR Operations and the Head of HR Transformation on strategic workforce planning to ensure Invest NI recruits, develops and retains the right skills and capabilities to develop a talent pipeline thus securing long-term organisational success.Designing and overseeing learning interventions, training programs, workshops, and other educational initiatives to enhance employee skills and knowledge. Manage the end-to-end learning and development strategy for Invest NI. This involves contract managing external partners to facilitate the delivery of a wide range of programmes including leadership and management development, technical competencies, procedural and compliance training, soft skills and on boarding as well as ad hoc bespoke solutions as part of the overall annual people development curriculum.Creating and overseeing learning and developing initiatives to ensure employees are provided with the technical skills to enable them to become fully competent in their roles. Providing direction and clarity on our technical and career pathways, to build organisational capability and skillsEstablishing a competency framework outlining competencies and behaviours which underpin the Invest NI values and behaviours and can be used to build leadership capability and performance within Invest NI. Leading on the creation of programs to identify and develop future leaders within the organisation with the aim of delivering tangible business benefits enabling the achievement of the business strategy.Implementing systems to evaluate and improve employee performance, including feedback mechanisms and performance reviews, with the aim of driving high performance ensuring that all procedures and timescales are adhered to by the organisation.Continuously improving the e-learning and digital content to facilitate effective training and assessment of employees, ensuring compliance with mandatory training, key procedures and processes.Programme manage the Graduate Programme to create and sustain a flow of management and leadership talent into the organisation, including devising and implementing an appropriate learning and development plan to optimise their performance.Leading initiatives to manage organisational change and ensure smooth transitions during periods of transformation.Leading on the continual review and improvement of processes and systems linked to Learning and Organisational Development with the aim of ensuring best use is made of technology and resources to drive improvements in performance management, people and skills development, thus striving to achieve best practice in all areas.Collaborating with various stakeholders, including senior management, to ensure alignment and support for learning and development initiatives.Managing the budget for learning and development activities, ensuring cost-effectiveness and efficient use of resources.Assessing the effectiveness of learning and development programs and reporting on outcomes to senior management.This list is not exhaustive, and the successful applicant will be required to perform additional duties as allocated by management.Personnel SpecificationTo be considered for the role, candidates must be able to demonstrate, by the closing date for applications, experience in the following essential criteria.You must demonstrate this experience through specific examples.Minimum of Level 6 qualification in Human Resources, business, LandD or OD, orAt least 5 years'' wide-ranging experience of designing and implementing LandD interventions to enhance organisation capability, or An equivalent professional qualificationAt least 3 years'' experience of developing and implementing learning and development and organisational development strategies in line with organisational priorities *, which should include designing and implementing LandD interventions, talent management, and developing leadership capabilityStrategic budget management experience with responsibility for ensuring cost-effectiveness in learning and development activitiesExperience in designing and implementing skills and/or learning strategies, including skills development to meet future organisational needsExperience in managing and delivering change programmesStrong leadership and management skillsAbility to develop and implement strategic plans aligned with organisational goalsExcellent verbal and written communication skillsAbility to evaluate the effectiveness of LandD programmes and make data-driven decisionsStrong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, work across diverse teams, adapt to change, and lead change initiativesIn-depth understanding of current trends in:Learning and DevelopmentTalent Management / Succession PlanningLeadership DevelopmentPerformance ManagementAnd how these enable a high-performance culture*

Defined as reporting to "Director" level or to a "Head Of" level if the experience has been gained in a large organisationTerms, Conditions, BenefitsThe Head of Learning and OD is a permanent and full-time, 37 hours per week; however, Invest NI offers a range of flexibilities to enable a better work life balance for our people.SalaryThe salary range for this position is

£61,673 - £64,469

(from 1 ST

August 2025). The entry point for the successful candidate will be at the minimum of the range.PensionWe offer all employees access to an attractive pension scheme. Full details can be found on the Principal Civil Service Pensions Scheme (Northern Ireland) website at https://www.finance-ni.gov.uk/landing-pages/civil-service-pensions-ni.LocationThis role is based in Invest NI''s Bedford Street Headquarters.Holidays25 days per annum, increasing to 30 days after 5 years, with an additional 12 Public and Privilege holidays. The leave year runs from 1st February to 31st January. Leave entitlement in the period prior to the start of the new leave year is calculated on a pro rata basis.Flexible Working HoursThe standard working hours are 37 per week, Monday to Friday. Employees will be required from time to time to work outside normal working hours to fulfil the demands of the role. Invest NI operates a flexible working scheme. Staff may work flexibly from 7.00am (7.30am when working at HQ) to 7.00pm with a minimum of half an hour for lunch. At management discretion and without adversely affecting the overall efficiency of Invest NI, staff who have built up enough hours each month can take up to a maximum of 3 flexible working days.FamilyFamily-friendly policies are essential for supporting employees with caregiving responsibilities and promoting work-life balance.Remote WorkingWe offer hybrid working for most roles with a combination of in-office and remote work, offering greater flexibility.Wellness and InclusionWe have a variety of vibrant Employee Connection Groups as part of our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion. Invest NI promotes positive health and wellbeing through regular events and initiatives throughout the year with access to wellness programs that support mental and physical well-being. Counselling and support for employees via an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and access to a Welfare Support Service providing an individual and confidential service to staff and managers at all levels.CommunityA Sports and Social Committee organise events for Invest NI staff and their guests. Our Corporate Charity until April 2026 is NI Children''s Hospice and we have already surpassed our target of £20k! You can get involved in events and initiatives to help raise money to support our charity partner.Learning and DevelopmentInvest NI is committed to supporting staff to reach their full potential. We actively develop staff and invest significantly in training and development for business success and personal growth. This includes on-the-job training, external training and, where appropriate, further education.Equality of OpportunityInvest NI is an Equal Opportunities Employer. At this time, we particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities, minority ethnic groups and female applicants for roles at Grade 7 and above.

Select ''Apply Now'' to request a Candidate Pack for this Head of Learning and OD opportunity, an incredibly exciting opportunity for the brand.

Applications will close on

Monday 15 th

September at 12noon . Please allow enough time to complete a CV and a Cover Letter no more than 2 sides of A4 paper in length for this Head of Learning and OD opportunity.Even if this position is not right for you, we may have others that are. Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current jobs

www.mcsgroup.jobsMCS Group is committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion for all, being the first recruitment agency in NI to achieve Bronze Diversity Mark accreditation, if you have a disability which means you require a reasonable adjustment to be considered at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us and we will endeavour to facilitate the request.Not all agencies are the same…MCS Group are passionate about providing a first-class service to all our customers and have an independent review rating of 4.9 stars on ..... full job details .....