Learning and Development Manager

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Background

Sygnature Discovery is a world-leading integrated drug discovery Contract Research Organisation based in the UK and Canada with its headquarters in Nottingham and additional facilities in Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Glasgow, Montreal and Quebec City. Its employees of over 1,000, which includes 900 scientists, partners with global pharma, biotech and NFP organisations.

Since 2004, Sygnature Discovery has delivered over 40 novel pre-clinical and 22 clinical compounds, with its scientists named on over 170 patents. Therapeutic areas of expertise include oncology, inflammation and immunology, neuroscience, metabolic diseases, infectious diseases, fibrotic diseases and more. To find out more, please visit www.sygnaturediscovery.com.

About the role

To develop and deliver an effective learning and development strategy for Sygnature which includes the design, implementation and oversight of a comprehensive learning programme which supports Sygnature's people and business objectives.

Main duties and responsibilities

• To own and develop and implement strategic learning and development plan for the business. Working closely with the Head of Talent and Department Heads to ensure alignment with current requirements and future business goals and objectives and future capability requirements.
• Identify training needs through collaboration with department heads, performance appraisals and organisational skills analysis and needs assessments.
• Develop, design and deliver engaging learning interventions, training programmes, workshops and learning materials using range of modalities, such as e-learning, instructor led training and blended learning approaches to build capability across the organisation.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of learning and development initiatives through feedback mechanisms, assessments, and key performance indicators.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to develop and update training content and materials to ensure relevance and accuracy.
• Drive continuous improvement for learning and development through the effective use of technology, to encourage efficiencies through automation.
• Own and continually develop the Sygnature Academy, ensuring it is informative and engaging and learning content supports monthly themes, training programmes and learner journeys and facilitates self-development.
• Work with key stakeholders, develop learner journeys that inspire continuous learning and growth.
• Promote and embed equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) principles in all Sygnature Academy work, fostering a fair and inclusive workplace.
• Working with the Head of Talent, utilise diversity data to drive tailored learning and development initiatives that empower and elevate underrepresented groups at Sygnature.
• Work with Marketing, Internal Comms and the wider People Team to ensure learning and development supports the organisational EVP, develops our employer brand and gains internal promotion.
• Be the internal expert on learning and development strategies and innovation, leading on building a culture of learning at Sygnature.
• Development and maintenance of a strong PSL of external training partners and coaching networks, to ensure alignment of programmes and support is tailored to Sygnature's business goals and objectives.
• Support the Talent Acquisition team and HR Business Partnering team in the delivery of an informative and engaging induction and onboarding programmes, which supports the 'arriving' element of the Sygnature People Strategy.
• To build out the review of training effectiveness ensuring it is updated and maintained. This will ensure training is robust and learning evaluation is undertaken for all learning interventions, development programmes and training courses as well as being able to assess learning and development effectiveness and return on investment on corporate training spend.
• To be responsible for managing and tracking spend against the learning and development budget.
• Maintain accurate training records, ensuring data integrity and reporting is maintained and compliance with company, health and safety and local legislative training requirements are achieved.
• Develop key metrics on the effectiveness of both on speed, cost, effectiveness and experience but also on the effectiveness of recruitment marketing spends.
• Report and analyse the overall effectiveness of learning interventions and participant feedback to continuously improve programmes and measure long term impact of learning and development.

Demonstrating our Sygnature Values as our Learning and Development Manager:

• Collaboration - You'll have demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with senior leaders, department heads, managers and training participants. You will work in an open and trusting way with external parties. You will get to the heart of stakeholder and business requirements to support in delivering effective solutions.
• Excellence - You'll continue to drive the standards and effectiveness of learning and development which supports the creation of new future-ready capabilities and delivers effective training provision and services to Sygnature. You will drive for the best learning outcomes and set the bar in terms of learner experience. And, you'll demonstrate personal ownership and accountability.
• Innovation - You'll keeps abreast of the latest trends, offering and seeking new ways that can leverage these for the benefit of Sygnature and its employee group. You will take risks to try new techniques so that the company continues to push the boundaries e.g. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Machine Learning (ML). You'll be curious to continue to develop and create a culture of development and learning.

About you:

• Level 5 CIPD or equivalent would be advantageous but not essential
• Significant experience in delivering learning and development initiatives, ideally within Life Sciences.
• Experience in developing and executing strategic learning and development plans aligned with business goals.
• Strong understanding of learning theories and instructional design.
• Experience in designing, delivering, and implementing effective learning solutions for a range of audiences: both groups and individuals
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to convey complex concepts in a clear and engaging manner.
• The ability to be able to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and build relationships and gain buy in at all levels.
• Familiarity with learning management systems (LMS) and the ability to utilise and integrate technology for effective training delivery.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage complexities of high volume or tasks with conflicting deadlines.
• Confident and credible communication style with the ability to be able to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and build relationships at all levels.

Benefits

Here at Sygnature Discovery, we take pride in offering an excellent training and benefits package. As a valued employee, you will be entitled to:

- 25 days annual leave (rising with service) plus bank holidays, and buy/sell scheme

- Private Medical Insurance

- Life Insurance

- Employee Assistance Programme and mental health first aiders

- Enhanced Family Friendly Policies

- Sygnature Group Pension Scheme

- 1 paid volunteer day per year

- A host of flexible benefits to support your wellbeing and lifestyle

Why Sygnature Discovery

We understand the importance of creating a work environment that empowers you to thrive. That's why we have fostered a culture of collaboration and support, providing pathways for both professional and personal development. This includes a diverse range of bespoke training and development designed to accelerate both your personal and career growth.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion throughout our organisation. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, age, family or parental status, beliefs, nationalities and religions. We strive to cultivate an inclusive environment where all our colleagues feel empowered to bring their true selves to work.

If you're interested in joining a company that places people at the heart of its business, please submit your application as soon as possible as we will be interviewing on an ongoing basis.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact the Talent Acquisition team at careers@sygnaturediscovery.com. Please do not submit your application to this email address.

For more information on life at Sygnature Discovery, visit www.sygnaturediscovery.com/careers