Group Head of Talent & Learning

Overview

Accelerate impact at [Employer hidden] Group by leading an integrated, global Talent and Learning function that drives performance, capability, and growth.

This role owns Talent Acquisition, Learning and Leadership Development, Performance Management, and DEI from a Centre of Expertise perspective, ensuring these systems are embedded, adopted, and delivering measurable business impact.

This is not a build-from-scratch role. Strong foundations exist across systems and frameworks. The focus is on embedding, optimising, and scaling existing services to create a high-performing, skills-led organisation, while also designing, developing and deploying new enhanced capabilities in areas of business need.

The Role

This role leads the Talent and Learning agenda across [Employer hidden] Group, combining strategic ownership with hands-on delivery.

It operates as a senior partner to the Executive team, translating business priorities into practical, scalable talent solutions, while ensuring consistency and quality of execution across regions and divisions.

The role sits within the People Leadership Team and leads a multi-disciplinary team across the US and UK, spanning Talent Acquisition, Talent and Performance Management, Learning, and Inclusion.

Responsibilities

Enterprise Talent Leadership

• Own and evolve the integrated Talent and Learning strategy across TA, L&D, Performance, and DEI
• Lead and develop a multi-capability team across the US and UK
• Align talent priorities to commercial and growth objectives

Executive partnership

• Partner with ExCo and senior leaders on talent, performance, and succession
• Provide clear, data-led insight and challenge
• Drive accountability for talent outcomes across the business

Embed and optimise core talent systems

• Embed the performance framework to drive consistency, accountability, and quality
• Drive adoption of a skills-based approach across hiring, development, and progression
• Improve quality and consistency of talent decisions across the lifecycle

Learning and leadership development

• Lead and embed enterprise learning aligned to future capability needs (AI, data, strategy, human skills)
• Own and deliver leadership development and succession initiatives
• Build a connected, continuous learning culture across the Group

Talent acquisition and workforce quality

• Own a high-quality, skills-first TA approach, improving hiring outcomes and reducing failed hires
• Oversee TA delivery across UK and US, ensuring pace and consistency
• Strengthen workforce planning aligned to business priorities

DEI and inclusive talent practices

• Embed DEI within core talent processes across hiring, development, and progression
• Ensure consistent, practical application of inclusive practices
• Support governance and reporting where required

Digital ecosystem and operations

• Optimise use of core platforms (HRIS, LXP, ATS) to drive efficiency and insight
• Use data to track impact and inform decisions
• Ensure processes are simple, scalable, and consistently applied
• Integrate AI into working practices, solution delivery, and business adoption.

Supplier and budget management

• Own and optimise the supplier ecosystem across Talent and Learning
• Ensure strong commercial discipline and value delivery
• Manage budget aligned to priority outcomes

Priorities for 2026

• Embed a high-accountability performance and talent culture
• Strengthen succession depth and accelerate emerging leaders
• Build leadership capability and connection with the business
• Improve hiring quality through a skills-based approach
• Embed a Group-wide skills framework across talent processes
• Build a connected learning culture aligned to future capability needs

What we’re looking for

Essential

• Experience leading Talent and Learning teams in a global matrixed organisation
• Proven track record of embedding and scaling talent systems
• Strong experience with HRIS, LXP, and ATS platforms, with a focus on optimisation
• Experience implementing skills-based approaches to hiring and development
• Extensive supplier and budget management experience
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders
• Experience building and delivering talent and learning strategies aligned to business priorities

Desirable

• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams across TA, L&D, and Talent Management
• Experience operating within an integrated talent model (TA and Talent Development combined)
• Experience in a fast-paced agency or professional services environment
• Pharma or healthcare experience
• Experience in private equity-backed or high-growth environments

Additional context

• Global role, based in either the UK or US
• Travel required 1 to 2 times per year to the alternate region
• Hands-on role combining strategy, execution, and team leadership

BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH US

Our culture is fundamental to the delivery of transformation. Harnessing the talent and ambitions of those we work with empowers us to deliver our magic. On top of this, our benefits include:

• · Private family healthcare and dental cover
• · Family friendly policies
• · Contributory pension of up to 5% of basic salary [Employer hidden] contribution
• · 4 x basic salary life assurance cover
• · Medicash Healthcare Cash Plan (Level 1 company cover);
• · 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, plus 3 Christmas closure days, and a celebration day of your choice
• · Flexible holiday buy and sell scheme
• · Cycle to work scheme
• · Discretionary bonus
• · Flexible working
• · Employee discount platform with offers at 900+ retailers
• · Season ticket loans

People are at the heart of who we are. Our aim is to transform the lives of those we touch without prejudice or discrimination. At [Employer hidden], the magic we create relies on harnessing and celebrating the unique, diverse and individual talents of those we work with. To do this, we must empower each person to bring their whole self to work so we can be fully inclusive and collaborate with a full heart – fulfilling the potential of everything we do and everyone we work with. Equally.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of race, colour, sex, age, pregnancy, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression or disability.