Learning and Development Manager

Farrer & Co is synonymous with the highest quality legal advice and service.

We advise individuals, families, businesses, financial services, educational and not-for-profit organisations on every aspect of the law, wherever the need arises. From our offices in London we work with trusted professionals around the world to deliver a seamless international service.

Our clients present us with complex and varied challenges. Whether that's a complicated family trust issue, a multinational corporate transaction, or an emerging threat to their reputation, they need clear thinkers who can advise on the best solutions, fast thinkers when speed is of the essence and agile thinkers who can produce a fresh approach to get the job done. That's why they choose us.

Our clients value our in-depth knowledge, technical excellence and diversity of disciplines. But what really binds our long-standing relationships with them is our approach: pragmatic, plain speaking and always steadfast in our values, which we hold dear. Values which mean we gain our clients' trust, always strive to do the right thing, and aim for the best results for them.

Superb client service sits at the heart of everything we do. We are modern lawyers with timeless values.

At  the heart of Farrers  lies a commitment to its people, their knowledge and their development. The KL&D team supports our people to achieve their full potential, thereby underpinning the success of the firm itself.

The team splits into three main areas, Knowledge Management and Library, Learning and Development and Graduate & Solicitor Apprenticeships.

The Learning and Development team is a small but dynamic sub-team which sits within KL&D and aims to deliver the highest calibre learning and development initiatives to support our people in achieving their respective career development objectives. We deliver a comprehensive Learn.Know.Grow syllabus which aligns with the SRA’s continuing competence requirements and our firmwide career development frameworks. We also deliver bespoke team and 1-1 training initiatives to support specific role requirements.

The team comprises

• Head of L&D
• L&D Manager
• LMS Adviser
• L&D Assistant

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Learning and Development Manager to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing comprehensive learning and development programs tailored to the unique needs of our legal and business professionals. As the Learning and Development Manager, you will play a crucial role in fostering a culture of continuous learning, professional growth, and excellence within our firm.

Strategy

Work with Head of L&D to set the L&D element of the overall KL&D strategy

Syllabus development

• Work with the Head of L&D and other stakeholders to design the firm’s learning programmes ensuring they are aligned to the firm’s career development frameworks and the SRA’s continuing competence guidelines (our Legal and IT programmes are designed by others in the business)
• Work with internal stakeholders to carry out learning needs analysis/consultations as required and develop and/or adjust learning programmes to match identified needs
• Responsible for day to day evaluation of our training courses
• Conduct systematic reviews of our syllabus content. Suggest changes/adjustments to ensure alignment with firmwide projects and priorities along with how we make the learning “stick”
• Research innovative learning interventions to meet the Firm's needs including learning and webinar technology
• Draw on knowledge of adult learning theories and varied training methods to meet the needs of different learning styles
• Develop one on one learning interventions with individuals as and when required
• Apply Equity, Diversity and Inclusion principles to the delivery of all L&D solutions and activities

Training delivery

• Increase the number of elements of the syllabus to be delivered by internal resources, including by the L&D Manager, and work with stakeholders/presenters to conduct engaging and interactive training sessions
• Create training materials to be used within training sessions or as post-delivery additional resources
• Manage the administration of the syllabus including venue, catering, bookings, attendance etc
• Develop existing and new relationships with external consultants in line with the firm’s procurement policy and any other guidelines

People

• Manage the L&D Assistant’s work allocation, holiday and other absences, mid-term review and annual appraisal
• Work closely with the LMS Adviser to ensure consistency of application of the LKG syllabus

Learning Management System

• Actively engage our people in the use of the LMS
• Work with the LMS Adviser to promote use of the LMS by the practice areas for non-centralised training
• Support the development of a new client facing LMS and associated training and resources

Projects

• Manage the L&D annual projects examples of which are: eg. client training offering, assessing the diversity of our L&D provision
• Work closely with other teams and stakeholders to support the variety of firm-wide projects and initiatives that have an L&D aspect

Budget

• Draft and manage the Learning & Development budget in consultation with the Head of L&D

General

• Become involved, as required, in KL&D team wide projects

• experience of the design and development of learning programmes and projects from idea to successful delivery
• experience facilitating small discussion groups, both virtually and face to face
• experience managing and delegating to junior team members
• worked with e-resources and used technology (we use Articulate 360) to achieve L&D objectives
• worked in a similar role, ideally within a Professional Services environment 
• an understanding of Learning Management Systems (we use Docebo)
• experience of reporting tools (we use PowerBI)
• managed budgets
• managed external providers and has a network of suppliers

• Is professional, credible and impactful
• Effective influencer – is able to interact with and influence individuals at all levels across the business securing buy-in
• Client focused and responsive to client needs
• Strong communicator orally and in writing
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Stakeholder management – works effectively with senior stakeholders on various projects
• Team player – is collaborative and works effectively and efficiently in a small team
• Has a curious mind showing creativity and innovation
• Ability to work under own initiative
• Has a flexible approach and is able to work under pressure and prioritise effectively
• Committed and enthusiastic approach to work

• Good experience at L&D Manager level, ideally in a professional services environment
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• CIPD qualification in L&D (or equivalent) would be an advantage
• 3 A Levels or equivalent

The hours of work for this opportunity are 09:30am-5:30pm but it is essential to be committed, flexible and prepared to work beyond the normal office hours when necessary and in response to client demand.

Farrer & Co is an equals opportunity employer who welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We look to employ the best candidates regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, social or economic background, religion, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other protected characteristic.

We are keen to ensure candidates have the best interview experience possible, if you require any adjustments during the interview or application process please let the recruitment team know.

Farrer & Co conducts a pre-employment screening which consists of a Criminal History Background and Credit Check for successful candidates.

Farrer & Co conducts a pre-employment screening which consists of a Criminal History Background and Credit Check for successful candidates.