Learning & Development Manager – Essex County Fire and Rescue Service

We’re looking for an experienced, forward-thinking Learning & Development Manager to lead our Team and transform how learning, leadership and professional capability are developed across the Service.

This is a pivotal and influential role where your work will directly support our people at every level and across every role. You’ll ensure our people have the skills, behaviours and confidence needed to succeed.

The role

As Learning & Development Manager, you’ll lead the delivery of  high‑quality, customer focused learning and development aligned to our People and Inclusion Strategy and Community Risk Management Plan. Working closely with senior leaders, people services colleagues and operational teams, you’ll design and deliver learning that makes a measurable difference.

You’ll champion leadership development, embed equality, diversity and inclusion into everything we do, and use data, insights and emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to continually improve impact and value for money.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high performing L&D Team, delivering inclusive, engaging and impactful learning solutions aligned to Service priorities.
• Act as the subject matter expert for learning policy, standards and compliance, using analytics and evaluation to demonstrate impact and effectiveness.
• Champion innovation in learning, including digital platforms, new technologies and the practical use of AI.
• Work collaboratively with People Partners, Recruitment teams and external providers to deliver leadership, coaching and mentoring programmes that build professional capability and engagement.

About you

We’re looking for someone who is values‑driven, forward‑thinking and excited to help shape the future of learning as part of an ambitious and supportive team.

You’ll be a confident and credible learning and development leader who combines strategic insight with a practical, people‑centred approach. You’ll bring a CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent) and a strong track record of leading an L&D function, with proven experience designing and delivering leadership and professional development programmes.

You’ll be skilled at building trusted relationships and influencing senior stakeholders, comfortable using learning analytics and workforce insights to evidence impact and motivated by delivering high‑quality outcomes through your team.

How to apply  

You will be required to submit a CV detailing a minimum of five years employment and / or education history, along with a supporting statement of no more than 750 words that demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria detailed in the Person Specification.

You may submit this either as a word document, pdf, or an mp3 (voice note) or mp4 (video), however the word count of your supporting statement should not exceed 750 words no matter which format you choose to present your application.   

You may attach separate documents (such as qualifications) should you wish. Your CV and additional documents will be referred to in shortlisting to confirm eligibility (e.g., your current role and any existing qualifications).

If you are an internal candidate, you must have discussed your application with your line manager and confirmed with them there are no outstanding issues of conduct or performance. This will be verified prior to shortlisting.