Learning and Development Manager
| Posting date: | 12 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £50000-55000 per annum |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 25 January 2026 |
| Location: | Bristol, BS34 8JH |
| Company: | Serco Limited |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | 306785-43895357 |
Summary
Serco Limited
Location: Hybrid working, based from Abbey Wood (Bristol) with regular travel to Andover Salary: Competitive plus excellent benefits Schedule: 18-month fixed term contract
Ready to impact a better future?
At Serco, we are proud to partner with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) in providing critical recruitment services for the UK’s Armed Forces. This new approach will, for the first time, see the Royal Navy, the British Army, and the Royal Air Force have a joint Armed Forces Recruitment Service (AFRS). Delivered through a partnership of the MOD, Serco, and our consortium of partners, this service will provide end-to-end support from candidate attraction to assessment, onboarding, and Phase 1 training. Our team brings together best-in-class integrated technology and specialist partners to offer a holistic recruitment and skills solution for the UK Armed Forces, designed to modernise and improve the overall candidate experience. We are driven by the values of doing the right thing for our people, the MOD, His Majesty’s Government (HMG), broader society, and the candidates we source.
As a Learning and Development Manager in our Defence team, you’ll lead the design and delivery of learning initiatives that build capability across the Armed Forces Recruitment Service (AFRS) programme. Your work will directly support service personnel and civilian colleagues, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to succeed.
This is a role with real purpose. You’ll shape a robust learning strategy that aligns with DSAT methodology, manage a talented team, and create innovative programmes that make a positive impact on communities and society. From apprenticeships to blended learning, you’ll help us deliver a brilliant learner experience every time.
What you’ll do as a Learning and Development Manager You’ll be entrusted to:
- Lead the development and delivery of the AFRS learning strategy through effective communication and collaboration
- Manage and inspire a team of learning specialists and instructional designers
- Design and deliver learning initiatives and development programmes for both civilian and service personnel
- Ensure compliance with awarding bodies and DSAT and Ofsted requirements
- Oversee apprenticeship programmes and maintain high standards across all delivery formats
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders to deliver impactful learning solutions
- Manage risks, budgets, and schedules to ensure timely delivery of programmes
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation in learning design and delivery
Does this sound like you? You’ll be a great fit for this role if you have…
- Proven experience in Learning and Development, including managing multi-layer teams
- Deep understanding of DSAT and Ofsted regulations
- Expertise in apprenticeship standards and programme delivery
- Strong organisational and stakeholder management skills
- Experience managing a team
- Creativity to design blended learning programmes and confidence in using LMS and e-learning platforms
Vetting and checks: This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which involves verifying your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record to meet government security standards. In addition, depending on the nature of the role, you may need to obtain formal Security Clearance (such as CTC or SC), which includes more detailed background checks on employment, criminal record, and financial history to ensure suitability for working in secure environments. Please note that UK residency requirements may apply for certain levels of clearance. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire so we can identify and provide any support you may need to undertake the role effectively.
Discover all you need to keep growing We’re one of the top 1% of international employers, so you can have confidence you’ll be part of a highly supportive culture with leaders you can count on to help you achieve your goals. From mentoring and training to our focus on internal progression, we’re proud to offer clear development opportunities – and the support and tools to help you seize them.
What we offer
- Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays (and the option to buy up to five additional leave days each year)
- Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- Training and development: Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (including L3 Team Leader and L5 Operations Manager apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression
- Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
- Discounts: Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
- Charity: Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity
- Employee networks: Our networks support inclusion and connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, veterans, and people from all cultural backgrounds.
Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.
Location: Hybrid working, based from Abbey Wood (Bristol) with regular travel to Andover Salary: Competitive plus excellent benefits Schedule: 18-month fixed term contract
Ready to impact a better future?
At Serco, we are proud to partner with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) in providing critical recruitment services for the UK’s Armed Forces. This new approach will, for the first time, see the Royal Navy, the British Army, and the Royal Air Force have a joint Armed Forces Recruitment Service (AFRS). Delivered through a partnership of the MOD, Serco, and our consortium of partners, this service will provide end-to-end support from candidate attraction to assessment, onboarding, and Phase 1 training. Our team brings together best-in-class integrated technology and specialist partners to offer a holistic recruitment and skills solution for the UK Armed Forces, designed to modernise and improve the overall candidate experience. We are driven by the values of doing the right thing for our people, the MOD, His Majesty’s Government (HMG), broader society, and the candidates we source.
As a Learning and Development Manager in our Defence team, you’ll lead the design and delivery of learning initiatives that build capability across the Armed Forces Recruitment Service (AFRS) programme. Your work will directly support service personnel and civilian colleagues, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to succeed.
This is a role with real purpose. You’ll shape a robust learning strategy that aligns with DSAT methodology, manage a talented team, and create innovative programmes that make a positive impact on communities and society. From apprenticeships to blended learning, you’ll help us deliver a brilliant learner experience every time.
What you’ll do as a Learning and Development Manager You’ll be entrusted to:
- Lead the development and delivery of the AFRS learning strategy through effective communication and collaboration
- Manage and inspire a team of learning specialists and instructional designers
- Design and deliver learning initiatives and development programmes for both civilian and service personnel
- Ensure compliance with awarding bodies and DSAT and Ofsted requirements
- Oversee apprenticeship programmes and maintain high standards across all delivery formats
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders to deliver impactful learning solutions
- Manage risks, budgets, and schedules to ensure timely delivery of programmes
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation in learning design and delivery
Does this sound like you? You’ll be a great fit for this role if you have…
- Proven experience in Learning and Development, including managing multi-layer teams
- Deep understanding of DSAT and Ofsted regulations
- Expertise in apprenticeship standards and programme delivery
- Strong organisational and stakeholder management skills
- Experience managing a team
- Creativity to design blended learning programmes and confidence in using LMS and e-learning platforms
Vetting and checks: This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which involves verifying your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record to meet government security standards. In addition, depending on the nature of the role, you may need to obtain formal Security Clearance (such as CTC or SC), which includes more detailed background checks on employment, criminal record, and financial history to ensure suitability for working in secure environments. Please note that UK residency requirements may apply for certain levels of clearance. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire so we can identify and provide any support you may need to undertake the role effectively.
Discover all you need to keep growing We’re one of the top 1% of international employers, so you can have confidence you’ll be part of a highly supportive culture with leaders you can count on to help you achieve your goals. From mentoring and training to our focus on internal progression, we’re proud to offer clear development opportunities – and the support and tools to help you seize them.
What we offer
- Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays (and the option to buy up to five additional leave days each year)
- Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- Training and development: Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships (including L3 Team Leader and L5 Operations Manager apprenticeships), mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression
- Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
- Discounts: Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
- Charity: Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity
- Employee networks: Our networks support inclusion and connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, veterans, and people from all cultural backgrounds.
Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.