Director of Strategic Learning | Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
| Posting date: | 26 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | Attractive Remuneration Package |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 25 April 2026 |
| Location: | Manchester, M13 9WL |
| Company: | Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 7816521/349-COR-7816521-RL4 |
Summary
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is the largest NHS Trust in the UK and is developing one of the most advanced integrated education systems nationally and internationally. The Director of Strategic Learning will shape a world-class Learning Academy that delivers excellence across clinical, non-clinical, professional and leadership education, preparing a 30,000+ workforce for future healthcare models.
We are seeking a highly credible and visionary candidate to provide strategic leadership for education, training and professional development across the Trust. This is a key executive leadership role that will play a critical part in delivering the ambitions set out in the NHS 10‑Year Long Term Workforce Plan and MFT’s organisational strategy, ensuring that education, training and workforce development equip our organisation for the future shape of healthcare.
You should bring a track record of senior leadership in a large, complex organisation, with the credibility and influence to lead education at scale. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of healthcare education at one of the most significant Trusts in the NHS, with influence locally, nationally and internationally.
The Director of Strategic Learning will ensure MFT remains at the forefront of education reform, digital transformation and AI‑enabled learning, positioning the Learning Academy as a recognised centre of excellence. You will lead the development of an integrated, Trust‑wide education strategy and establish a world‑class Learning Academy bringing together clinical, non‑clinical, professional and leadership education across all services and sites. Working closely with Executive Directors, Clinical Groups, professional leads and academic partners, you will ensure education supports patient safety, quality and workforce sustainability.
The role has strategic oversight of the education ecosystem, including pre‑ and post‑registration training, apprenticeships, simulation, digital and AI‑enabled learning, leadership development and clinical‑academic pathways. Acting as MFT’s senior education leader within Greater Manchester and nationally, you will strengthen partnerships with universities and regulators and help shape education reform and workforce design.
A key dimension of the role is the development of a sustainable commercial education portfolio, growing national and international education, simulation and digital learning provision, with surpluses reinvested in workforce development, research and innovation.
Closing date for applications - Midnight on Sunday 26th April 2026
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe. We are an ambitious organisation, serving over 1 million patients and users annually through our 10 hospitals and extensive community services. With a workforce of 30,000 plus, we are a driving force for innovation, clinical excellence, and system leadership across Greater Manchester.
As a senior leader at MFT, you will shape strategy and transformation at scale, working alongside a diverse, high-performing executive team. Our £3bn plus turnover and leading-edge digital infrastructure, including the Hive EPR, enable us to deliver integrated, patient-centred care and drive continuous improvement.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive, values-led culture where your expertise, vision, and leadership will directly influence organisational direction and population health outcomes. You will have the opportunity to lead complex change, champion research and innovation, and develop future talent in a supportive, collaborative environment.
Join us to make a lasting impact—on our Trust, our communities, and the future of healthcare.
On this page you will find a Role Profile which provides information about MFT and full details of the role. We recommend that you review this and refer to it as you complete your application. In order to apply, please submit a comprehensive CV along with a covering letter which sets out your interest in the role and encapsulates the aspects of your experience relevant to the required criteria. For more information, including details of how to apply, please visitwww.odgers.com/95817.
This advert closes on Sunday 26 Apr 2026
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