Director, Learning and Development

JOB OVERVIEW This is an end-to-end, hands-on role with ownership of the full learning lifecycle: diagnosing needs, setting priorities, designing curricula and learning materials, facilitating internal programs, managing external partners and measuring impact. The role will create a scalable learning ecosystem that combines practical in-house development, digital learning and targeted external expertise. Working closely with leaders, subject-matter experts and HR, the role will ensure learning is business-led, relevant and embedded in day-to-day ways of working. Previous experience in the pharmaceutical or life sciences sector is strongly preferred. This role reports to the CHRO. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Learning strategy & governance ■ Define and execute Adalvo’s global L&D strategy, roadmap and annual priorities, aligned with objectives. ■ Establish a clear learning governance model, curriculum architecture and global training calendar. ■ Partner with leaders and HR to identify future capability requirements, critical skill gaps and development priorities. ■ Own the L&D budget, supplier strategy, standards and reporting, ensuring investment remains focused and commercially relevant. Full learning lifecycle ■ Lead the complete learning cycle from needs analysis and program design through delivery, evaluation and continuous improvement. ■ Design practical learning solutions for leadership, management, functional, interpersonal and business skills. ■ Create professional training materials, facilitator guides, participant workbooks, toolkits, templates, e-learning content and communications. ■ Build blended learning journeys combining workshops, digital modules, peer learning, coaching, on-the-job application and reinforcement. Internal facilitation & capability building ■ Personally facilitate engaging internal workshops, leadership programmes and team interventions for employees and managers. ■ Build a network of internal subject-matter experts and trainers, providing facilitation tools, standards and support. ■ Coach leaders and managers to strengthen team capability and translate development plans into action. ■ Promote a culture of continuous learning, ownership, knowledge sharing and practical application. Digital learning & LinkedIn Learning ■ Develop and implement Adalvo’s LinkedIn Learning strategy, covering licences, adoption and governance. ■ Create role-based and capability-based digital learning collections aligned with business priorities and individual development needs. ■ Drive engagement through targeted communications, manager activation and integration with broader talent processes. ■ Monitor participation, completion, learner feedback and application, using insights to improve content and return on investment. External partnerships ■ Source, assess and manage external training providers, coaches, facilitators, and specialist consultants. ■ Negotiate scope, commercial terms and service expectations, ensuring quality, consistency and measurable value. ■ Monitor relevant learning practices, technologies, introducing solutions that fit Adalvo’s needs. Talent Management & Development ■ Design and own Adalvo’s end-to-end talent management cycle, including talent reviews, performance assessment, succession planning, talent segmentation and development planning, ensuring a consistent global approach. ■ Lead talent analysis and translate insights into action, identifying talent and capability gaps, succession risks, high-potential talent, retention priorities and development needs, and providing leaders and HR with clear, data-driven recommendations. ■ Connect talent outcomes with L&D, translating talent reviews, succession and performance insights into targeted development plans, leadership programs, career development t journeys and learning solutions that build the capabilities required for future business needs . ■ Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, Organisational Psychology, Learning. ■ Significant progressive experience leading L&D, ideally within pharmaceutical, life sciences or another highly regulated international environment. ■ Proven experience owning the full L&D lifecycle and translating business needs into a practical, scalable learning strategy. ■ Strong instructional design capability and hands-on experience developing high-quality training materials and blended learning solutions. ■ Confident facilitator with experience delivering training to employees, managers and senior leaders. ■ Experience building digital learning strategies and driving adoption of platforms such as LinkedIn Learning and learning management systems. ■ Proven ability to select, negotiate with and manage external learning partners and coaches. ■ Strong project management, stakeholder management and communication skills across global functions and cultures. ■ Commercial and analytical mindset, with experience managing budgets and demonstrating learning impact. ■ Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on design and delivery in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial organisation. ■ Fluent English. Additional languages are an advantage.