Learning And Development Manager

Description:

The Learning and Development Manager (LDM) plays a vital leadership role within the Learning Network (LN) of The Methodist Church. As part of the Ministries and Learning Team within the Connexional Team, the LDM will help advance the mission and vision of the Methodist Church by overseeing learning, training, and development initiatives that empower both lay and ordained members.

The LN is a collaborative network of over 30 staff members operating across the Methodist Church in Britain. Each Learning and Development Manager provides strategic oversight and leadership to a team of Learning and Development Officers (LDOs) within designated geographical regions. This position requires residence within or near the Cymru Wales, West Midlands, South West, or South East Methodist Districts, covering areas such as Bedfordshire, Essex & Hertfordshire, Bristol, Channel Islands, East Anglia, Lincolnshire, London, Northampton, Nottingham & Derby, Southampton, South East, South West Peninsula, Wales Synod Cymru, and the West Midlands.

In this role, you will be responsible for the strategic leadership and management of the Learning Network, ensuring that all training and development programs align with the Church’s wider mission — to foster discipleship, worship, service, and evangelism. You will work collaboratively with the Director of Ministry Learning, other LDMs, and Church leaders to implement strategic learning initiatives that strengthen the Church’s capacity to respond to changing needs.

You will also cultivate partnerships across districts, circuits, and congregations, encouraging the sharing of talents and experiences to enhance spiritual and professional growth. The position involves some travel across regions, including overnight stays, weekend, and evening work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic shared leadership within the Learning Network.

• Lead, manage, and support Learning and Development Officers (LDOs) across assigned regions.

• Develop, implement, and review the Learning Network’s strategic work plan alongside other LDMs and leadership teams.

• Build and maintain strong relationships across the Connexional Team and with external stakeholders.

• Promote collaboration and partnership between lay and ordained members.

• Encourage the sharing of skills, experiences, and best practices across Church communities.

• Manage multiple priorities effectively, meeting deadlines in a complex environment.

• Represent the Methodist Church’s values in all areas of learning and leadership.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Proven record in learning and development, education, or training management.

• Strong leadership and team coordination skills, ideally across a dispersed workforce.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.

• Experience in strategic planning and operational management.

• Commitment to the values, mission, and calling of The Methodist Church.

• Knowledge of the Welsh language would be advantageous.

About The Methodist Church:

The Methodist Church is a vibrant and inclusive faith community committed to worship, learning, service, and evangelism. Its mission is to respond to the gospel of God’s love in Christ by nurturing discipleship, promoting justice, and building compassionate communities.

The Church’s Learning Network exists to help members grow in faith, leadership, and service, providing structured learning and development opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen local ministries.

The Methodist Church welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and is deeply committed to diversity and inclusion.

Our Culture, Values, and Benefits:

The Methodist Church fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment that values professional excellence, wellbeing, and work-life balance. Employees enjoy:

• 25 days’ annual leave plus 3 additional days over Christmas/New Year.

• Generous occupational pension scheme (employer contribution up to 16%).

• Flexible working, time-off-in-lieu (TOIL), and flexi-leave arrangements.

• Enhanced maternity/paternity pay and sick pay.

• Health and wellbeing support, including on-site Wellbeing Adviser services.

• Training and professional development opportunities.

• Other benefits such as season ticket loans, eye test vouchers, removal leave, and annual quiet days.