head of learning & development jobs

The Role

We're looking for a visionary Director of EdTech to lead digital learning, learning technology and AI-enabled educational innovation across the Realise Training Group.

This senior leadership role will shape and deliver our learning technology and AI strategy, enhancing learner experience, educational quality, operational effectiveness and commercial performance. Working closely with senior leaders across the business, you'll drive digital innovation, lead the Learning Technology & Product function and help establish Realise Training Group as a sector-leading provider of AI-enabled education.

- Lead the group-wide Learning Technology, AI and Digital Learning strategy.
- Act as the senior subject matter expert for learning technology, AI-enabled learning and digital innovation.
- Define the future vision for digital learning across apprenticeships, adult learning and vocational education.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and AI tools to drive innovation, efficiency and competitive advantage.
- Lead the development of scalable, market-leading digital learning products and learner experiences.
- Establish governance, standards and best practice for AI, learning design and educational technology.
- Drive adoption of AI-assisted content creation, automation and intelligent learning workflows.
- Ensure learning technology strategy aligns with quality, learner needs, operational delivery and commercial goals.
- Lead and develop the Learning Technology, Digital Product and Learning Design teams.
- Oversee the creation of engaging, accessible and data-informed learning experiences.
- Collaborate with key stakeholders to shape product, platform and technology strategy.
- Support the procurement, implementation and optimisation of learning technologies and systems.
- Use learner and performance data to drive continuous improvement and investment decisions.
- Represent Realise Training Group within ed-tech, AI and skills-sector networks.
- Monitor sector trends and emerging technologies to ensure Realise remains at the forefront of digital learning innovation.
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Where will I be based?

This is a home-based role with occasional travel required for meetings, events and collaboration across the Realise Training Group. This will be discussed further during the interview process.

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What Happens Next?
- The Realise Recruitment team will be in touch, regardless of the outcome.
- Our interview process is tailored to each role and can be in-person or held remotely.
- You can expect a two-stage interview process for this position, which will compromise of a one-hour formal interview, either in person or on Teams, where we will ask you a series of competency and behavioural questions, followed by a 2nd stage interview with two senior Managers and a presentation.
- As an inclusive employer please do let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.

About You

- Significant leadership experience within learning technology, ed-tech, digital learning or AI-enabled education.
- Proven track record of developing and delivering digital learning or technology strategies.
- Strong understanding of AI, learning technologies and digital learning design.
- Experience leading innovation, transformation or technology-enabled change programmes.
- Commercially aware, with the ability to evaluate technology investments and their impact.
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Confident influencing senior stakeholders and shaping strategic decisions.
- Strong understanding of learning platforms, digital ecosystems and emerging technologies.
- Experience within apprenticeships, vocational education or funded learning highly advantageous.
- Strategic, innovative and passionate about using technology to improve education and learner outcomes.

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About Us

- Realise helps more than 18,000 learners every year to achieve their goals. We only specialise in the areas we have in-depth expertise in, that’s early years & education, health & social care, transport, business skills, and adult skills.
- Our mission has always been clear, to deliver great training programmes.
- We promote the wellbeing of all our learners and our employees and are fully committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and fulfilling our Prevent Duty obligations.
- Please be aware that all successful applicants will undergo a DBS and online search check at the job offer stage. We request proof of qualifications and the Right to Work in the UK.
- Realise is committed to investing in the latest technology to support our learners and teams. As part of our quality assurance and training processes, we may occasionally record audio and visual content. By applying, you acknowledge and accept this as part of our working environment.
- Realise have been in business over 35 years from our humble roots in Sheffield, to over 500 employees UK-wide. We are proud of be a part of the AQA charity group.

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Bereavement leave
• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee mentoring programme
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Enhanced paternity leave
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Life insurance
• Private medical insurance
• Referral programme
• Sick pay
• Store discount
• Work from home

Experience:

• learning technology: 2 years (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: Remote