Learning and Culture Lead

ABOUT OLDHAM COLLEGE

Oldham College is one of the largest further education providers in Greater Manchester, supporting thousands of students each year to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need for their future.

We work closely with local employers, universities, and community partners to deliver education and training that meets the needs of our region. Our staff play a vital role in creating a supportive, inclusive environment where students and colleagues can thrive.

Every role at the College contributes to helping people achieve their potential.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Learning and Culture Lead to join our HR team at Oldham College at an exciting time in the development of our approach to people, learning and culture.

As the College continues to develop its approach to people, learning and culture, there is an increasing focus on creating the conditions in which people can thrive, teams can work effectively and we can perform at our best. Working closely with the Director of HR and OD, HR colleagues and managers across the College, you will help develop management capability, improve the experience of working at the College and support more effective ways of working.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

A key part of the role will be designing and delivering engaging learning and development opportunities that help managers build the skills and confidence to lead their teams effectively. However, this is about more than training. You will also work with managers and teams to understand their challenges, identify opportunities for improvement and develop practical approaches that strengthen team effectiveness, working relationships and organisational culture.

You will also lead the coordination of the College-wide Supporting for Excellence programme and Leading for Excellence programme, bringing together opportunities for staff and teams to develop, share good practice and improve how they work.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about developing people, curious about how organisations work and motivated by making a positive difference to the experience of staff and managers.

In this role you will:

• Design and deliver engaging learning and development opportunities to build management skills and confidence.
• Develop practical guidance, tools and resources to support effective people management.
• Lead the coordination of the College-wide Supporting for Excellence programme.
• Work with managers and teams to identify challenges, improve working relationships and strengthen team effectiveness.
• Support staff engagement and wider People and Culture initiatives, using feedback and insight to identify opportunities for improvement.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

We are looking for someone who is passionate about developing people and improving how organisations work. You might be an HR professional with a strong interest in learning and development and organisational development, or you could come from an educational or operational background, such as teaching, curriculum or programme leadership, with experience of developing people and improving engagement.

Whatever your background, you will bring:

• Experience of developing people, whether through learning and development, coaching, mentoring, training or leading teams.
• An understanding of what helps people and teams work well, with the ability to recognise challenges and identify practical ways to improve how teams work together.
• The ability to design and facilitate engaging learning, development or team improvement activities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships, engage others and turn ideas into practical improvements.

A relevant Level 7 CIPD qualification and Chartered Membership (or working towards), particularly with a focus on learning and development, would be an advantage. However, we are equally interested in hearing from people with a strong background in education who bring experience of developing people, supporting others and improving working practices.

If you would like to find out more about the role before applying, please contact Claire Symons (Executive Director of HR and OD) by email on [email protected]

WHY JOIN US

We offer a supportive working environment with opportunities to develop and progress. Benefits include:

• 49 days’ holiday, supporting work–life balance, including 30 bookable days plus bank holidays, efficiency days, and Christmas closure
• Pension contributions of 16.8%
• Free counselling and wellbeing support
• Retail discounts through our benefits platform
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Paid special leave
• Training and development opportunities
• Free breakfast Fridays
• On-site facilities including canteens and a day nursery
• Free parking and electric car scheme
• Cycle to work scheme

INCLUSION AND FLEXIBILITY

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

We support the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from serving personnel, veterans, and military families.

Flexible working options may be available depending on the role.

SAFEGUARDING

The College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

This role is subject to pre-employment checks, which may include an enhanced DBS check, DfE barred list check, online searches, and references.

It is a criminal offence under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 to apply for regulated activity roles if barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.

USE OF AI IN APPLICATIONS

We recognise that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their application. If you do use AI, please ensure the information you submit accurately reflects your own skills, experience, and achievements. You may be asked to discuss your application during the recruitment process.

HOW TO APPLY

Please review the job description and person specification and submit your application by the closing date of 29th November 2026. Interviews are scheduled to take place week commencing 7th December 2026.

Join us and be part of a College where together, we invest in your future.