Group Learning & Development Succession Lead

Location: Howden, East Yorkshire (with UK-wide travel)

Salary: Competitive, with excellent benefits

Contract: Permanent, Full-time

Are you an exceptional Learning & Development Lead with a track record for driving organisational excellence?

Howdens is looking for a Group Learning & Development Succession Lead to join our Learning and development team. Reporting to the Head of Learning and Development, this pivotal role will define and implement strategies to develop internal talent across key roles, including our Senior Leadership team.

What you’ll be doing as a Group Learning & Development Succession Lead:

• Driving the design and execution of talent development and succession strategies, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Building and sustaining a robust internal pipeline of leadership talent and preparing future leaders for critical roles.
• Partnering with HR Business Partners and senior leaders to identify critical roles and address future skills needs.
• Leading the creation of coaching, mentorship, and development programmes that inspire continuous learning and engagement.
• Shaping and implementing innovative approaches to succession planning, mitigating risk while unlocking individual and organisational potential.
• Using data and KPIs and measurable outcomes to assess programme impact, ensuring initiatives drive meaningful business benefits.

 What we are looking for:

• Demonstrable experience as a Head of or Senior Learning & Development role.
• Extensive experience in succession planning, internal talent development, or organisational development at a senior level.
• A track record of designing, delivering, and evaluating initiatives that achieve measurable outcomes.
• Ability to inspire and influence senior stakeholders to drive business change.
• Adept at designing forward-thinking solutions that align with business objectives.
• A compelling communicator with the ability to inspire growth and foster collaboration across all levels.

 What we can offer you:

• Competitive salary and annual company bonus
• Company car or car allowance
• Competitive Pension Plan with a maximum company contribution of 12%
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays with the option to buy additional days
• Free onsite car parking
• Free or subsidised lunch at our onsite canteen
• Staff Discount.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional Reward and Recognition events

About Us:

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 800 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. With an ambitious and credible growth plan, we continue to build on our £2.3 billion sales made last year.

There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment.  That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, are among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens – and why we have been named one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.

How to apply:

The closing date is January 6^th, and successful applicants will be contacted in the New Year.

We are building a future where world-class service, innovation, and sustainability are embedded within our DNA. If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career as part of the learning and development team, then we are keen to hear from you.

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Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.