Senior Leadership Development Specialist

Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.  

You will be a dynamic and experienced Senior Leadership Development Specialist to lead the design and delivery of impactful leadership development initiatives. This role will focus on creating engaging webinars, skill-based learning experiences, and providing tailored support for senior leaders through executive development programs. The ideal candidate will be passionate about adult learning, leadership growth, and creating learner-centric experiences that drive performance and strategic alignment.

This position is a (P4) level

What will you be doing?

• Partner with the L&D Leadership Team and other key stakeholders to continue the development of the leadership development and learning strategy aligned to Smith+Nephew's vision, goals, and values.

• Create a framework to support and guide the implementation of innovative learning ideas and models across leadership development, to further evolve the People Leader Academy.

• Support the organization through an innovation journey, championing a culture of learning maturity through innovation, agility, and adaptability.

Learning design

• Develop and facilitate high-impact virtual sessions focused on leadership topics, aligned with business needs and leadership competencies.

Leadership development

• Design modular, practical learning solutions that build core leadership capabilities across levels, using a blend of formats (e.g., digital, live, experiential).

• Partner with senior leaders to identify development needs and deliver bespoke learning experiences, coaching, and resources that support strategic goals.

Performance measurement

• Work with business leaders and managers to establish metrics and analytics frameworks to measure the effectiveness and impact of leadership development initiatives, driving continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.

Stakeholder engagement

• Collaborate with key stakeholders across HR, business units, and external partners to ensure alignment, buy-in, and successful implementation of leadership development and learning initiatives.

• Engage with external vendors where appropriate to bring the best practices and cutting-edge solutions to S+N.

What will you need to be successful?

• Education: Minimum bachelor's degree (Business, Human Resources, or relevant subject) or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Fluent in English

• Experience: At least 2 years of proven experience as a Leadership Development Specialist or similar role, preferably in a corporate environment.

• Strong knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional design methodologies, and learning evaluation models.

• Proficiency in designing and delivering a variety of learning interventions, , instructor-led training, and blended learning solutions.

• Familiarity with learning technologies.

• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines concurrently.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess learning needs, design effective solutions, and measure impact.

• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and inspire learners at all levels of the organization.

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to adapt to change, embrace innovation, and stay current with emerging trends in the learning and development field.

• Relevant certifications in learning and development, instructional design, or talent development are desirable.

Competences:

• Learning Performance Analysis Skills: A strong background in learning and development practices and procedures. Ability to collect and synthesize large quantities of quantitative and qualitative data, recognizing trends and develop recommendations based on analysis. Applies experience to resolve problems and decides on courses of action.

• Business acumen/Knows the business. Commercially aware and understands the business and can translate strategy into clear action plans. Uses insight of the business environment to improve business outcomes. Ability to work effectively and establish positive relationships with senior managers, employees, colleagues at all levels within the organisation, and external stakeholders in a way that establishes confidence, credibility, and trust.

• Communication and Collaboration skills: Excellent written and verbal communication with exposure to working with stakeholders at a senior level. Effectively listens, can express ideas in written format and verbal format clearly, succinctly, and persuasively.

• Leadership: Ability to lead project teams, manage the matrix and provide vision and direction to project team members.

• Customer Focused: Thinks customer first and anticipates current and future needs. Acts with customers in mind and is dedicated to meeting the expectations and needs of internal customers. Uses first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in learning solutions.

• Initiative: Able to work independently and receives minimal guidance from leadership, able to reach agreements and consensus despite differing priorities.

• Team skills: Can be equally effective participating on team (as member) and on an individual basis. Works towards the organizational best interest rather than personal interests. Manages well across the matrix through individuals and processes both at a function level and across the business. Uses networks in strategic activities to achieve better business & in particular people outcomes. Relates well to people at all levels. Builds effective relationships and gains trust and respect.

• Problem Solving: Can solve problems; takes a new perspective on existing solutions; exercises judgment based on analysis of multiple sources of information. Analyses situations and applies critical thinking to resolve situations and advises on courses of action.

• Reputation for Delivery: Consistently delivers against agreed milestones, is responsive and realistic about time/resources to deliver. Anticipates and prevents future problems, taking charge to bring about change and taking initiative within role. Has the ability to persuade key stakeholders to drive results. Develops and evaluates solutions to problems and implements solutions. Applies systematic thinking to identify new solutions. Able to win impact and influence regardless of organisation boundaries and relationships.

You. Unlimited

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve. 

Inclusion and Equity- Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Diversity, Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website.

Other reasons why you will love it here

• Your future: Stock purchase program, referral bonus, subsidy in transport and food, recognition program.

• Work/Life Balance: Extra days off, birthday off, voluntary hours.

• Your Wellbeing: company doctor, medical insurance, gym, health campaigns, employee assistance program, parental leave. 

• Flexibility: Hybrid work model (for more professional roles), flexible schedules.

• Training: Training program, unlimited learning.

• Extra perks: employees association, and more…

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