Job Purpose:

The Head of Learning & Development (L&D) is accountable for developing, leading, and implementing the L&D strategy across the GWS Global Local business. This is achieved through the design and delivery of effective learning tools, programs and solutions which enable the achievement of the Local business strategic business plans and goals and embeds their Target Operating Model (TOM). 

The role requires close partnership and collaboration with the GWS Global Local People Partner community and business leadership teams to create, implement and deliver a comprehensive range of tools and programs that focuses on key areas such as talent development, business unit development, client solutions delivery, career development and people management/leadership capability.  This role is also responsible for representing GWS Global Local as part of the global GWS L&D Team, leading the implementation and delivery of globally led programs and acting as a vocal champion for the Local business L&D needs.

This role will be required to work in close partnership with key business leaders as well as the dedicated GWS Talent Managers and the other dedicated GWS L&D partners to ensure alignment on key initiatives.

The Head of L&D will be an innovative thinker who understands the demands of creating and maintaining a talent led business and therefore brings industry leading thinking to assess/evaluate, build or source learning solutions and practices that meet the organisation’s needs in all areas of L&D with the purpose to position GWS as a market-leading employer which provides world-class talent, learning & development opportunities which acts to position GWS as an employer of choice.    

To be successful the Head of L&D will be a subject matter expert and be a visible and vocal leader, not afraid to be innovative or disruptive to achieve the best outcomes.  At all times this role will act with the highest amounts of integrity and professional standards.  

Key Responsibilities:

Change Management

• Act as a change expert, making sure that learning & development interventions are at the core of change programs and supporting leaders in delivery.

Organisational Culture

• Create and deliver initiatives that align, preserve, and develop the CBRE RISE values and desired GWS culture

Global Learning & Development Team

• Act as an ambassador for GWS Global Local

• Actively participate in the development of global L&D programs, projects, and initiatives.  

• Participate in regular L&D meetings and forums to knowledge share and be a decision maker in Talent and Learning strategic initiatives.

 Internal Stakeholders

• Build and maintain regular, high quality contact with key internal stakeholders

Leadership

• Understand what is required in each area of the business and develop L&D plans that focus on the delivery of those outcomes

• Provide input on L&D policies and processes, policy development (in line with country practices) and in achieving business plans and growth

• Provide insight and practices from outside of CBRE to stretch internal thinking/practices and advise internal stakeholders on current and future market capabilities.

• Ensure that the business is always compliant with internal policy requirements and external legal requirements and take all steps necessary to make sure this always remains the case.  

Learning & Development Programmes

• Deliver L&D programs that support the attraction, development, and retention of talent 

• Ensure proposed learning solutions fit within clearly defined budgetary parameters prior to delivery of learning solutions to internal clients

• Leverage existing vendor relationships for learning solutions related to purchased, developed, or facilitated content.  Properly vet new vendors as needed

• Where applicable develop business subject matter experts (SMEs) into facilitators or L&D champions to support program delivery

• Leverage the CBRE Talent & Learning platform (Talent Coach) and report regularly on ROI and success metric

• Work with business leaders and SMEs to deliver properly certified courses (where applicable) and ensure are updated/renewed as and when necessary

Learning & Development Team

• Attract, recruit and retain members of the L&D Team and provide coaching and career development

• Motivate and lead the L&D team and create a high-performance, results-based culture

Education

Essential

• Degree in Business or Human Resources or related discipline training & assessment qualified in equivalent country industry body

Desirable

Master’s degree or equivalent business background

Skills

• Superior written and verbal communication skills with strong oral presentation skills

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office suite.  

• Highly client focused towards internal and external customers, with relentless aim on driving value and solutions that further the company’s goals and objectives

• High level communication skills to leverage genuine engagement with cross functional and cross business teams to implement strategies and solutions

• Capable of working in a highly matrix environment

• Builds productive and trusting relationships with employees, peers, and leaders across the organisation

• High level of geographical cultural awareness with the ability to adapt style and requirements to meet the desired business outcomes within a region/country

• Solid L&D facilitation and delivery capabilities

• Innovative, creative, and able to challenge the status quo

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge of best practice and leading innovation in the L&D arena

• Knowledge of working with workers councils and unions within the necessary countries (if applicable)

Desirable

• Experience in Learning Management Systems (LMS) implementation and maintenance

Experience

Essential

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive L&D experience within an MNC

• Demonstrated creation of innovative and scalable programmes, tools and resources to support the delivery of the People agenda

• Experience of being an effective influencer and trusted advisor

• Able to operate in a fast paced and high-volume business with strong resilience and an ability to lead and manage change

• Have managed L&D budgets with knowledge of financial terms and principles and conduct financial analysis

Desirable

• Worked in a commercially focused role in a low margin environment