Learning & Development Partner

Welsh Language Commitment

This advert and the full job description are available in both English and Cymraeg. Candidates are welcome to submit applications and participate in interviews in either language.

Building the Opera Company of the future.

We are at a defining moment in our history. Welsh National Opera Cenedlaethol Cymru was born in the post-war spirit of democracy, fuelled by a national passion for human connection through song. In its 80th anniversary year, we are committed to reimagining the company as a contemporary opera company, fit for the 21st century, rooted in Wales but international in its ambition. We want to reimagine what opera can be today, positioning WNOCC as a pioneering, brave and joyful force in the UK’s live arts ecology. We want to champion increased diversity on our stages and in our audiences and prove that opera is the dynamic art form of our time.

In this next chapter, we seek an exceptional Learning and Development Partner.

The Learning and Development Partner will work closely with leaders, managers and colleagues across Welsh National Opera to identify learning and development needs and deliver solutions that support organisational priorities, individual growth and workforce capability.

The postholder will lead the design, delivery and evaluation of learning and development initiatives that enhance skills, performance and organisational effectiveness across WNO. This will include leadership and management development, mandatory and role-specific training, professional development opportunities and initiatives that support employee engagement, wellbeing and organisational culture.

Working in partnerships with managers and teams across the organisation, the Learning and Development Partner will help foster a culture of continuous learning, collaboration and development that enables colleagues to perform at their best and supports WNO's strategic objectives.

Essential Criteria

• Degree-level qualification in Learning & Development, Human Resources, Organisational Development or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Significant experience in a Learning & Development, Organisational Development or People Development role.
• Proven experience of designing, developing and delivering learning and development programmes using a range of delivery methods including face-to-face, virtual and e-learning.
• Experience of undertaking training needs analysis and translating findings into practical learning solutions.
• Experience of delivering leadership and management development initiatives.
• Experience of working with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and digital learning platforms.
• Experience of evaluating the effectiveness and impact of learning interventions and producing meaningful reports and recommendations.
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles and learning and development best practice.
• Excellent presentation, facilitation and communication skills.
• Strong coaching, influencing and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
• Strong project management and organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to analyse information, identify trends and use data to inform decision-making.
• High levels of professionalism, discretion and confidentiality.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications and learning systems.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Desirable Criteria

• CIPD qualification or specialist Learning & Development qualification.
• Coaching, mentoring or leadership development accreditation.
• Experience of organisational development, culture change or employee engagement initiatives.
• Experience of developing e-learning content and blended learning programmes.
• Experience of working within the arts, cultural, charitable or not-for-profit sector.
• Knowledge of workforce planning, succession planning and talent development approaches.
• Ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh.
• Understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities associated with a touring arts organisation.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We recognise that talented people sometimes hesitate to apply unless they meet every requirement. Research shows this is particularly true for women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, disabled and neurodivergent people, and those from working-class backgrounds. If this feels like your ideal role, even if your experience does not align perfectly with every criterion, we encourage you to apply anyway. Your perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to help build the opera company of the future.

Reasonable Adjustments

WNO is committed to an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. If you need any adjustments to support your application or interview, please email [email removed]. We are committed to supporting you at every stage of the process.

How to Apply

For further information, please download the full job description.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role, require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, or find the online application form inaccessible, please contact: [email removed].