Workforce Development Manager

£325 per day | 3-month rolling contract | Inside IR35 | Hybrid - London or surrounding areas

We are seeking an experienced Workforce Development Manager to lead the design and delivery of a high-impact development programme for social care professionals. Working within a Centre of Excellence, you will oversee workforce planning, learning design, and staff development across the sector. You'll manage a small team and work closely with senior leaders, partners, and external providers to promote a culture of excellence, continuous learning, and professional growth.

• Lead the design, development, and delivery of a workforce development strategy for social care.

• Oversee programmes including ASYE (Assessed and Supported Year in Employment), Apprenticeships, Student Placements, and CPD pathways.

• Conduct training needs analyses and recommend innovative and inspiring development solutions.

• Commission high-quality training providers, manage tenders, and monitor delivery against agreed outcomes.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with external learning institutions, HEIs, regulators, and sector partners.

• Embed a performance-led culture across the team, managing up to 4 direct reports.

• Ensure learning provision reflects diversity, equality, and inclusion priorities.

• Drive the attraction, retention, and development of social care professionals.

• Support operational leaders with development pathways and emerging workforce needs.

• Produce reports, updates, and performance insights to inform strategic workforce planning.

• Substantial experience leading workforce development within social care, health, or related sectors.

• Strong understanding of national initiatives such as ASYE, Skills for Care frameworks, and Apprenticeship standards.

• Proven ability to design and deliver impactful training strategies in a complex, regulated environment.

• Confident managing budgets, procurement processes, and training commissioning.

• Excellent stakeholder management skills, including working with universities, regulators, and external partners.

• Strong leadership, coaching, and people management capabilities.

• Able to analyse workforce data to inform development priorities.

• Rate: £325 per day (Inside IR35)

• Duration: 3-month rolling contract (extension likely)

• Location: Hybrid working - on-site attendance required 1-2 days per week (London-based service)

• Start Date: ASAP