Main information
Term type:
Permanent
Department:
Human Resources
Location:
London
The firm
Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) is a sector-focused international law firm with extensive expertise and industry insight across its core sectors of energy, infrastructure and transport. Through its network of 19 offices, the firm advises clients on complex, high-value transactions and disputes – matters requiring precise legal execution and a nuanced understanding of global market dynamics.
The firm’s success is driven by its people. It fosters a collaborative, inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can grow, share ideas and make an impact. Guided by its values –We are experts, We are united and We care – the firm delivers exceptional service through strong relationships and teamwork. The firm is committed to clear career paths, championing diversity and investing in its people so they can thrive.
Role overview
The Learning & Development Manager will report to the Senior Learning & Development Manager and will work as part of the global L&D team.
This is a global, full-time role which provides a great opportunity for an experienced L&D Manager to get involved in a wide variety of existing and new projects in this growing and well-regarded team.
The L&D Manager will have day-to-day responsibility for Apprentices, Trainees, and all Global Business Functions (GBF) programmes (including managers and legal PAs). They will also be managing such processes as Continuing Competence Regime, regulatory training and ad hoc projects depending on team and business needs. The core of the role will be to ensure that everyone within the listed populations has the requisite knowledge and skills to fulfil their current job roles to the highest standard and can identify and have the opportunity to develop for their future.
Key activities/responsibilities
- Build relationships with key stakeholders globally.
- Manage allocated global L&D programmes:
- Update and develop existing programmes based on training needs analysis and the feedback received;
- Build engagement, publicise and promote the offering;
- Source external providers where needed;
- Deliver and/or co-deliver some of the content.
- Deliver training: deliver skills training on the GBF Managers Development Programme, GBF Development Programme, and Trainee Skills Development Programme.
- Continuing Competence Regime (CCR): ensuring all E&W qualified lawyers globally are compliant with SRA regulatory training requirements.
- Legal Apprenticeships: working with the Early Careers Team to implement our new legal apprentices training programme as well as oversee development of business functions apprentices.
- LMS: working with the L&D Coordinator and L&D Apprentice to ensure that Cornerstone Learning Management System is used to maximum impact.
- People management: Provide support and supervision to the L&D Coordinator and L&D Apprentice.
- Compulsory Regulatory Training: working with all members of the L&D team to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, e.g. Anti-Money Laundering annual refreshers.
Overview of global L&D programmes
Associate Development Programmes
- WFW University: junior associates (up to 4 PQE), to help them become the best lawyers they can be and introduce them to key business skills.
- WFW MBF: Mastering Business Fundamentals (our mini-MBA programme), for mid-level associates, partnering with Oxford SaÏd Business School, to help them become business professionals, with a deeper understanding of the corporate and commercial world.
- Senior Lawyers Induction (SLI) – a 6-month programme, including x2 full days in one of our office locations, developing skills needed after promotion to Senior Associate, including Financial Management, Managing People and Business Development.
- Future Leaders Programme (FLP) – x2 full days in one of our office locations, a follow-on to the SLI.
- Partner Candidates Development Centre (PCDC) – our 2-year programme for Partner candidates, a mix of remote and in-person sessions. Helping them to develop a strong business case, support them through the partner promotion process and prepare for the role as a partner.
Global Business Functions Development Programmes
We run two programmes for our Global Business Functions (GBF) teams: a Managers Development Programme and the GBF Development Programme for all staff.
Skills and experience – desired
- Several years’ experience as an L&D professional in a corporate or commercial environment
- Sufficient experience in a Manager role
- Experience of working in a professional services firm (ideally a law firm)
- Effective skills facilitator and trainer
- Able to initiate, develop and design engaging and interactive skills training sessions
- Confidence in dealing with senior internal clients and external providers
- Recent experience of working with an LMS (preferably Cornerstone)
- Well organised and pro-active with a keen eye for detail and completer/finisher
- Creative thinker, able to see problems from different angles and suggest alternative solutions
- Self-starter, proactive and resilient with a can-do-attitude and stamina
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
- Ability to challenge the status quo, influence others and to think laterally when faced with work challenges
QUALIFICATIONS:
Degree and/or professional qualification (e.g. CIPD) desirable but not essential (including possibly former qualification as a lawyer).
Benefits
We offer a competitive benefits and wellbeing package for all employees.
Additional information
The Firm promotes a culture of agility and flexibility and is fully supportive of flexible working arrangements where these can be accommodated.
Equal opportunities
Diversity and inclusion are integral to the firm’s strategy and underpin its efforts to attract and retain top talent. All employment decisions are made objectively, based on merit and ability and the firm is committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment. As a Disability Confident employer, WFW welcomes adjustments for candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions and participates in the Disability Confident interview scheme. If you would like to apply through this scheme or require adjustments during any stage of the process, please contact [email protected].
