What you’ll do
We’re looking for a Head of Learning & Knowledge to lead the firm’s approach to learning, professional development and knowledge management.
In this role, you’ll work closely with senior stakeholders, Heads of Department, Knowledge Lawyers and colleagues across HR, Risk and IT to ensure our people have the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to deliver excellent client service and support the firm’s strategic objectives.
You’ll lead and develop a small team while taking ownership of the firm’s learning and knowledge strategy. This will include overseeing technical legal training, leadership development, professional skills programmes and knowledge-sharing initiatives, ensuring they are aligned to business priorities, regulatory requirements and future talent needs.
You’ll play a key role in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development across the firm, helping colleagues at all stages of their careers reach their potential. You’ll also provide strategic direction for the firm’s knowledge resources, ensuring expertise and best practice are shared effectively and remain accessible across the business.
Working closely with stakeholders, you’ll help drive the adoption of legal technology, AI and new ways of working, ensuring colleagues are equipped with the skills and support needed to maximise their impact. You’ll also oversee the governance, evaluation and continuous improvement of learning and knowledge activity, using data and insight to measure success and inform future investment.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a strategically important function and shape how learning, knowledge and professional development support the firm's future success.
Who you are
You'll bring substantial experience in learning, knowledge, professional development or professional support within a legal or professional services environment. Comfortable working with partners and senior stakeholders, you'll be able to identify priorities, influence decision-making and help shape the firm's approach to developing its people and sharing knowledge.
You'll have experience designing and delivering development initiatives that support both individual and business performance. With a strong understanding of the legal sector, you'll be confident overseeing technical legal training, leadership development and professional skills programmes, ensuring they remain relevant, practical and aligned with firmwide objectives.
You'll be an effective people leader with experience managing teams and working across legal and business services functions. Organised and pragmatic in your approach, you'll be able to manage competing priorities, resources and budgets while delivering high-quality outcomes.
Using data and feedback to inform decision-making, you'll continuously look for ways to improve and evolve the firm's learning and knowledge offering. You'll be a strong communicator, able to build credibility quickly and develop effective working relationships across the business.
You may be a qualified lawyer or have built your expertise through experience in legal learning, knowledge management, professional support or professional development. An interest in technology, including AI and emerging learning tools, will help you identify new opportunities and ways of working.
Most importantly, you'll be passionate about creating an environment where people can learn, develop and perform at their best.
Your Career. Our Commitment.
At Ashfords, we believe in more than just doing great work - we believe in building a great place to work.
When you join us, you become part of a team where everything we do is underpinned by our four core values: Be Open, Think Team, Make a Difference and Always Grow. These values shape who we are and how we work - they guide our decisions, influence our culture, and drive the way we support our people, clients and communities.
With a clear focus on innovation, community involvement, and supporting a healthy work-life balance, we are committed to building an environment where our people can have a rewarding and meaningful career.
Whilst we recognise that every career journey is unique, we will be ambitious for you, giving you the tools, trust, and opportunities to develop your career, your way.
Our goal? To help you realise your full potential as part of a forward-thinking team.
Our offer
We know that our people are at the heart of everything we do – and that’s why we’re committed to supporting your wellbeing, growth and work-life balance.
Beyond our benefits package, you’ll be encouraged, no matter what your role or career level, to get involved in our Responsible Business programme, where you’ll support initiatives such as charity fundraising, environmental causes and our employee led diversity and inclusion groups.
You can find out more about our benefits by visiting the Reward & Wellbeing page on our website.
What’s next?
Our recruitment process typically involves two stages, which are designed not only to explore your skills and experience but also to give you a real insight into what it’s like to work at Ashfords. Throughout the process, our dedicated Talent Attraction team will be here to support you every step of the way.
We believe that building a firm with a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences drives innovation and strengthens our teams, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
To support your growth, we offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help you reach your full potential – so even if you don’t feel you match all the requirements of the job role, we’d still love to hear from you.
At Ashfords, we’re committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to succeed.
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or would like to discuss anything regarding your application, please contact us at [email protected].
For an informal and confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact
Kitty Hughes, Talent Attraction Assistant - [email protected].
Or apply now, and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
