Learning and Development Programme Manager (12-month mat cover)

About Us

The FT has an uncompromising mission: delivering independent, quality information, news and services to individuals and companies around the globe. It’s the cornerstone of our reputation and the heart of our ambitions for the future. But for our people, the FT offers so much more than what we do. FT people come from all kinds of backgrounds and work across a huge range of disciplines and locations, and find an empowering, warm and welcoming culture that values curiosity and rewards smart, ambitious thinking. Those who are willing to unite around our mission and live our values will find plenty to challenge, inspire and interest them. Like the audiences we serve, no two FT people are the same; but together we help our audience be better informed and understand the world around them. It’s a job that’s never mattered more, and a career that can take you anywhere you want to go.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace

At the FT, we aim for employees across all regions to have a voice so that diverse perspectives are heard and valued. We believe that a supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves at work and have the flexibility they need to meet their personal needs. We'll continue to remove barriers for all, and in particular barriers facing employees from underrepresented groups.

Are you a creative problem-solver that can adapt different learning techniques to help drive organisational change? Can you enhance a nascent but successful Data & AI Academy to take the next step towards enhancing data & AI fluency at a complex and evolving organisation? 

If so, this is an exciting opportunity to help shape a core capability at the Financial Times. 

Role Background

One of the world’s leading global business news publishers - the Financial Times - is recognised as an innovator within the media industry, pioneering successful new digital business models and delivery alongside world-class journalism. Within this dynamic, customer-centric organisation reacting to a fast-moving digital environment, the data & analytics team plays a pivotal role in driving the success of the FT, helping to shape all areas of our organisation.

In 2023 we launched Data Academy, a 17 module programme consisting of 15 in person training sessions and 2 e-learning modules designed to increase data fluency across the organisation. Internal data & analytics subject matter experts developed and delivered the in-person training sessions. The Data & Analytics L&D Programme Manager set the strategy for the programme, launched it and helped shape the content with the SMEs.

The success has been tremendous. Demand outstripped supply and we have fantastic numbers to report: 

• Within the first two month we had over 520 attendees across 1,170 attendances 
• An average feedback score of 9.2/10 and average facilitator score of 9.5/10

In 2024, we now have a Board sponsored key objective for 2024 to establish AI fluency and build upon our strong data foundations. This is a critical time to join this business and a sector that is at the centre of the AI revolution and looking to rapidly evolve.

Why we are excited about this role

With our Data & Analytics L&D Programme Manager going on maternity leave, we have an exciting opportunity for a L&D professional to put their mark on the FT by taking our Data Academy to the next level. 

Using the strong foundation of the Data Academy, we want the next year to also incorporate AI content (and be rebranded at the Data & AI Academy) and incorporate new types of learning interventions, focused on practical application. 

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious L&D professional to have a widespread impact on the skills and data fluency of a world-class organisation. 

In this role you will: 

• Be embedded within the Data Value & Strategy team, as part of the wider Data & Analytics department
• Work closely with the Data & Analytics team, subject matter experts and relevant stakeholders to design content & learning interventions that are balanced for ROI and lead to application of data fluency skills
• Evolve our existing Data Academy into a Data & AI Academy - working closely with relevant teams, working groups and subject matter experts internally 
• Conduct comprehensive learning needs analysis to support the delivery of business initiatives/objectives, such as increased audience engagement
• Use learning personas to shape the strategy, format and content of Data & AI Academy 
• Champion our ‘digital first’ approach that challenges the traditional thinking of classroom-based training being the norm
• Lead with curiosity and ask questions - if you need clarity others at the FT will need clarity too
• Review existing learning materials produced by in house and third parties to determine appropriateness and relevance
• Design and utilise measurement tools and feedback mechanisms to evaluate the effectiveness & value of existing and new learning material/approaches
• Providing regular updates and adapting plans to requirements as necessary
• Work with regional teams to ensure training alignment globally, allowing for regional differences where appropriate

Experience/skills you need to be successful in this role 

Essential

• Excellent leadership & coaching skills
• Excellent track record in designing and executing successful online and face-to-face learning strategies & programmes 
• Significant experience in systems and process-oriented learning programme delivery 
• Experience in managing stakeholder expectations and working with ‘subject-matter experts’, especially within Data/Analytics
• In-depth understanding of adult learning principles and their application in traditional and modern training methods (mentoring, coaching, on-the-job or in-classroom training, e-learning, online, workshops, simulations etc) 
• Ability to plan, multi-task and manage time effectively
• Experience of working with global remote teams using excellent communication and collaboration skills, and cultural sensitivity
• Strong writing and record-keeping abilities for reports and training manuals

Desirable

• A background in subscription or membership industry
• Training qualification/certification
• Experience of working within an Agile environment and/or with Agile development teams
• Development of instructor manuals 
• Experience of creating and working with eLearning products
• Experience of training through gamification
• Excellent Google Suite skills
• An understanding of data & data principles

What’s in it for you? Our Benefits

Our benefits vary depending on location, but we are committed to providing best in class perks across all our offices as well as an inclusive environment to develop your career. Examples of our benefits include; generous annual leave allowances, flexible working (including working from home), medical cover, enhanced maternity & paternity packages, subsidised gym memberships and Giving Back opportunities.  Full details of our benefits can be found here.

Further Information

The FT are committed to providing an inclusive working environment for all. We are an equal opportunities employer who seeks to recruit and appoint the best talent regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. We also promote flexible working and will consider specific requests around flexibility for all roles where it can be accommodated. Please let us know if you require any adjustments as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements, or have any questions, please contact a member of our HR team who will be happy to help.

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