Learning & Development Manager

The posting

The role:

We are looking for a Learning & Development Manager to join our HR department in London.

As the Learning & Development Manager, you will be responsible for running the Associate and Supervising Associate Promotion Schools, as well as setting the strategic direction for ‘stars’, the firm’s global skills academy for all staff. This role involves working with external suppliers to design and deliver effective training interventions.

What will you do:

• Lead the delivery of the Associate and Supervising Associate Promotion Schools, ensuring they equip our junior lawyers with the people, client and tech skills required in an increasingly AI-enabled legal environment.
• Set the strategic direction for ‘stars’, the firm’s global skills academy for all staff, and work with partner leads to design and deliver impactful learning.
• Help shape how L&D responds to AI and new ways of working, exploring how AI, agents and emerging technology can enhance learning and improve how the team operates.
• Work with the Head of Talent to identify emerging needs and develop new initiatives and offerings that respond to strategic priorities and capability gaps.
• Work closely and manage relationships with external suppliers to design and deliver workshops, incorporating feedback and insights from stakeholder conversations.
• Develop evaluation methods to measure the return on investment of training interventions.
• Manage the L&D budget for your programmes, ensuring strategic alignment and negotiating discounts with suppliers.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Business Development and client contacts to advise and deliver client training interventions as needed.
• Design and facilitate in-house sessions and panel discussions as needed.

What we are looking for:

• Demonstrable relevant experience of working in a similar L&D role for a minimum of three years, ideally within the legal field, or alternatively in a professional services environment.
• Experience with psychometric instruments is a plus.
• Excellent, established training and facilitation skills, for both in-person and virtual delivery.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills with the ability to balance competing priorities and achieve results.
• Excellent communicator (written and oral), with an ability to have robust conversations with senior people and adapt communication style to all levels and cultures.
• An international & commercially focused mind-set.
• Keeps up to date with L&D best practice to be able to apply this to solutions.
• Able to effectively manage juniors and support the career development of individuals.
• Confidently uses AI and agents in day-to-day work, actively exploring new tools and ways of working to improve quality, efficiency and impact.
• Excellent IT skills including Outlook, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Career Level:

The career level assigned to this role is level 4. The career level framework provides a formal structure for the business services functions at the firm. The framework, which ranges from level 1 to level 7, clearly defines the responsibilities, skills and competencies required at each level.

Here at Simmons & Simmons:

At Simmons, we are proud of our collaborative, open and non-hierarchical culture, where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and the wellbeing of our people is paramount. Our dynamic minds work as one integrated team, partnering with leading organisations on inspirational and thought-provoking projects that matter. From day one, irrespective of job title, qualification or background, everyone’s voice is heard, and you are encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will have a platform to excel, exceed your career ambitions, and achieve things you never thought possible.

Some key information:

• We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.
• Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).
• We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.
• We are proud to rank as a Times Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality, a Stonewall Top Global Employer, and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
• We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.
• We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.
• All UK offices have their own artwork collections – including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long-standing history in supporting the art community especially up-and-coming artists.
• We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firm's mission and support the delivery of our business plan, shaping the future of our next-generation law firm.
• Our in-house generative AI tool, Percy, won the ‘Innovation in Automation and AI Tools’ category at the 2024 FT Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards. This achievement highlights our commitment to technological innovation and client service.
• We have been commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 across three categories: construction, employment, and intellectual property. Our profile is highly positive, highlighting our sector specialisms and notable case and transactional work.

Equal opportunities:

We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to:

• Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families.
• Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require.
• Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs.
• We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We are looking for individuals who are passionate and eager to learn and grow with us. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

If you’re interested in finding out more about this position, please contact the Recruitment Team. To apply for the role, click on the link at the top of the page or visit our careers page for more details.