Head of Learning & Development

Searchlight Ventures is the group company for The Light Cinemas, Light Entertainment and All Star Lanes
. We operate a growing network of cinema, entertainment and hospitality venues across the UK, bringing together film, leisure activities, food and drink to create memorable experiences for our guests.

As our business continues to expand this is an important stage for our business development so we are seeking an experienced and forward‑thinking Head of Learning & Development to lead and shape our learning strategy across the organisation.

Head of Learning & Development is a key leadership role responsible for creating a high‑impact learning culture that supports business objectives, strengthens leadership capability, and enables employees to perform and grow. Reporting to the People Director, the role works closely with HR and Operations to address capability gaps, raise standards and improve consistency across sites.

The Head of L&D is expected to stay close to operations, focus on what actually improves performance and challenge activity that doesn’t add value.

• Own business wide capability, with a focus on leadership and management effectiveness
• Lead and evolve performance and development frameworks
• Ensure leadership, management and compliance training is effective and consistent
• Develop practical learning solutions for a fast‑paced, multi‑site environment
• Align recruitment and development activity to support future capability needs
• Drive internal progression, succession planning and high‑potential talent development
• Own learning systems, content and engagement
• Ensure learning content remains relevant, accessible and effective
• Partner with HR and operational leaders on capability and performance priorities
• Focus on high‑value interventions that improve performance
• Lead the Recruitment Manager and create alignment across recruitment, onboarding and development

You’ll be an experienced L&D leader who understands how to build capability in a fast‑moving, operational environment. You’re as comfortable shaping strategy as you are rolling up your sleeves to deliver practical solutions that make a real difference.

You’ll bring:

• Strong experience leading Learning & Development within an operational or multisite business
• A track record of improving manager capability, leadership effectiveness and performance
• Experience creating practical learning frameworks that drive measurable results
• The confidence to build strong relationships with HR and Operations, offering both support and constructive challenge
• Experience managing learning platforms, systems and engaging content
• The ability to turn insight and data into action that delivers impact
• A pragmatic, commercially minded approach, with credibility and strong influencing skills

• Competitive salary
• Employee perks, social events and discounts across venues
• Private medical insurance
• Life insurance
• Wagestream – access to your earned £££ whenever you need
• Up to 33 days holidays
• Flexible working
• The opportunity to be part of an exciting business venture
• Employee assistance programme
• Enhanced maternity and paternity
• Career development opportunities in a growing company