Job Introduction
Rapport is seeking a commercially minded, people-focused learning leader to step into a pivotal role within our award-winning People Team. As Deputy Manager of Learning & Development, you’ll help shape how our people grow, lead and thrive across a service-driven, customer-centric organisation.
This role blends strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You’ll take ownership of the operational engine behind our learning function — translating business priorities into impactful development experiences that build capability, confidence and performance. Working closely with senior leaders and clients, you’ll act as a trusted partner, designing learning solutions that reflect Rapport’s signature warmth, creativity and commitment to service excellence.
You’ll lead and develop a high-performing L&D team, oversee budgets and suppliers, and ensure our learning offer continues to evolve through innovation, insight and best practice.
Role details
Salary: Up to £60,000 per annum
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday (flexible where required)
Location: London (Holborn) with regular travel
Working pattern: Around four days per week on-site (head office and client locations)
What’s in it for you?
Everyday savings: Access exclusive discounts on travel, groceries and more, alongside life assurance and cash rewards.
Long-term security: Join our contributory pension scheme to support your future plans.
Wellbeing first: Benefit from wellbeing initiatives, an Employee Assistance Programme and digital GP access.
Career progression: Continuous development opportunities within a people-first organisation that invests in its talent.
Recognition that matters: Be celebrated through our WOW! Awards and Rapport Excellence Awards.
Time to give back: Enjoy one paid volunteering day each year to support a cause you care about.
What you’ll be responsible for
Leading the day-to-day operation of the L&D function, ensuring learning activity is delivered smoothly, consistently and at pace.
Overseeing the development and rollout of core learning programmes, from induction and leadership development to compliance and skills training.
Partnering with managers, clients and senior leaders to diagnose learning needs and deliver practical, high-impact solutions aligned to business priorities.
Managing L&D budgets, resources and external suppliers to maximise value and quality.
Supporting the Head of L&D in embedding the learning strategy and stepping in as deputy when required.
Driving innovation through digital learning, blended approaches and continuous improvement.
Championing a culture of inclusion, development and lifelong learning across the organisation.
About you
You bring significant experience in a senior L&D, people or operational leadership role, ideally within a premium service, hospitality or client-focused environment.
You’re a confident, inclusive leader who enjoys developing others and building strong, motivated teams.
You excel at stakeholder engagement, with the credibility and influence to operate at senior level.
You’re commercially aware, comfortable managing budgets, suppliers and learning technologies.
You balance strategic insight with a practical, delivery-focused approach.
You’ve led the full learning lifecycle — from identifying needs and designing programmes to delivery, evaluation and refinement.
You’re passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that elevate colleague and client outcomes.
You’re comfortable travelling weekly across Central London, quarterly across the UK & Ireland, and occasionally further afield.
At Rapport, you’ll join a collaborative, forward-thinking business that genuinely puts people at the heart of what it does. This is a chance to make a lasting impact — shaping learning across a fast-moving, diverse organisation known for exceptional service.
If you’re ready to step into a senior L&D role where your ideas, leadership and expertise will truly matter, we’d love to hear from you.
About us
Rapport Guest Services is a multi-award-winning company, delivering front- and back-of-house guest services for leading organisations across the UK, Ireland, and globally. As part of Compass Group UK&I, we combine people-first culture with exceptional service standards.
We are proud of our commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive. We are also a Disability Confident Employer, offering meaningful roles for individuals with additional needs.
Find out more about us and our values at www.rapportservice.com.
Rapport job adverts always gain a high response rate, but we do review all applications. Please check your inbox and your junk/spam folder for our response to your application. Due to high application volumes, we recommend that you do not apply for more than one role at any time. Please ensure you apply for the role that best matches your experience.