How to Become a Learning and Development Manager

Our modern workplace is fast-paced and changes every single day, so it’s no surprise that Learning & Development (L&D) managers are in higher demand than ever before! 

Successful businesses recognise the huge value of upskilling their teams, supporting growth, and staying competitive in their industries.  

Learning & Development managers are at the heart of this, playing a crucial role in identifying skill gaps, finding opportunities for growth, and creating stronger workforces that love what they do and get results. 

One of the best ways to prepare for a career as a Learning & Development manager is to complete a CIPD course in Learning & Development with us at MOL.  

Our courses offer a solid foundation in L&D strategies, industry insights, and best practices – so you’ll have all the skills and confidence you need to thrive as an L&D manager at your disposal. 

So, how do you become a Learning & Development manager? You’ll need: 

• A professional qualification in the field, like a Learning & Development CIPD course 

• Key skills like strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking 

• Hands-on knowledge in developing digital learning plans, delivering training, and managing teams 

• Industry experience in an entry-level role, before moving on to more advanced responsibilities. 

In this blog, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about becoming a Learning & Development manager, from must-have skills and the best L&D qualifications, to industry insights and career pathways. 

If you’re ready to kick off your L&D career journey, read on! 

Learn the key responsibilities of a Learning & Development manager 

Before you step into the role, it’s really important to understand what a Learning & Development manager does day-to-day. 

In this job, your responsibilities can include identifying what needs to be improved, designing and implementing training initiatives, and using digital learning tools to jumpstart employee performance and development. 

As an L&D manager, you’ll identify skill gaps, handle business and employee needs, and evaluate the effectiveness of training programmes to make sure they work well and produce measurable results for your employer. 

Being able to organise and prioritise what’s most important for the development of your team is one of the most important responsibilities you’ll have as an L&D manager.  

For example, surveys have found that 90% of organisations are most concerned about employee retention, so providing meaningful learning opportunities has become the number one strategy for retaining top talent.  

It’s crucial for L&D managers to be able to focus on what matters most to businesses, then develop training which aligns with their needs accordingly – an aspect which makes them a key player in the overall strategy of a business. 

Develop essential learning & development skills  

As a Learning & Development manager, you’ll need a well-rounded set of skills to succeed in your role. 

Effective communication is essential, since you’ll need to be able to articulate ideas to employees and board leaders alike, while developing strong leadership skills will help you manage and inspire teams.  

Analytical skills are always in increasing demand in the HR industry. In fact, studies show that more and more L&D professionals are prioritising analytical skills on their resumes, with the skill being listed 54% more in 2024 compared to 2023! 

Being digitally proficient is always an important skill to have, as HR operations continue to embrace digital tools and platforms for employee training, learning, and development. 

Completing a professional certification, like our CIPD course in Learning & Development, can massively enhance your skillset, help you create an impressive resume, and give you all the expertise you’ll need to thrive in a L&D management role. 

Get hands-on experience in learning & development 

As you might guess, experience is key to landing your ideal role as a Learning & Development manager. 

Like any profession, starting out in entry-level jobs is a great way to build those essential foundational skills, but don’t be afraid to volunteer to help out on training projects within your current organisation!  

This can also help you gain valuable hands-on experience, without having to start in a completely new role. 

Seeking out mentorship from more experienced Learning & Development professionals in your organisation or field is another way to get valuable guidance and insights, which can accelerate your development as a manager. 

Networking is a powerful tool which is too often overlooked!  

As a CIPD member, you’ll gain access to an exclusive community of Learning & Development professionals, helping you to stay up to date with changing industry trends, up and coming learning tools, and any legislations or HR laws which might impact your role.  

Building relationships within the CIPD network can open doors to new opportunities and help you to keep pursuing professional growth as you go. 

Jumpstart your learning & development career with MOL 

Taking proactive steps is fundamental for anyone who’s aiming to become a Learning & Development manager – but with the right skills, certifications, and experience, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your career goals in no time! 

At MOL, our CIPD Learning & Development courses are designed to give you everything you need to excel in your dream management role.  

No matter whether you’re just starting out or are looking for a way to advance, our flexible CIPD qualifications will support your continuing professional development at any level – the key to making a difference at work.  

So don’t wait – explore our CIPD Learning & Development courses and get enrolled today to take the first step towards your dream job!