Director of Knowledge & Development

Leading UK Top 50 law firm seeks an experienced, commercially focused senior leader to join as Director of Knowledge & Development. Reporting to the Chief People Officer, you will lead Knowledge Management, Learning & Development, and IT Training, shaping the capabilities and ways of working that drive growth and legal excellence.

Working within a respected national practice, you will drive innovation, capability building, and knowledge sharing amid digital transformation, AI adoption, data-driven working, and evolving client expectations. You will oversee both functions, each led operationally by a Head of Department.

Knowledge Management

Includes Professional Support Lawyers across practice areas; responsible for creating, managing, and sharing legal knowledge to ensure consistency, quality, efficiency, and risk management aligned with firm strategy.

Learning & Development

Supports leadership, legal, professional, and technical development across a geographically spread team; enhances capability, career growth, culture, and performance through targeted learning solutions.

You will define and deliver an integrated firmwide strategy, ensuring investment in people, systems, and infrastructure directly boosts business performance, client service, efficiency, and long-term growth.

Key responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership for both functions

Act as trusted advisor to partners and senior stakeholders

Build a culture of learning, collaboration, and innovation

Lead change linked to digital systems, AI tools, and technology adoption

Oversee knowledge infrastructure, learning frameworks, and talent development

Align learning with business needs, career paths, and service models

Manage budgets and deliver measurable ROI

Develop high-performing, engaged teams

Represent the firm externally in relevant networks

What we’re looking for

Significant experience designing and leading knowledge, capability, or learning strategies in legal or professional services

Strong commercial awareness, excellent stakeholder management, and proven senior-level influence

Deep understanding of digital transformation, AI legal tools, and modern service delivery

Track record of leading complex programmes and delivering measurable organisational results

Exceptional communication and leadership skills

Experience building and developing successful teams

Qualified solicitor background advantageous but not essential

What we offer

Flexible hybrid working

Comprehensive benefits

private healthcare, bonus scheme, pension, enhanced family leave, wellbeing support, and lifestyle perks

A collaborative, ambitious, inclusive culture focused on growth and development

This is an outstanding opportunity for a strategic leader to make a meaningful impact in a progressive, forward-thinking firm.