Learning & Development Business Partner

As one of the UK’s most strategically important deep water channels, we safely and efficiently guide some of the largest container ships in the world into the Port of Felixstowe and surrounding ports. Every day, our work enables global trade to flow smoothly through one of the busiest and most critical shipping gateways in Europe.

We are now looking for an experienced and forward thinking Learning & Development Business Partner to help shape the capability, confidence, and future readiness of our people as we continue to evolve in a rapidly changing maritime environment.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the role as much as the function, bringing creativity, innovation, and strategic thinking to how we develop our workforce for the future.

At Harwich Haven Authority, people are at the heart of what we do. Working closely with leaders across the organisation, you will lead the development and delivery of our learning and development strategy, building capability at every level while supporting succession planning and long-term workforce development.

In addition, you will oversee our approach to attracting and retaining talent, managing our Talent Acquisition Advisor and supporting the continued development of our employer brand.

What you’ll be doing

In this varied and influential role, you will:

• Develop and deliver a strategic Learning & Development plan aligned to organisational priorities
• Design, coordinate, and evaluate impactful learning programmes across the Authority
• Partner with managers and senior leaders to identify skills gaps and development needs
• Lead leadership development initiatives and succession planning activity
• Support the development of high-potential employees and career pathways
• Facilitate engaging workshops, learning sessions, and organisational development initiatives
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and professional development
• Oversee talent attraction and retention activity, including management of recruitment support
• Build strong relationships across the organisation as a trusted People & Culture partner

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with a practical, people-focused approach. You will have experience in designing and delivering learning and development initiatives that create real impact, alongside strong stakeholder management and facilitation skills.

You’ll also bring:

• Experience in a specialist L&D role, ideally within a complex, operational, or safety-critical organisation
• A strong understanding of leadership development and succession planning
• The ability to influence and build credibility with leaders and managers
• Experience of supporting or overseeing recruitment and talent activity
• Confidence using modern learning approaches and digital learning tools
• Excellent communication, coaching, and presentation skills
• A collaborative approach and passion for developing others

Experience of organisational change, transformation, or culture development work would be advantageous, but is not essential.

Interested?
If you are experienced in developing people, shaping organisational capability, and creating meaningful learning experiences, we would love to hear from you.

View  Jobs and Careers at HHA - Harwich Haven Careers | HHA and Click “Apply Online” by 13 May and play a key role in developing our people, strengthening leadership capability, and supporting the future success of Harwich Haven Authority.

£52,000- £60,000

Why join us?

At Harwich Haven Authority, we are committed to creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace where people can thrive. Our values — Making Safety the Standard, Connecting as One Team, Leading with Expertise, and Creating Positive Impact — shape everything we do.

This role offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the development of our people and the future capability of the organisation.

In return, we offer:

• A competitive salary and pension scheme
• Flexible benefits, including buy/sell annual leave, cycle-to-work and electric car schemes
• Onsite perks such as free parking and weekly fruit deliveries
• A regular programme of social, health and wellbeing activities
• Access to comprehensive wellbeing support
• A friendly, supportive and inclusive team culture where collaboration and safety come first