Head of Leadership Capability

Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism, and holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial professionals, and industry-leading digital experts are committed to making a difference and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We offer a challenging and exciting environment for career development, with a focus on training, growth and fostering an inclusive culture.

We are now looking for a Head of Leadership Capability to join the Learning and Development team or a 12 month fixed term contract.

You will be partnering with senior leadership across our editorial, commercial and international teams. This is a new exciting role designing and delivering a comprehensive global leadership offering aligned to our culture, values, behaviours and business strategy. 

About the role

• Design and deliver global senior leadership development initiatives to build leadership capability
• Bring thought leadership and strong understanding of the media and editorial industry to embed leadership behaviours and performance
• Create connectivity across development programmes, working with the wider Learning, Development and Inclusion team to drive alignment 
• Review existing leadership initiatives to create a clear leadership learning path that is  business-specific, helping to support transformation and innovation
• Ensure coaching is embedded as a core leadership practice through structured development, toolkits, and everyday leadership practices
• Evaluate impact and report outcomes on leadership effectiveness and culture adoption using data

About you

• Proven experience in design and delivery of global leadership programmes end-to-end
• Experience of working within the Media industry, ideally with experience from a News organisation
• Skilled at senior stakeholder management and influencing at Executive level
• Experienced facilitator, comfortable working with senior leaders and executive audiences
• Able to work comfortably in a sole contributor role
• Passionate about equipping leaders to thrive in a transforming environment.
• Knowledge of future-of-work trends, with ability to shape leadership practices in an AI-enabled worl

We actively encourage applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in the UK media

We operate in a hybrid environment working 3 days a week from our offices in Kings Cross and 2 days a week remotely. 

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. Many of our staff work flexibly and we will consider all requests for flexible working arrangements.

How to apply

To apply, please upload your latest CV and a cover letter which outlines why you’d love to take on this role, and why you’re a great match for what we’re looking for. 

We appreciate the time taken to prepare each application we receive. We do not use AI-assisted technology to review applications; every application is reviewed by a member of our recruitment team.

The closing date for applications is 6pm, Friday 31st July 2026.

All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to help your application, this includes providing documents in accessible formats or personalising the process to better support your needs. Please contact Karen on [email protected] to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

Benefits at the Guardian

You'll have 30 days of annual leave per year (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase an additional 5 days. Our pension scheme is generous; if you contribute 5% then we will contribute 8-12% (depending on your age). We believe in giving back, which is why employees are given 2 volunteering days annually and the option of payroll giving. Season ticket loans are also available.

You are entitled to private healthcare, life cover, income protection, and eye tests. You can also opt in to dental insurance. We have enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies in place. We also support our employees by offering an IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality policy.

Culture and wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. Our various employee forums provide a platform to use their voice to foster an inclusive workplace. We became the first major media organisation to achieve B Corp status.

We offer tools to help you prioritise your wellbeing including access to our employee benefits platform which provides tailored support for health and wellbeing. In addition, we also offer free yoga and Pilates classes. These run alongside our corporate gym membership and cycle to work scheme.

Our canteen has views overlooking the Regents Canal and caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Learning and development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

We value honesty in your application.

AI generated content must not be presented as your own work. 

Please review our guidance on the use of AI in your application  here. 

Guardian News and Media is proud to be a London Living wage employer. The minimum salary for any full-time role within the organisation is £30,000 per annum. Salary ranges are dependent on skills and experience.