Job Description

Learning & Development Specialist
Job Title: Learning and Development Specialist
Location: Cape Town, South Africa (Hybrid - 2 days WFH)
Reports to: Learning and Development Manager
Direct Reports: None
Purpose of the Role
The Learning and Development Specialist partners with leaders across a complex, technical business (power generation / renewable energy / industrial / manufacturing / engineering / FMCG / automotive) to design and deliver learning solutions that build organisational capability. The role supports both professional and technical talent - from graduate intakes through to front-line leaders - ensuring learning initiatives are aligned to business strategy, operational performance, and employee growth.
Key Responsibilities
Learning Design & Delivery

• Design, develop and deliver learning and development solutions that support business, functional and individual objectives.
• Facilitate workshops, technical and behavioural training, and blended learning programmes for both office-based and operational/plant-based employees.
• Support delivery of graduate, early-career, and leadership development programmes (not as the ultimate owner, but as a key delivery and coordination partner).

Business Partnering & Competency Frameworks

• Partner with departmental heads and line managers to map competencies and develop competency models across technical, operational and support functions.
• Support managers in defining role-specific competencies and career pathways for their teams.
• Conduct training needs analyses using data from performance reviews, business priorities, and operational issues.

Regulatory & Reporting (L&D / Skills Development)

• Contribute to the preparation and submission of Workplace Skills Plans (WSP) and Annual Training Reports (ATR) to the relevant SETA.
• Maintain accurate training records, registers and reports for audit and compliance purposes.

Digital & Blended Learning

• Drive adoption and utilisation of the learning management system (LMS), including loading content, managing enrolments, tracking completion and reporting.
• Leverage digital learning tools (e-learning, micro-learning, virtual classrooms, videos, etc.) to create flexible, scalable learning solutions.

Talent, Engagement & Onboarding Support

• Support talent management and succession planning initiatives with HR and business leaders.
• Assist with employee engagement and climate surveys, including coordination of action plans with line managers.
• Support onboarding programmes to ensure new hires are integrated into the culture and equipped with the right knowledge and skills.

Insights, Analytics & Continuous Improvement

• Use data and feedback to measure the effectiveness and impact of learning interventions.
• Provide insights and recommendations to management on capability trends, skills gaps and priority focus areas.
• Contribute to HR policy development and implementation as it relates to learning and development.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong passion for learning, development and talent growth in a technical/industrial environment.
• Confident using a range of technology applications and learning platforms.
• Excellent organisation, time management and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to create clear training materials and communicate with both professional and blue-collar audiences.
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to propose practical, business-aligned solutions.
• Collaborative team player, comfortable working across HR, operations, engineering and corporate functions.
• Able to operate in diverse cultural environments and across multiple sites/countries.
• High capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver reliably.
• Facilitation and coaching skills, with the ability to engage groups and individuals.
• Strong analytical and reporting skills, including comfort with data and metrics.
• Able to influence and build credibility with stakeholders at different levels.

Experience, Knowledge & Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience in Learning & Development / Talent Development / HRD, preferably in:
• Power generation, renewable energy, utilities
• Manufacturing, engineering, mining, petrochemical or heavy industry
• FMCG or automotive with significant plant / production operations
• Proven experience designing, developing and delivering training programmes (not just coordinating).
• Experience managing multiple learning projects end-to-end.
• Understanding of learning management systems, including reporting and learner analytics.
• Exposure to digital learning tools and blended learning approaches.
• Experience in a multinational, multi-site or cross-office environment is advantageous.
• Interest in the broader African industrial / energy / infrastructure landscape and its skills development needs.
• Sensitivity to different cultures and the ability to work effectively across diverse teams.
• Additional language (e.g. French or Portuguese) is beneficial but not essential.
• Relevant Degree in Human Resources Management, Human Resources Development, Industrial Psychology or related field.
• Certification in instructional design, coaching, or digital learning (e.g. ATD, CIPD or equivalent) is an advantage.

Skills Required