Director, Learning & Development

The Talent Company; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in safety and innovation is looking for a Director of Learning & Development in Toronto, Canada. This key role involves leading a global learning strategy, enhancing leadership development, and managing a skilled team. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years in L&D roles and a proven track record in executing learning strategies across complex environments. The organization is committed to fostering innovation and offers strong executive backing for transformation initiatives.

Benefits

Access to cutting-edge learning tools

Supportive and innovative HR team

Path to senior executive roles

Qualifications

• 10+ years in Learning & Development or Organizational Development.
• 5+ years in a leadership role with a global focus.
• Experience executing enterprise-wide learning strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the global learning strategy and oversee operations.
• Build and enhance leadership programs aligned to business goals.
• Monitor and evaluate effectiveness of learning programs.

Skills

Leadership development

Change management

Digital learning platforms

Strategic thinking

Influential communication

Education

Background in Adult Education or related field

Tools

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

AI-enabled learning platforms

Job description

Overview

We are partnering with a global leader in safety, sustainability, and innovation to recruit a dynamic Director of Learning & Development to lead their global learning function. This is a high-impact, strategic role with the mandate to shape and scale a world-class learning ecosystem across a highly technical and globally distributed workforce.

About the Organization

Our client is an internationally respected, mission-driven organization with a 100+ year legacy of advancing public safety and sustainability. With more than 2,500 employees globally, the organization is structured with two divisions, developing critical public infrastructure standards while also providing global testing, inspection, and certification services. Their commitment to safety, innovation, and real-world impact is reflected in every aspect of the business. With consistent double-digit growth and a forward-thinking investment in digital learning, technology, and leadership development, this is an organization where people are valued, ideas are heard, and purpose drives performance.

About the Role

The Director, Learning & Development, will lead the organization’s internal global academy, overseeing strategy, operations, and program delivery across the enterprise. This leader will drive leadership development, elevate technical learning, and embed a culture of continuous growth and innovation. Reporting to the VP, Talent & Career Development, and working closely with senior HR and business leaders, this role is both hands-on and highly strategic.

This is a rare opportunity to lead meaningful change while managing a skilled and collaborative team of four L&D professionals, including instructional designers, a digital learning specialist, and a program administrator. You’ll oversee a $2M annual learning budget and work with modern tools, including AI-enabled learning platforms and a best-in-class LMS.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the global learning strategy and oversee the operations of the internal academy
• Build and enhance leadership and talent development programs aligned to business strategy
• Collaborate with HR Business Partners and senior leaders to integrate learning into organizational culture
• Guide a team of four L&D professionals, encouraging ownership, innovation, and high performance
• Leverage digital learning tools and platforms to drive accessibility, impact, and engagement
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of programs through ROI and continuous improvement practices
• Provide change management and coaching support to senior leaders during transformation initiatives
• Champion the internal learning brand and ensure strong uptake across functions and geographies

First 6-Month Objectives

• Build trust with key internal stakeholders and assess the current program landscape
• Identify and implement quick wins while developing a longer-term roadmap
• Evaluate and enhance existing leadership development initiatives
• Position the learning function as a strategic business enabler
• Strengthen visibility and engagement with the internal academy brand

Ideal Candidate Profile Experience & Education

• 10+ years in Learning & Development or Organizational Development, with 5+ years in a leadership role
• Proven experience building and executing enterprise-wide learning strategies across global technical environments
• Strong familiarity with modern digital learning platforms, LMS, and AI-enabled tools
• Background in Adult Education, Organizational Development, HR, or related field

Leadership & Competencies

• Strategic thinker with a track record of operational execution and measurable impact
• Influential communicator who builds trust at all levels, from executive leadership to technical teams
• Collaborative, low-ego leadership style with high emotional intelligence
• Skilled at managing ambiguity and leading change within complex, matrixed organizations
• Culturally aware and globally minded

What Makes This Role Compelling

• Lead the transformation of a global learning function with strong executive backing
• Make a real-world impact at a mission-aligned, safety-focused organization
• Enjoy a culture of curiosity, innovation, and mutual respect—without the high-pressure corporate grind
• Access cutting-edge learning tools and a high-performing, forward-thinking HR team
• Clear path to senior executive roles (VP and possibly beyond) for high performers

If this opportunity speaks to you and you feel you are a strong fit, please apply now or email me directly.

At The Talent Company, we recognize the value of different perspectives and experiences to prompt innovation, spark creativity, and solve problems. As an equal employment opportunity organization, we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, Aboriginal peoples, members of visible minorities, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, persons with disabilities, and any other categories protected by law.

We are committed to Equal Opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please let us know by emailing if an adjustment or adaptation is required at any stage to support you during the recruitment journey.