Learning and Development Manager

Uniting Holding; Dublin; On-site; EUR 58,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Gheel Autism Services CLG is seeking a Learning and Development Manager to lead the design, delivery and evaluation of a comprehensive staff learning program across Dublin, North Kildare and Wicklow. The role combines strategy with hands-on delivery and budget management, supporting a neuro-affirmative, rights-based organisation.

You will lead internal trainers, report to the Operations Committee, and work with HR to connect learning with induction, probation and career pathways.

Qualifications

• Essential: NFQ Level 8+ in learning and development, education, human resources, social care or related discipline.
• Essential: A recognised training qualification such as Train the Trainer at QQI Level 6 or equivalent adult education/instructional design qualification.
• Essential: At least five years in a learning and development role, with at least two years in management or senior specialist level.
• Essential: Substantial recent experience designing and delivering training to adult learners.
• Essential: Experience leading a change or culture programme across an organisation or a substantial part of one.
• Essential: Experience managing training compliance in a regulated environment, including reporting to senior management or a board.
• Essential: Experience developing other trainers or facilitators, and line managing at least one staff member.
• Essential: A full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Desirable: Membership of the Learning and Development Institute (MLDI) or higher, or commitment to reach that level.
• Desirable: Postgraduate qualification in adult education, organisational development, change management or strategic learning and development.
• Desirable: CIPD membership.
• Desirable: Experience in disability, autism, mental health, social care or health services.
• Desirable: Working knowledge of HIQA regulation and New Directions.

Responsibilities

• Leading the learning and workforce side of Gheel's shift to neuro-affirmative, relational, rights-based practice.
• Developing and maintaining a Learning and Development strategy and policy, with named owners, timelines and measures.
• Setting a single quality standard for all training delivered in Gheel, whoever delivers it.
• Building simple, repeatable routines for everyday learning — coaching-style supervision, team reflection, peer-led sessions and communities of practice.
• Recruiting, developing and supporting a panel of internal trainers.
• Owning training compliance and governance, and reporting quarterly to the Operations Committee, Senior Management Team and Board.
• Line managing the Learning and Development Officer, and managing external training providers.
• Working with HR so learning connects to induction, probation, performance and development, and career pathways.

Education

NFQ Level 8+ qualification in learning and development, education, human resources, social care or related discipline

Recognised training qualification (e.g., Train the Trainer at QQI Level 6)

Job description

Learning and Development Manager

North Dublin (with travel required across Dublin, North Kildare & Wicklow)

Permanent, Full-Time (39 hours per week)

Salary: Grade VII Salary Scale, €58,152 to €76,255 per annum.

Why Join Us?

Gheel Autism Services supports over 370 autistic adults across Dublin, North Kildare and Wicklow. We are building an organisation where autistic adults are recognised as citizens with authority over their own lives, and where the people who support them are skilled, confident and genuinely well prepared. We are hiring a Learning and Development Manager to lead the training that makes that real.

About the Role

This post holds organisational responsibility for the quality, compliance and impact of all staff learning in Gheel. You will lead the design, delivery and evaluation of a training offer that meets the needs of every service model in Gheel, and that supports our continued development as a neuro-affirmative, rights-based organisation.

The role is both strategic and hands-on. You will hold a seat on the Operations Committee and a place in our Practice Team, working across the organisation on culture, change and workforce development. You will also design and deliver training yourself, and be in the room often enough to know exactly how it lands.

You will build and lead a panel of internal trainers drawn from across Gheel's services, manage the Learning and Development Officer, and plan and deliver within an agreed learning and development budget. Increasing coproduction with autistic adults in the design, delivery and evaluation of learning is a core expectation of this post — with fair payment, accessible preparation and genuine authority over content.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading the learning and workforce side of Gheel's shift to neuro-affirmative, relational, rights-based practice
• Developing and maintaining a Learning and Development strategy and policy, with named owners, timelines and measures
• Setting a single quality standard for all training delivered in Gheel, whoever delivers it
• Building simple, repeatable routines for everyday learning — coaching-style supervision, team reflection, peer-led sessions and communities of practice
• Recruiting, developing and supporting a panel of internal trainers
• Owning training compliance and governance, and reporting quarterly to the Operations Committee, Senior Management Team and Board
• Line managing the Learning and Development Officer, and managing external training providers
• Working with HR so learning connects to induction, probation, performance and development, and career pathways

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• A qualification at NFQ Level 8 or above in learning and development, education, human resources, social care or a related discipline (Level 7 with substantial relevant experience will also be considered)
• A recognised training qualification, such as Train the Trainer at QQI Level 6, or an equivalent adult education or instructional design qualification
• At least five years' experience in a learning and development role, including at least two years at management or senior specialist level
• Substantial recent experience designing and personally delivering training to adult learners
• Experience leading a change or culture programme across an organisation, or a substantial part of one
• Experience managing training compliance in a regulated environment, including reporting to senior management or a board
• Experience developing other trainers or facilitators, and line managing at least one member of staff
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle

Desirable:

• Membership of the Learning and Development Institute (MLDI) or above, or a commitment to reach that level
• A postgraduate qualification in adult education, organisational development, change management or strategic learning and development
• CIPD membership
• Experience in disability, autism, mental health, social care or health services
• Working knowledge of HIQA regulation and New Directions

Wednesday, 30th of September, at 5:00pm.

Garda Vetting is required.

Gheel Autism Services CLG is proud to be an inclusive employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure a fair and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require any adjustments or support to participate fully in any stage of the process, please contact us at [e-mail].