Learning & Development Specialist

Publicis Groupe; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the media and advertising industry is seeking a Learning & Development Specialist to drive impactful training programs across the organisation. This role will play a critical part in fostering a culture of continuous learning and enhancing employee capabilities while ensuring compliance with local regulations. Applicants should have substantial experience in L&D, particularly in program design and facilitation, with a focus on strategic development aligned with organizational goals.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in Learning & Development.
• Experience as Skills Development Facilitator (SDF).
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement learning solutions including e-learning.
• Conduct needs analyses to identify skill gaps.
• Manage relationships with external training providers.

Skills

Strategic L&D Thinking

Instructional Design

Facilitation Skills

Data Analytics

Stakeholder Management

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

Relevant certifications in L&D

Tools

Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Job description

Job title : Learning & Development Specialist

Job Location : Gauteng, Johannesburg Deadline : July 25, 2025 Quick Recommended Links

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Job Purpose :

• The Learning & Development Specialist is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of impactful learning and development strategies and programs across Publicis Groupe Africa. This role is crucial in fostering a culture of continuous learning, enhancing employee capabilities, and supporting the strategic talent agenda of the organisation. The L&D Specialist will leverage expertise in modern learning methodologies, technology, and analytics to drive skill development, ensure compliance with local regulations (SETA), and champion a future-fit workforce. This specialist will act as the company's Skills Development Facilitator (SDF) and manage key relationships with internal stakeholders and external providers.

Key Responsibilities :

• Conduct comprehensive learning needs analyses across various business units to identify skill gaps, emerging capabilities required, and development opportunities aligned with organisational goals.
• Design and develop innovative and engaging learning solutions, including blended learning programs, workshops, e-learning modules, mentorship programs, and on-the-job training initiatives.
• Curate and recommend external learning resources and partnerships that align with strategic development needs and budget considerations.
• Develop robust learning pathways and curricula for key talent segments and critical roles within Publicis Groupe Africa.
• Stay abreast of L&D best practices, emerging technologies, and industry trends to ensure Publicis Groupe Africa's learning offering remains cutting-edge and effective.

Program Implementation & Facilitation :

• Lead the end-to-end implementation of learning programs, ensuring seamless execution from planning to delivery, including scheduling, logistics, and resource allocation.
• Facilitate engaging training sessions and workshops for various employee levels, demonstrating strong presentation and group management skills.
• Oversee and optimise the utilisation of Publicis Groupe's global learning platforms, ensuring effective delivery of online programs and maximum employee engagement.
• Manage and maintain the Learning Management System (LMS) as a strategic tool for content delivery, course administration, user management, and robust reporting.
• Co-ordinate and manage relationships with external training providers and vendors, ensuring high-quality service delivery and value for money.

SETA Reporting, Skills Development & Compliance (SDF Duties) :

• Act as the designated Skills Development Facilitator (SDF) for Publicis Groupe Africa, fulfilling all statutory responsibilities and obligations related to skills development.
• Lead the preparation and submission of accurate and timely Workplace Skills Plans (WSPs) and Annual Training Reports (ATRs) to relevant SETAs.
• Manage and track all SETA-related grants and levies, ensuring compliance and maximising recovery for the organisation.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on SETA requirements, learnerships, apprenticeships, and other government-supported skills development initiatives.
• Ensure all learning activities comply with relevant South African labour laws and data privacy regulations (POPIA).
• Establish robust evaluation methodologies (Kirkpatrick levels 1-4) to measure the effectiveness and impact of learning interventions on individual and organisational performance.
• Generate and present insightful L&D reports and analytics to the Chief People Officer and other key stakeholders, demonstrating ROI and identifying areas for strategic improvement.
• Analyse learning data and feedback to identify trends, pinpoint areas for program enhancement, and recommend future learning investments.
• Champion continuous improvement in all L&D processes and offerings, seeking innovative ways to enhance the learner experience and program outcomes.

Stakeholder Management & Collaboration :

• Build strong, collaborative relationships with HR Business Partners, Marketing & Communications, IT, and business leaders to understand their unique learning needs and integrate L&D initiatives with broader talent strategies.
• Partner with the Chief People Officer to translate organisational priorities into actionable L&D strategies.
• Communicate effectively and proactively with employees and managers regarding learning opportunities, programs, and policies.

Key Interfaces :

• Internal : Chief People Officer, HR Business Partners, Senior Leadership Team, Department Heads, All Employees, Marketing & Communications, IT Department, Finance Team.
• External : Learning & Development Vendors, SETAs, Training Providers, Industry Associations, Regulatory Bodies.

Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Education, Organisational Development, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Relevant certifications in L&D, instructional design, or adult learning principles are highly advantageous

Experience :

• 5+ years of progressive experience in a dedicated Learning & Development role, with a strong emphasis on program design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Proven track record as a Skills Development Facilitator (SDF) with in-depth knowledge of SETA processes, WSP / ATR submissions, and grant management.
• Extensive experience working with and optimising Learning Management Systems (LMS) for content delivery, user management, and reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct needs analyses, design effective learning solutions, and measure program impact.
• Experience in facilitating training sessions and workshops for diverse audiences.
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles and instructional design methodologies.
• Experience in a dynamic, fast-paced corporate environment, preferably within the advertising, media, or professional services industry.

Additional information

• Strategic L&D Thinking : Ability to connect L&D initiatives to business outcomes and contribute to the overall people strategy.
• Instructional Design & Curriculum Development : Expertise in designing engaging and effective learning content across various modalities.
• Facilitation & Presentation Skills : Dynamic and engaging delivery style with the ability to manage group dynamics effectively.
• Project Management : Excellent ability to lead and manage complex L&D projects from conception to completion, ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met.
• Data Analytics & Reporting : Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret L&D metrics, demonstrate ROI, and present findings clearly.
• LMS Administration & Optimisation : Advanced proficiency in managing and leveraging LMS functionalities.
• SETA & Compliance Expertise : In-depth knowledge of South African skills development legislation and reporting requirements.
• Communication & Influencing : Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Stakeholder Management : Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners.
• Problem-Solving & Innovation : Proactive in identifying challenges and developing creative, effective learning solutions.

Personal Attributes :

• Strategic and results-oriented, with a strong drive to deliver measurable impact.
• A passionate advocate for continuous learning and professional development.
• Highly collaborative and influential, with a knack for building rapport and trust.
• Proactive and self-motivated, demonstrating a high degree of initiative.
• Adaptable and resilient, thriving in a dynamic and evolving organisational landscape.
• Detail-oriented and highly organised, with meticulous attention to quality.
• Strong ethical compass and ability to maintain confidentiality.