Learning & Development Specialist - Rainbow Chicken

Trending Talent Solutions; Worcester; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Rainbow Chicken is seeking a Lead Learning & Development professional to drive the L&D agenda across a business unit, translating business needs into impactful training solutions and ensuring compliance with SETA requirements.

The role manages training providers, designs and delivers programmes, and develops competencies, tracks costs, and reports on learning activity to support today’s priorities and future ambitions.

Qualifications

• 5 years relevant experience in a learning and development function or similar environment

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement and oversee the successful execution of a Learning and Development plan for the business unit.
• Align training needs with business strategy and objectives through surveys, interviews and performance reviews.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define learning objectives and preferred delivery methods.
• Create and maintain a training/skills matrix per functional area and support IDPs.
• Design, deliver, evaluate and improve learning initiatives across multiple functions.
• Source learning interventions and manage facilitators and external vendors.
• Oversee training programme scheduling, logistics, and cost-control measures.
• Produce reports on Learning and Development activity using HR metrics.
• Maintain accurate training records and ensure policy/compliance alignment.

Skills

L&D experience

Job description

Lead and drive the Learning & Development agenda for a Rainbow Chicken Business Unit, ensuring our people have the skills and capabilities needed to deliver today’s priorities and tomorrow’s ambitions. The role is responsible for translating business needs into impactful learning solutions, from identifying competency and skills gaps to developing the Training Plan.

The role further includes ensuring skills development delivery addresses current and future skills requirements and is executed within SETA and other compliance-regulated requirements. The successful candidate will manage training service providers, oversee training programme scheduling and execution, provide effective logistical support, manage reporting and cost control, and support the design, production and delivery of professional and technical facilitated training.

Requirements:

• Valid Code EB driver’s license
• 5 years relevant experience in a learning and development function or similar environment

Key Responsibilities:

Training Needs Analysis/Identification (Plan, implement, and oversee the successful execution of a Learning and Development plan for the respective business unit/s)

• Assess training needs through surveys, employee interviews, annual performance reviews, company strategy/functional objectives, or consultations with managers or instructors.
• Conduct training needs analysis using a variety of techniques and methodologies, involving relevant stakeholders to ensure outcomes align with business strategy and address business needs.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify learning objectives and delivery methods supported by adult learning theory.
• Create and annually maintain a training/skills matrix per functional area.
• Support Line Managers to design IDPs (Individual Development Plans).
• Facilitate standard methodology to provide competency-based training needs analysis.
• Compile the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) and Annual Training Report (ATR).
• Coordinate and oversee execution of the Learning and Development implementation plan (WSP).
• Design, deliver, evaluate and improve learning and development initiatives across multiple functions.
• Source learning and development interventions aligned with the Learning and Development strategy to meet organisational, departmental and individual development needs.
• Select and supervise facilitators and training service providers and brief external vendors on programme requirements.
• Oversee training programme scheduling, execution and logistical support in accordance with the wider Learning and Development strategy.
• Produce reports on Learning and Development activity using agreed HR performance indicators.
• Prepare Learning and Development materials to a consistently high standard.
• Maintain accurate electronic and manual Learning and Development records in compliance with organisational policies and procedures.
• Evaluate programmes using accepted criteria and use evaluation results to drive programme and facilitator improvements.
• Provide specialist support in the Skills Development Levy claim process.
• Assist line managers and facilitators in resolving specific training or learning problems.
• Control Learning costs and budget for the business unit.

Facilitate the co-creation of learning curriculum design and development (Education and Training Design)

• Apply principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and measurement of training effectiveness.
• Design and create training manuals, online learning modules and course materials.
• Create, implement and track training programmes for business partners, managers, trainers and others, including needs analysis, skills development, train-the-trainer and cross-training initiatives.
• Demonstrate skills in the design, development and delivery of both technical and soft-skills training.
• Monitor and evaluate training programmes to ensure they remain current and effective.
• Manage end-to-end projects, ensuring all aspects run smoothly and according to plan and remain aligned with internal customer needs.
• Act as a productive and proactive partner with operations and business teams, supporting key business safety, quality, productivity and customer experience metrics.
• Manage training administration including costs, class scheduling, systems and equipment, enrolment and programme delivery.
• Deliver effective programmes and “just in time” training to meet immediate business needs.
• Maintain online modules and resources administered via the Perform Management system and support staff as required.
• Manage information on the HR Manage system, including attendance and programme information, reporting and support to the Learning Executive.
• Research learning topics and use relevant creative approaches and technical material design knowledge to develop effective instructor‑led, e‑learning and blended learning programmes.
• Review vendor training materials and select appropriate, fit‑for‑purpose content.
• Work with Subject Matter Experts to develop learning curricula for induction, leadership, professional, production‑focused and technical training, mentoring and coaching programmes.
• Produce learning material using in‑house capacity or external vendors.
• Develop internal and external learning programmes aligned with organisational objectives and employee needs.
• Work with the Learning Manager, Subject Matter Experts and training providers to develop, edit and continuously improve course content and learning material.
• Work with Subject Matter Experts to design and produce innovative learning simulations.
• Undertake instructional design and development of accredited material.
• Manage induction of new employees and the onboarding process.
• Develop customised learning interventions, including standard operating procedure simulation training.
• Facilitate training including Corporate Induction and onboarding programmes.
• Adapt to changes in technology and facilitate learning in Technical and Non‑Technical programmes.

Manage effective Learning Governance and Quality Assurance Systems

• Guide business units regarding the application of Learning and Development policies.
• Ensure accurate management of Learning records.
• Ensure Learning record‑keeping supports compliance audits relating to BBBEE, SETA, the Skills Development Act and Income Tax Act.
• Regularly audit data to ensure information integrity and ISO compliance.
• Participate in ISO, BEE, SETA, SARS and supplier audits and ensure recommendations are actioned within the area of responsibility.
• Ensure Learning Systems Quality Assurance within the SAQA framework.
• Produce monthly learning management reporting.

Drive and oversee successful execution of the Talent Pipeline/Feeder scheme development initiatives (External Bursaries, Interns, Apprentices and Management Trainee programme)

• Participate in the selection, appointment and development of Management Trainees, Bursary students, Interns and Apprentices, ensuring development plans and documentation remain up to date.
• Consult with universities and learning institutions to obtain student results, monitor progress and recommend necessary action to the Learning Executive.
• Guide managers in designing and implementing individual development plans for talent pipeline schemes in line with the generic framework.
• Maintain regular contact with students to ensure learning issues are proactively addressed.
• Arrange regular check‑in sessions with Management Trainees and oversee execution of their IDPs.
• Manage SETA funding returns for the business.
• Collect relevant information and produce and submit statutory reports in terms of the Skills Development Act and Skills Development Levies Act.
• Ensure the Workplace Skills Plan is successfully implemented and track its execution.
• Register Learnerships, Apprenticeships, Bursary holders and other learning projects with the respective SETA and manage statutory documentation and processes.
• Ensure knowledge of SETA processes remains current and appropriate use is made of the SETA electronic system.
• Take ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrate effective self‑management, planning, prioritisation and self‑development.
• Ensure quality and productivity standards are consistently maintained.
• Communicate missed deadlines or tasks, associated risks and appropriate resolutions to relevant parties.
• Support and drive the business and HR’s core values.
• Manage clients’ expectations and communicate appropriately.
• Demonstrate willingness to support others and go the extra mile to meet team targets and objectives.

Supervise Stakeholder relationships and SLA’s

• Understand available options to provide clients and customers with the best solutions.
• Apply analytical thinking and problem‑solving to develop customised solutions.
• Gather critical evidence and information from key sources and assess its relevance.
• Demonstrate flexibility by adapting behaviour and opinions to new information, changing situations and unforeseen events.
• Manage and direct logistics, budgets and people to achieve designated goals and objectives.
• Coach line managers and trainees to facilitate their acquisition of skills and knowledge in learning processes.
• Choose appropriate alternatives to achieve customer/client satisfaction.
• Develop cooperation, motivation and teamwork while facilitating group processes or projects.