Learning and Development Manager

Learning and Development Manager
Salary: £35,000–£38,000
Location: Pontefract
Shift Pattern: Days (Mon–Fri)

Overview of Role

Exiting opportunity for a Learning & Development Manager to lead and deliver the full learning and development strategy across the YPM site. You will champion a culture of continuous improvement, professional development and compliance, ensuring the site remains at “audit-ready” standards at all times.

With approximately 200 colleagues on site, you will take ownership of the entire L&D function, providing confident delivery of training, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring all learning activity aligns with business needs, food safety regulations and legislative requirements.

You will act as the voice of L&D across the site—driving new initiatives, managing budgets, conducting Training Needs Analysis, and supporting career development pathways as part of the wider People strategy.

Skills Required

• Experience leading L&D within a manufacturing or similar environment
• Certifications in HACCP or Food Safety (highly desirable)
• Strong understanding of Food Safety and H&S regulations
• Proven experience designing, implementing and reviewing training programmes from scratch
• Ability to confidently train individuals and groups of up to 200 colleagues
• Strong communication skills, able to present clearly and credibly
• Able to develop strong working relationships at all levels
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Knowledge of food manufacturing industry standards and certification programmes
• Ability to work in a structured and methodical manner
• Comfortable working in an agile environment and switching between strategic and operational tasks
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy and record-keeping
• Passionate about developing colleagues at all levels

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the learning and development strategy across the entire site
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth
• Maintain the site to audit-ready standards of compliance
• Design and deliver a comprehensive L&D offering using blended learning methods
• Lead, review and improve the company induction programme
• Create and maintain accurate and up-to-date training records for all colleagues
• Conduct regular Training Needs Analysis (TNA) to identify skills gaps
• Develop a scalable L&D framework to support career development
• Deliver engaging training programmes in-person, digitally and on-the-job
• Develop a “Train the Trainer” model to support onsite upskilling
• Research and recommend new training initiatives in line with legislation
• Manage and review the L&D budget, including online training provision
• Support the HRM in preparing annual training budgets
• Establish effective evaluation frameworks to assess training impact and ROI
• Use the REXX HR system to support career pathways and succession planning
• Collaborate with the HR/People Team on bespoke training interventions
• Explore apprenticeship opportunities and maximise the apprenticeship levy
• Lead L&D projects aligned with People strategy and business transformation
• Develop L&D reporting and MI, tracking participation, progress and spend
• Take ownership of site communications, ensuring messages are consistent and aligned with company values

Benefits

• Competitive salary package
• Opportunity to lead L&D strategy across a major food manufacturing site
• Annual L&D budget of €60,000
• Ability to shape training frameworks, career pathways and site culture

If you are interested in this position and feel you have the right experience, please click apply.
For more information, contact Emma Newbury at Pioneer Selection.

As a registered candidate with Pioneer Selection Ltd, you are eligible for our referral scheme and will receive £250 for every candidate you refer who is successfully placed. Terms & Conditions apply.