Learning and Change Specialist at Sun International

Job Purpose

• The Learning & Development Specialist will be responsible to facilitate the needs analysis, planning and delivery of learning content for specific business unit with the aim of assessing and evaluating business needs and development gaps and advising on learning solutions and initiatives to assist in closing performance gaps and achieving business objectives, in line with legislation, BBBEE targets and Company standards and Sun’s and IHG Learning and Development framework.

Key Performance Areas

Performance Consulting

• Gain a good understanding of strategic objectives, deliverables and performance challenges being experienced in the various areas of the business
• Partner with business unit HR and Group Learning and Development Consultants to facilitate learning needs analyses processes and results, relative to strategic and performance objectives
• Make use of relevant learning documentation, tools and templates to document and record learning and development discussions, analyses and reporting
• Troubleshoot queries and resolve challenges being experienced, around development needs learning interventions and learning programmes within the operations
• Conducts analyses of trends, development plans, survey results and assessment results to ensure that learning needs analyses support business strategy and goals
• Where trends are identified, conduct analyses (including observations / interviews) to investigate issues being experienced in the operations, diagnose and identify the route cause of the issue.
• Make recommendations on learning initiatives to improve performance and encourage the philosophy of a learning organisation that enables the development of talent and creates a high performing culture.
• Construct relevant learning solutions and provide advice to facilitate the implementation of learning solutions and interventions to address challenges and close identified gaps
• Collaborate with Group Learning an Development to source relevant courses or programmes to close gaps
• Assess the transfer of knowledge and skills and facilitate interventions to integrate learning back into the business operations
• Be a change agent and communicate on change plans for business units

Nominations Management & Course Administration

• Support management in eliciting and tracking nominations for learning and leadership development programmes for the business unit(s), highlighting any challenges, lack of nominations and non-attendance to management for resolution
• Administer, record and track the implementation of learnerships, leadership development and bursary interventions for the business unit(s) within the learning management system
• Track the completion and submission of portfolios of evidence by learners
• Implement a tracking system for monitoring bursary applications and study assistance loans, and results for the business unit(s)
• Track attendance of learning programmes in the system
• Compile an electronic filing system and ensure all files are up-to-date and accessible for auditing and reporting purposes

Learning Programme Administration

• Co-ordinate and communicate on the logistics of learning events
• Co-ordinate the creation of learning events in the learning management systems
• Update the learning management system with relevant learning course and programme information (including timing, dates, logistics, attendance, facilitators, etc.) in line with learning needs analyses
• Update the costs related to learning and skills development programmes in the learning management system
• Assist with facilitation of learning programmes and interventions where necessary
• Obtain learner feedback on the effectiveness of learning programmes, and track results on learner satisfaction
• Collaborate with departmental management to facilitate and measure the effectiveness of the onboarding process of new starters to the business unit
• Capture and update all learning related attendance into the learning management system, including onboarding and on-the-job coaching information and data

Learning & Development Reporting & Analytics

• Audit data of learning programmes in the system to ensure data remains clean and complete
• Consult with stakeholders (including EE/SD committee and union) in the compiling of mandatory skills development plans and reports
• Prepare data and draft mandatory skills development plans and reports, ensuring any missing data is inputted
• Prepare audit files and supporting documentation (invoices, attendance registers, EMP payroll reports; bursary applications and results; learnership contracts, schedules and programme outlines) and co-ordinate logistics for BBBEE skills development audits
• Measure and report on the effectiveness of learning content to ensure stakeholder requirements are met and expected transfer of knowledge, skills and ROI is achieved;
• In cases of underperformance and non-delivery, document and provide recommendations and feedback to Group Learning & Development for further action
• Monitor  and track the compilation of skills spend and documentation for BBBEE reporting for allocated business units
• Report on skills development spend and statistics relative to BBBEE targets for allocated business units, making recommendations where gaps exist

Stakeholder Engagement

• Acts as coach and trusted business advisor to influence HR and operational teams, in the areas of Learning and Development Policy, skills development legislation, BBBEE skills development regulations and the implications of decisions from a Learning perspective.
• Manages relationship with learning providers through regular engagements around programme logistics, learning needs, and session feedback.
• Initiates and sustains continuous dialogue with the Operational teams on skills development issues, and partners in exploring learning options for resolving the issues.
• Builds trusted and respected relationships with internal stakeholders, and be a sound and credible counsel for HR and operating team
• Assists in the facilitation of learning programmes and onboarding when required'
• Works with learners to assist them in achieving their learning needs and close development gaps
• Collaborates with Group Learning & Development around feedback on learning needs analyses, content and design feedback, and measurement and transfer of learning.
• Attend various industry conferences in order to stay informed of best practices and industry trends 
• Provides feedback and innovation to Group Learning and Development around progress, challenges and any areas of concern from  a learning, skills gap and opportunity perspective

Job Requirements

Education

• Grade 12
• Relevant 3 year diploma or Higher Certificate in Occupationally-directed Education, Training and Development   

Experience

• Minimum 6 years experience as a Learning & Development facilitator including experience in learning design
• Experience in change management 

Skills and Knowledge

• Learning needs analyses
• Learning & development methodologies in development, design
• Facilitation skills
• Change Management
• Business Acumen
• Project Management
• Proficiency in MS Office; Peoplesoft
• Financial Acumen and numerical skills
• Communication skills (Verbal and Written)
• Personal Credibility & integrity
• Skills Development Reporting writing
• Service orientation
• Analytical thinking & Conceptual ability
• Managing risk
• Motivating others