Learning and Development Manager at Discovery Limited

Key purpose

• The vacancy is for a Learning and Development Manager within the Discovery Institute of Training. This role will be responsible for leading a team of skilled Learning and Development Specialists dedicated to the design, development, and delivery of impactful learning solutions. These include leadership development and core (soft) skills programmes, delivered through in-person workshops, virtual training, and digital learning formats. The successful candidate will support capability development across various roles and levels within Discovery, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and performance priorities.

Key outputs

Leadership and core skills learning strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive learning strategy for leadership and core (soft) skills development that aligns with Discovery’s business objectives and talent priorities.

Learning programme design and oversight

• Oversee the end-to-end design, development, and delivery of high-quality learning solutions, classroom, virtual, and digital tailored to various roles and levels.

Team leadership and capability building

• Lead, coach, and inspire a team of Learning and Development Specialists to drive innovation, excellence, and continuous improvement in learning design and facilitation.

Stakeholder engagement and collaboration

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and business leaders to identify learning needs, gather feedback, and ensure solutions deliver measurable value.

Programme evaluation and impact measurement

• Establish metrics and mechanisms to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of learning programmes on individual and organisational performance, aligned to the 6Ds methodology.
• sure learning is transferred to the workplace, business outcomes are achieved, and value is created and demonstrated.

Learning innovation and digital integration

• Champion the use of new technologies, tools, and methodologies (e.g., microlearning, gamification, blended learning) to create engaging and scalable learning experiences.
• Leverage AI and other emerging technologies to drive efficiency, enhance content creation, and streamline learning development and delivery processes across formats.

Governance and quality assurance

• Ensure all learning interventions meet internal quality standards and regulatory requirements and are aligned with Discovery’s learning frameworks and methodologies.

Budget and resource management

• Manage the team’s learning budget and resources effectively, ensuring optimal allocation for maximum impact.

Competencies

• Strategic leadership: Demonstrates advanced leadership capability, with a proven ability to lead high-performing teams, influence senior stakeholders, and align learning strategy to business priorities.
• Innovative and critical thinking: Applies innovative, forward-thinking approaches to solve complex problems, drive continuous improvement, and future-proof learning solutions.
• Expertise in learning and development: Deep understanding of both traditional and modern learning methodologies, including digital, blended, and experiential learning practices.
• AI and technology integration: Comfortable leveraging AI, learning technologies, and digital tools to enhance learning experiences and improve team efficiency.
• Growth and agile mindset: Embraces change, shows resilience, and fosters a culture of learning, experimentation, and adaptability within the team.
• Exceptional communication and influence: Communicates with clarity and impact across all levels of the organisation; skilled at managing diverse personalities and building strong networks.
• Project and programme management: Demonstrates strong organisational, planning, and execution skills, with the ability to lead complex projects and manage multiple priorities.
• Business acumen: Understands the business context and uses data-driven insights to shape learning decisions and demonstrate ROI.
• Customer-centric focus: Dedicated to understanding and exceeding internal customer needs, with a commitment to delivering measurable value.
• Attention to quality and detail: Maintains high standards in all learning outputs, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence.
• Resilience and pressure management: Maintains performance and decision-making capability under pressure, navigating challenges with composure.
• Advanced reporting and writing skills: Able to craft compelling reports, proposals, and communications tailored for executive and strategic audiences.

Experience

• Minimum of 8–10 years’ experience in Learning and Development, with at least 3–5 years in a management role.
• Proven track record of designing and delivering leadership development and soft skills programmes across various levels in a large organisation.
• Demonstrated experience leading high-performing L&D teams, including coaching, performance management, and development of team members.
• Strong background in both digital and in-person learning solutions, including instructional design, content development, and facilitation.
• Experience applying learning evaluation frameworks and methodologies, such as the 6Ds or Kirkpatrick Model, to measure learning impact and business value.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and consulting experience, working with cross-functional teams and senior business leaders.
• Experience managing learning projects end-to-end, including scoping, budgeting, and reporting.
• High proficiency in using modern learning technologies, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and virtual learning platforms (e.g., MS Teams, Zoom, etc.).
• Experience using AI tools and digital innovation to enhance learning design and team efficiency.

Qualifications

Essential:

• A formal qualification in Human Resources, Learning and Development, Organisational Psychology, Education, or a related field.
• Evidence of continuous professional development in leadership, learning design, or training facilitation.

Advantageous:

• A postgraduate qualification (Honours or Master’s) in a relevant field.
• Formal training or certification in the 6Ds® methodology or other learning impact frameworks.
• Certifications or demonstrated expertise in AI tools for learning or digital learning technologies.