Mining Workforce Learning & Development Lead Consultant at Palladium: Make It Possible

Role Purpose:

• The Mining Workforce Learning & Development Lead Consultant will drive the design, alignment, and implementation of future-focused, industry-aligned training and workforce development initiatives. The role is central to building a resilient talent pipeline for the mining sector and adjacent industries, ensuring that training programmes are responsive to technological change, employer demand, and the needs of local communities. The Lead will convene and collaborate with mining companies, standards setters, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to co-create curricula, facilitate job placement, and foster sustainable partnerships.

Location: 

• The position is based in Johannesburg, Gauteng or West Rand, South Africa. Palladium does not have an office, so the role will be primarily remote with a requirement for periodic in-person engagements

Reporting Lines:

•  The Mining Workforce Learning & Development Lead Consultant will collaborate closely with the Project Director (London-based) and actively support the Project Lead (Johannesburg-based)

Primary Roles and Responsibilities: 

• Lead the collaborative alignment of training and academic offerings with current and future workforce needs in the mining sector, with a focus on automation, mechanisation, and digital skills
• Facilitate the co-design and rollout of modular, part-based qualifications and career pathways that are transferable across industries (e.g., millwright, fitter & turner, electrical technician)
• Convene mining companies, standard setters (e.g., QCTO), training providers, and academic institutions (e.g., University of Pretoria, Wits Mining Institute) to align on skills priorities and curricula updates
• Formalise and strengthen relationships with education and training partners for ongoing curriculum review and delivery
• Lead the process to identify, prioritise, and update curricula for in-demand job profiles (e.g., ICT specialist, data scientist, diesel mechanic, mine manager, mining artisan)
• Strengthen curricula review processes and institutional mechanisms to ensure ongoing alignment with industry standards and regulatory requirements
• Promote and advocate for part-based qualifications and dual certifications at industry events and with regulatory bodies
• Build and maintain a roster of industry partners and output partners (including adjacent sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, and renewable energy) to maximise job placement opportunities
• Leverage existing relationships and networks to secure buy-in and co-investment from private sector partners and other stakeholders

Essential Criteria:

• Bachelor’s or post-graduate degree with a focus on human resources, learning and development, organisational effectiveness, or related field
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience, with demonstrated experience in executive stakeholder engagement, learning & development, workforce development strategy, or related fields; experience within mining companies is strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience in workforce development, training, job placement, or policy advocacy within the mining sector
• Proven track record of leading consortiums and collaborating with government, private sector, and civil society
• Proven ability to create and foster strong relationships as well as build on existing networks
• Fluent in English; strong communication and facilitation skills

Core Abilities Required:

• Strategic and systems thinking, with the ability to align multiple stakeholders around common goals.
• Deep understanding of the mining sector’s workforce needs, including the impact of automation and cross-industry skill transferability.
• Expertise in curriculum development, review processes, and regulatory engagement
• Strong partnership-building and coalition leadership skills
• Results-oriented, with experience in monitoring, evaluation, and adaptive management
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in workforce development