Training Manager - Retail Academy of Excellence (Fourways) at Leroy Merlin

Description

Purpose of the role 

• To lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of technical and trade-related training programmes that support operational excellence in Leroy Merlin stores. This role ensures alignment with business priorities, product innovation, and talent progression, while managing a team of experienced Trade Facilitators in facilitation of training simulation programmes and associated assessments.

Main responsibilities:

Simulation-Based Trade & Skills Training

• Design and manage hands-on training programmes that simulate retail trade environments (e.g. tiling, paint, tools, plumbing).
• Lead simulation-based sessions to strengthen trade and operational competencies.
• Ensure training content aligns with product innovation, customer needs, and store performance priorities.

Team Leadership & Trade Expert Management

• Lead, coach, and develop a  team of technical and trade facilitators.
• Ensure consistent delivery standards and coaching across stores.
• Run content reviews and calibration sessions to maintain standardization and relevance.

Training Programme Design & Calendar Management

• Build and maintain the annual training calendar in line with onboarding, upskilling, and promotion cycles.
• Ensure all new and existing staff complete required technical modules.
• Partner with Operations and Offer teams to identify training needs and incorporate into annual plans in relation to their specific needs..

Learning Pathway & Progression Support

• Align training with internal career progression paths and succession planning.
• Support delivery of key development programmes.
• Collaborate with the Customer Relations Manager and or department  to integrate service and technical elements where required.

Reporting & Centre Operations

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the Learning Centre (logistics, resource planning, scheduling).
• Monitor attendance, completion, and learner performance across programmes.
• Develop dashboards and reports to track effectiveness and business impact.

BU Collaboration & Cross-functional Support

• Work closely with Offer, Supply, and Product teams to align training with specific product launches and supplier-led innovation.
• Partner with HRBPs and Store Leaders to ensure technical training drives store performance and capability building.

Requirements
Profile

The successful candidate should have the following skills, experience and attributes:

• Qualifications: Degree in Human Resources, Learning & Development, Education, or related field.
• Experience: Minimum 5–7 years in Learning & Development with technical training exposure in retail or similar.
• People Leadership: Proven track record managing technical facilitators or similar field-based teams.
• Driving: Valid South African driver’s license and own transport – frequent travel between stores and training
• Strong facilitation and instructional design skills
• Coaching and team development
• Data-driven mindset for reporting and effectiveness
• Cross-functional collaboration