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