Learning & Development Lead

Permanent | £50,000 per annum

We’re looking to attract an ambitious and forward-thinking Learning & Development professional ready to take ownership of a pivotal role within a successful manufacturing business. This is a fantastic opportunity to design and support delivery of a robust, strategic L&D function that will directly support business performance, culture, and long-term capability.

This established organisation is entering an exciting phase of growth, creating a unique opportunity for someone to shape and embed a modern, impactful learning strategy from the ground up.
Working closely with senior leadership, you will act as a true strategic partner, moving beyond traditional training delivery to build a forward-thinking L&D offering that supports continuous improvement, succession planning, and leadership development across the business.

Why Apply?

  • A rare opportunity to build and shape an L&D function within a successful manufacturing environment

  • High level of visibility and influence across the business

  • Scope to implement innovative learning solutions and drive real cultural impact

  • Opportunity to balance strategic development with some hands-on involvement in the early stages

The Job

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive L&D strategy aligned to business objectives

  • Conduct training needs analysis to identify current and future capability gaps

  • Design and embed structured learning pathways, including leadership development and coaching frameworks

  • Support succession planning and internal talent development initiatives

  • Introduce modern, scalable learning solutions suited to a manufacturing environment

  • Partner with senior stakeholders to drive engagement and ensure alignment with operational goals

  • Oversee early-stage delivery of training, supported by existing facilitators

The Person

  • Proven experience in a strategic L&D role, ideally within manufacturing or a similar environment

  • Strong experience in building or developing L&D frameworks and initiatives

  • Confident operating at both a strategic and hands-on level

  • Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior level

  • Experience in areas such as succession planning, leadership development, and coaching

  • Relevant L&D or CIPD qualification desirable

Additional Information

This role offers flexibility in working hours; however, it is fully site-based to enable effective relationship-building and successful development of the L&D function.

Salary & Benefits

  • Salary circa £50,000
  • Pension scheme – employer double matches employee contribution up to 10%
  • 25 days holiday – rising to 30 with time-served
  • Holiday day purchase scheme – up to 5 extra days
  • Private Healthcare
  • Cash Healthcare scheme
  • Enhanced sickness pay

The Next Steps

If this opportunity is of interest, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch or apply with your CV for more information.

At a glance

Job title
Learning & Development Lead
Salary
£50,000 per annum
Location
Newport
Date posted
Tuesday 28th April, 2026

Easy, efficient and successful – Ita was great from start to finish, she helped us find a candidate quickly and sent a good, high-calibre set of CV’s through for review. The best part was how easy it made my recruitment process, Ita was great at searching out the right candidates with the best experience.   I am grateful for the smooth recruitment process and clear communication and would highly recommend Sitka to anyone looking for candidates.

Hannah Williams, Event Marketing Manager, Newable
Having now worked with Sitka for a  number of years, they have a real understanding of the type of people we employ and that the ‘fit’ is as important as having the right skills for the role. Sitka provide an excellent service and make you feel you are their only customer. They are quite unique and such a pleasure to work with.

Estelle Scrivens, Executive Director of Human Resources, Resource Group

The recruitment process was a very smooth one with constant, non-intrusive updates. We benefited greatly from a personalised visit to our business, ensuring the right candidates were sourced for us. We received an excellent service.


Cardiff Self Storage Ltd

The process was thorough and very individual – time was spent finding out about the culture and style of the organisation and the exec team. Sitka worked with the candidates well to find the best fit for both employer and candidate. There was a sense of strong relationship building to ensure that this happened.

Rhian Jones, CEO, Drive

I love working with Sitka as they are very friendly, approachable and trustworthy. Karen has such a great energy, she really cared about getting the right people and right dynamic for my team. She took great time to understand the roles and the business and was committed to getting it right!

Ceri Hodgkinson, People Director, Bristol Waste

Everything about Sitka’s approach is a breath of fresh air. I have worked with Sitka on both the candidate side and recruiter side and I have never had a better relationship with an agency. I trust them implicitly to provide a service that is above and beyond what you would expect a recruitment agency to do and I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again.

Haley Evans, Harding Evans, Marketing Manager