Learning & Development Manager – International Operations

Purpose of the Role The Learning & Development (L&D) Manager will lead the design, delivery and continuous improvement of technical and functional training programmes across the organisation’s international operations, with particular responsibility for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. The role will develop and implement learning strategies that strengthen technical capability, operational excellence, safety, quality and regulatory compliance. It will also oversee the organisation’s training centre and promote scalable, cost-effective learning solutions adapted to diverse international and multicultural environments. Key Areas of Responsibility and Accountability 1. Strategy and Planning - Develop and implement an L&D strategy for international operations, aligned with business priorities, safety requirements and quality standards. - Design regional learning plans for the MEA region that address local business needs, regulatory obligations and identified skills gaps. - Establish KPIs and performance metrics to measure training effectiveness, competency development and return on learning investment. - Maintain a forward-looking training roadmap aligned with organisational growth and operational requirements. 2. Technical Training Leadership - Lead the design, development and implementation of technical training programmes. - Ensure curricula reflect current industry standards, engineering practices, operational requirements and applicable technical specifications. - Collaborate with subject-matter experts, engineering leads and operations managers to convert specialist knowledge into structured and effective learning content. - Ensure technical training remains relevant, practical and aligned with workplace performance expectations. 3. Training Centre Management - Oversee the day-to-day operation of the training centre, including scheduling, equipment, maintenance, health and safety, compliance and facility readiness. - Ensure training facilities, tools and equipment remain up to date, fit for purpose and aligned with operational training needs. - Manage third-party suppliers, contractors, instructors and accreditation providers where required. - Maintain appropriate records, controls and governance arrangements for all training-centre activities. - Support the continuous improvement and future development of the training centre. 4. MEA Regional L&D Ownership - Act as the principal L&D lead for the MEA region by assessing training needs, coordinating delivery and monitoring outcomes. - Mentor and support regional L&D personnel and maintain effective relationships with country HR and talent leads. - Develop localised training pathways and competency frameworks while ensuring consistency with broader organisational standards. - Support talent development initiatives, including succession planning, technical career pathways, onboarding, cross-skilling and upskilling programmes. - Promote consistent learning standards across countries while allowing for local legal, cultural and operational requirements. 5. Learning Delivery and Methods - Deliver and/or oversee blended learning solutions, including: - Classroom-based training - On-the-job coaching - Practical workshops - E-learning - Simulations - Virtual instructor-led training - Competency-based assessments - Promote the transfer of learning into the workplace through coaching, supervision, assessment and performance-support materials. - Implement appropriate competency assessment, verification and certification processes. - Evaluate the suitability and effectiveness of different learning methods for varied operational environments. 6. Stakeholder Management and Collaboration - Work closely with project directors, operations, engineering, health and safety, HR and talent-development stakeholders to ensure learning activities support operational priorities. - Communicate L&D plans, progress and outcomes to regional and central stakeholders. - Build strong, collaborative working relationships across cultures, functions and geographical locations. - Provide clear advice to managers on competency requirements, development priorities and training solutions. 7. Continuous Improvement and Compliance - Monitor training effectiveness and continuously improve programmes using learner feedback, performance data, incident learnings and industry developments. - Ensure all training activities comply with applicable local laws, regulatory requirements, certification standards and internal safety and quality procedures. - Maintain accurate training, attendance, assessment and certification records. - Contribute to audits, reviews and investigations relating to competence, training or operational performance. - Promote a culture of continuous learning, professional development and accountability. Person Specification - Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Education, Human Resources, Business or a related discipline. - An advanced qualification in Learning and Development, instructional design, competence management or a technical discipline is desirable. - At least 6–8 years’ experience in technical training, L&D or competence management within rail, construction, heavy civil engineering, infrastructure or a related industry. - At least three years’ experience working in international or multi-country environments. - Proven experience managing a training centre or comparable technical training facility. - Demonstrated ability to design, implement and evaluate technical training programmes and competency frameworks. - Strong stakeholder-management skills, with experience working closely with project, engineering and operational teams. - Experience managing, coaching and developing trainers or other learning professionals. - Practical experience with blended-learning technologies, learning management systems and assessment tools. Language Requirements - Fluency in English, French and Arabic, both written and spoken, is mandatory. Core Competencies and Attributes - Strong interpersonal, communication, facilitation and influencing skills across cultures. - Technical understanding of rail engineering, infrastructure and operations, with the ability to interpret complex technical information and convert it into effective learning content. - Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities across different countries and time zones. - Results-oriented, analytical and data-driven approach to measuring learning impact. - Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with diverse stakeholders. - Strong commitment to safety, quality, compliance and professional standards. - Adaptability, resilience and willingness to work in changing and demanding operational environments. - Ability to build trust and establish effective relationships across international teams. Travel and Working Conditions - Frequent travel to project sites and operational locations across international territories, including the MEA region. - Travel may represent up to 40% or more of working time, depending on business requirements. - The role may require occasional weekend work, extended site visits or temporary stays away from the normal place of work. - The postholder must be able to work effectively in multicultural, technically demanding and geographically dispersed environments.