Training Development Manager

NOW Group is an award-winning social enterprise operating across Belfast and Dublin. We are committed to working with individuals and businesses to unlock potential and create meaningful, lasting change across the island of Ireland.

Our work focuses on supporting people who are neurodiverse, autistic, or have a learning disability, helping them to build skills and progress into sustainable, future-focused employment. Through tailored training programmes, inclusive job opportunities, and community-based support, we empower individuals to achieve their goals and thrive in the workplace.

Our specialist employment and training services are delivered through the UK Government-funded SkillSET project, a partnership of seven regional disability organisations. The project provides tailored support to individuals with disabilities and health conditions who face multiple barriers to employment and are furthest from the labour market.

The Training Development Manager will provide strategic leadership and management of NOW Group's training and skills provision, ensuring programmes align with organisational objectives, labour market needs, fundingrequirementsand participant outcomes. The post holder will lead service development, secure funding opportunities, manage training staff and ensure effective governance,quality and performance across the training function.

1. Lead the strategic development of NOW Group's training and skills provision in line with organisational scorecard and objectives.

2. Identify emerging skills needs, labour market trends and sector opportunities to inform programme development.

3. Develop innovative training models that support organisational growth and impact.

4. Lead the development of funding applications, tenders and business opportunities relating to training and skills programmes,to expand training provision and diversify income streams.

5. Develop andmaintainstrategic relationships with funders, government agencies,educationprovidersand key stakeholders.

6. Lead workforce planning, performancemanagementand professional development within the Training team,Promotinga culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

7. Oversee team performance against contractual,operational and strategic targets.

8. Escalate risks and implement improvement plans where required.

9. Act as Designated Safeguarding Officer for the Training Departmentandensure safeguarding standards are embedded across all training provision.

10. Undertake any other dutiescommensuratewith the level of the post.

This job description is not definitive and may be subject to review as the duties and responsibilities determine

At NOW Group, we value and invest in our team. As part of our organisation, youll benefit from:

• Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave plus 12 statutory days (pro-rata).
• Health Cash Plan: Available after successful probation.
• Wellbeing Support: Confidential staff counselling and financial advisory services.
• Pension Scheme: 5% employer contribution.
• Flexible Work Initiatives: Including the Bike-to-Work scheme, holiday purchase options, and more.

About The Role

• Employment is subject to an Enhanced AccessNI Disclosure check.
• NOW Group is committed to fair recruitment practices. Policies on safeguarding, recruitment of ex-offenders, and data protection are available upon request.

Required Criteria

• 1. Degree-level qualification in Learning & Development, Education, Human Resources, Business Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional qualification and substantial relevant experience.
• 2. A recognised teaching or training qualification, such as the Certificate in Teaching (Further Education) Northern Ireland, Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training, or equivalent.
• 3. Minimum of 3 years' experience in a training, learning and development, or workforce development role.
• 4. Experience designing, delivering and evaluating training programmes.
• 5. Experience managing staff, trainers, or projects.
• 6. Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• 7. Excellent communication, presentation and facilitation skills.
• 8. Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• 9. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and SharePoint.

Desired Criteria

• 1. At least 2 years experience of supporting young people or adults with barriers to learning
• 2. Certificate in Teaching or equivalent teaching qualification
• 3. Experience of developing courses for accreditation and working with awarding bodies.
• 4. At least 2 years' experience of taking a lead role in ETI inspections, self-evaluation and quality improvement processes.
• 5. Internal verifier, External Verifier or assessor qualifications.

Skills Needed

About The Company

At the heart of the NOW Groups mission is its commitment to empowering individuals to gain skills and access meaningful employment. It achieves this through tailored employment academies, which provide participants with industry-specific training and…