Learning & Development Manager

Position: Learning & Development Manager
Location: Labman HQ, Stokesley, North Yorkshire
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 (based on experience)
Employment Type: Full-Time (Monday - Friday 37.5hrs)

We kindly ask that candidates who have previously applied for this position, wait at least six months before reapplying.

About the Role

At Labman Automation, we design and build bespoke robotic systems that enable science through technology.

We’re looking for an experienced Learning & Development Lead to evolve and lead our L&D function as we continue to grow. This is a hands-on role combining strategy and delivery: you’ll refine and enhance our existing learning resources and approaches, develop technical and leadership capability, and personally facilitate engaging training sessions (around 25% of your time).

You’ll work closely with leaders across engineering and the wider business to identify skills gaps, strengthen learning pathways, improve access to existing development resources, and help embed a culture of continuous learning that scales with the business.

What You’ll Do:

• Build and own the company-wide L&D strategy, aligned to business goals and growth plans
• Set up and refine L&D processes, tools and ways of working as the function grows
• Lead Training Needs Analysis across all departments and create role/team/individual learning plans
• Manage the L&D budget, external training providers, and help develop internal facilitators
• Measure learning impact using clear metrics/KPIs (e.g., time-to-competence, completion, leadership effectiveness)
• Partner with engineering and functional leaders to support technical training and development pathways
• Support creation/improvement of competence frameworks where needed
• Keep accurate training records
• Design and deliver programmes that strengthen leadership and people skills (coaching, feedback, communication, leading teams)
• Support managers with practical tools for objectives, reviews and team development
• Work closely with our In Education Coordinator supporting apprentices/HNC/HND/degree learning pathways and college
• Own and evolve onboarding so new starters integrate quickly and effectively
• Promote a culture of learning through knowledge-sharing, mentoring and employee-led learning clubs

What You’ll Need:

• Proven experience developing and implementing an L&D strategy within an organisation
• Experience building L&D approaches/practice in a growing business (ideally 150–350 people
• Confidence designing technical upskilling and professional/leadership development programmes
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills — able to deliver interactive, engaging training
• Pragmatic, creative approach suited to a high-growth, non-corporate environment
• Comfortable using data and feedback to evaluate and improve learning initiatives
• Understanding of adult learning principles and modern L&D methods/tech
• Experience supporting early-career development

Desirable:

• Highly desirable - background in engineering/technology/complex environments
• CIPD qualification

Company Benefits:

• 33 days annual holiday (rising to 38 over 5 years) inc. public holidays
• Private Healthcare with Aviva
• 5% employer pension (no upper earnings cap)
• Travel opportunities in various roles
• Enhanced maternity pay (long service applicable)
• Enhanced paternity leave
• CPD support and annual subscription to appropriate body covered
• Free in-house gym, squash, bouldering wall, and countless clubs

In it together – We’re a team; a community of mutual support
Excellence – Working and delivering at the very highest quality
Humility – Respecting yourself and others
Sustainability – Recognition that we have an impact on our planet, our company and our community
Fun – Enjoyment in your work