Head of Learning & Leadership Development

dis-chem pharmacies’ in midrand has an opportunity available for a head of learning & leadership development to join the team. The main purpose of this role will be to architect and drive an integrated learning and leadership development strategy that strengthens dis-chem’s capability pipeline, supports long-term career growth, and enables operational excellence through future-ready, digital-first learning solutions. This role provides strategic leadership to learning and training objectives across dis-chem, ensuring alignment of learning pathways to the employee value proposition (evp), organisational development priorities, and digital transformation.

A key focus is on embedding modern leadership practices that support dis-chem’s growth, innovation, and culture transformation agendas.

• bachelor’s degree in hr, learning & development, organisational psychology, or related field
• minimum 10 years in learning & development, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role preferably in a large entity
• proven success in leading national learning teams across multi-site environments (retail, fmcg, or healthcare preferred)
• deep understanding of leadership development frameworks, adult learning principles, instructional design, and seta compliance

• lead the development of a group-wide learning strategy aligned to business priorities, growth targets, and talent needs across retail, healthcare, distribution, and support functions.
• integrate learning into performance, transformation, and succession plans to ensure talent readiness and depth across all levels.
• translate business challenges into learning solutions that drive productivity, compliance, innovation, and employee experience.
• identify and embed future-fit metrics to ensure the positive impact of learning experiences, value, cost effectiveness, and learner engagement and satisfaction and business outcomes.

• define and implement modern leadership development practices grounded in inclusive, empathetic, and agile leadership models.
• oversee the design and delivery of leadership journeys for frontline, mid-level, and executive leaders, ensuring alignment with organisational culture and strategic priorities.
• build a future-fit leadership pipeline through immersive learning experiences, mentorship, and coaching frameworks.
• develop structured, integrated learning pathways that connect roles, skills, qualifications, and progression across all job families.
• partner with talent & culture, total rewards functions to embed learning into career architecture, internal mobility, and evp value drivers.
• ensure learning is visible and accessible to employees, supporting self-directed development through clear pathways and recognition systems.

• oversee the development and curation of scalable, high-impact digital learning content and platforms (lms, microlearning, mobile-first tools).
• drive adoption of blended, social, and ai-powered learning models that enhance learning agility and accessibility across the workforce.
• leverage data analytics to measure learning impact, engagement, and learning roi, continuously improving through agile experimentation.
• establish a high-performing, collaborative, and accountable culture within the p&c retail team that reflects the organisation’s values and drives business impact.
• ensure the p&c team is equipped with the necessary skills, agility, and leadership capabilities to support a fast-paced and evolving retail environment.
• provide clear leadership and direction to the p&c team in delivering people priorities that enable retail operations and business performance.
• ensure the p&c team is structured and resourced effectively to meet the current and future needs of the retail business.
• commercial acumen
• execution orientation
• strategic influence
• resilience & agility
• stakeholder engagement

• south african citizen
• mie, clear criminal and credit
• driver’s license and/or own reliable transport
• occasional traveling

• market-related salary
• medical aid
• provident fund
• staff account

only successful applicants will be contacted. If you haven't been contacted within two weeks after the closing date consider your application as unsuccessful.

dis-chem pharmacies is an equal opportunity employer. Dis-chem’s approved employment equity plan and targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process aligned to dis-chem’s employment equity & transformation strategy. Dis-chem actively supports the recruitment of people with disabilities.