Learning And Development (L&D) Manager

The Role:

The purpose of this role is to lead and manage the Learning and Development (L&D) function to ensure a competent, compliant, and high-performing workforce capable of supporting safe and efficient open-pit mining operations. The role is responsible for ensuring that training systems, workforce development initiatives, and learning programs align with operational requirements, company standards, and Ethiopian labor and mining regulatory requirements, with a strong focus on building national capability and supporting sustainable mining operations.

Main Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Learning & Development Strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Learning and Development strategy aligned with operational, safety, and business objectives.
• Establish annual training plans, budgets, and workforce development programs in line with operational requirements.
• Ensure training initiatives support sustainable mining operations and continuous improvement.
• Identify future capability requirements and align workforce development strategies accordingly.

2. Regulatory Compliance Ethiopian Labor & Mining Requirements

• Ensure compliance with Labor Proclamation No. 1156/2019, particularly regarding training, occupational safety, and employee development.
• Develop and submit annual employment and training plans in accordance with mining regulatory and licensing requirements.
• Ensure alignment with Mining Operations Proclamation No. 678/2010, including preference for employment of qualified Ethiopian nationals and support for employee training and development.
• Ensure all training programs support occupational health and safety compliance and statutory obligations.
• Maintain accurate training records and documentation for audits and regulatory reviews.

3. Training Program Design & Implementation

• Design, implement, and continuously improve technical, operational, compliance, and safety training programs for open-pit mining operations.
• Develop competency-based training frameworks, skills matrices, and role-specific learning pathways.
• Ensure employees and contractors receive appropriate induction, safety, and job-specific training prior to deployment.
• Implement structured onboarding, refresher, and compliance training programs aligned with operational risks.
• Evaluate training effectiveness and recommend improvements where required.

4. Workforce Development & Nationalization

• Lead workforce development initiatives aimed at building Ethiopian workforce capability and reducing reliance on expatriate labor.
• Implement structured succession planning and skills transfer programs.
• Coordinate mentoring, coaching, and leadership development initiatives for supervisors and high-potential employees.
• Support localization strategies by strengthening technical and leadership capabilities across the workforce.

5. Competency & Performance Management

• Establish and maintain competency frameworks aligned with mining industry occupational standards.
• Conduct training needs analyses and competency gap assessments.
• Monitor and evaluate training effectiveness using KPIs, assessments, and operational performance indicators.
• Support performance management processes through integration of training and development plans.

6. Health, Safety & Risk Integration

• Ensure all learning programs reinforce a strong safety culture and compliance with HSE standards.
• Integrate risk-based training approaches to address operational hazards within open-pit mining environments.
• Ensure critical risk training is conducted, including equipment operation, working at heights, blasting awareness, and emergency response procedures.
• Participate in workplace risk assessments and safety improvement initiatives.

7. Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with mining, processing, HSE, HR, and contractor teams to align training activities with operational requirements.
• Liaise with regulatory authorities, training institutions, and external service providers where required.
• Support audits, inspections, and reporting requirements related to workforce development and training compliance.

8. Continuous Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement of learning systems, training delivery methods, and workforce capability initiatives.
• Implement modern learning methodologies, including e-learning, coaching, and simulation-based learning.
• Benchmark training practices against mining industry standards and implement best practices.

Additional Responsibilities:

Finance & Commercial

• Support and implement cost optimization initiatives.
• Ensure departmental expenditure remains within approved budget allocations.
• Monitor training-related expenditure and resource utilization.

Leadership & Management

• Participate in cross-functional initiatives to achieve operational and departmental objectives.
• Demonstrate agility, resilience, and strong leadership capability in a remote mining environment.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

People Management

• Support team members by removing operational obstacles and maintaining focus on priorities.
• Promote employee engagement, inclusivity, and collaboration within multicultural teams.
• Support industrial relations stability and workforce risk mitigation.
• Develop workforce capability through coaching, mentoring, and structured development initiatives.

Health & Safety

• Ensure work processes are free from safety and health hazards.
• Ensure employees are adequately trained to perform work safely and effectively.
• Model behaviors aligned with company safety values and standards.
• Support departmental health and safety objectives and initiatives.

Compliance & Business Improvement

• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Report workforce-related risks and support mitigation initiatives.
• Participate in audits, inspections, and continuous improvement activities.
• Ensure compliance with Ethiopian labor legislation, mining regulations, and company standards.
• Maintain accurate and audit-ready training documentation and compliance records.

Productivity

• Improve training efficiency and workforce capability.
• Support reduction in absenteeism and employee turnover.
• Enhance employee engagement and operational performance through development programs.
• Support labor cost optimization through workforce planning and development.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or MA in Human Resources, Industrial Psychology, Education, or related field.
• Certification in Learning & Development, Human Resources, or Organizational Development is advantageous.

Experience:

• Minimum of 8–10 years’ experience in Learning and Development.
• Previous experience in mining, heavy industry, or similar operational environments is essential.
• Experience in competency-based training systems and workforce development programs.
• Experience in remote site operations and multicultural environments is advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Strong knowledge of learning systems, adult learning principles, and workforce development practices.
• Good understanding of Ethiopian labor legislation and mining regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of mining operations and operational risk environments.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and communication skills.
• Leadership, coaching, mentoring, and people development capability.
• Strong analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in remote environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork ability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and LMS/ERP systems.
• Strong English communication skills.
• High integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

Skills Required:

• Education / Teaching / Training
• Hr / Public / Admin