Senior Training & Development Specialist

Sandton, South Africa • Posted on 08/04/2026

• Salary highly negotiable market related salary
• Currency ZAR
• Province Gauteng
• Postal Code 2196
• Country South Africa

We are looking for an individual to design, implement, and continuously improve the organisation's learning and development initiatives by translating business and human resources strategy into practical, high-impact training solutions. The role is responsible for developing and delivering learning programmes, driving skills development compliance in line with legislative and B BBEE requirements, and ensuring the effective execution of the Workplace Skills Plan.

As a senior specialist, the role contributes to the development of the learning and development strategy, provides expert guidance on skills development priorities, and ensures alignment between organisational objectives, competency frameworks, and employee development initiatives. The incumbent is accountable for high-quality facilitation, instructional design, and the optimisation of learning systems and processes to enhance employee capability, performance, and organisational effectiveness.

• Interpret and understand overall business objectives and the implications for skills development.
• Analyse workforce data (skills gaps, performance trends, succession needs) to inform the strategy.
• Develop a skills development strategy aligned to business needs.
• Align the skills development strategy to the allocated skills development budget (leviable payroll).
• Align the strategy to B BBEE scorecard requirements and targets.
• Ensure alignment between the skills development strategy, Workplace Skills Plan (WSP), and organisational objectives.
• Monitor implementation of the strategy and adjust where necessary based on business changes.

• Present the skills development strategy and competency framework to management to guide needs analysis discussions.
• Engage with managers to identify individual and departmental training needs.
• Conduct comprehensive skills gap assessments for both new and existing employees.
• Analyse identified skills gaps and align them to the defined key competencies.
• Maintain and update the skills matrix for each position on an annual basis.
• Recommend appropriate and relevant learning interventions to address identified gaps.
• Schedule monthly training in terms of operational requirements, as per the Workplace Skills Plan.
• Attend annual Services SETA WSP/ATR workshops to stay aligned with current requirements, systems, and processes.
• Understand and apply mandatory and discretionary grant criteria, including claim processes and compliance requirements.
• Review organisational strategy, skills needs analysis, and training priorities to inform the Workplace Skills Plan.
• Advise on appropriate learning interventions aligned to business needs, B BBEE requirements, and SETA guidelines.
• Compile and submit the Workplace Skills Plan (WSP) in line with Services SETA requirements and legislated deadlines.
• Implement approved training initiatives, including learnerships and internship programmes aligned to organisational and B BBEE objectives.
• Monitor the execution of the WSP, ensuring that planned training is delivered and accurately recorded.
• Maintain accurate training records and supporting documentation for audit and reporting purposes.
• Track and reconcile Skills Development Levy (SDL) payments and grant rebates.
• Ensure compliance with all Services SETA grant claim requirements.
• Compile and submit the Annual Training Report (ATR) at the end of the reporting period, reflecting all training implemented.
• Review outcomes and identify improvements for the next WSP cycle.

• Induction & Onboarding:
  • Develop role specific onboarding plans.
  • Communicate onboarding plan to new employees before start date.
  • Track completion and obtain manager sign off.
• Training & Workshops:
  • Conduct in house training sessions and workshops.
  • Prepare training materials, rooms, and activities in advance.
  • Deliver training using practical exercises, discussions, presentations, and role play.
  • Clearly communicate session objectives. Promote active participation and maintain a positive learning environment.
  • Select appropriate training resources for participants.

• Design and implement Leadership Development Programs aligned to organisational goals.
• Identify training needs from the Leadership Framework.
• Implement mentorship and coaching programs.
• Conduct mentor/mentee briefing sessions.
• Upskill mentors through formal training.
• Collate feedback from mentors and mentees.

• Evaluate organisational readiness for learnerships and internships.
• Apply for registration with relevant SETAs.
• Select, onboard, and mentor learners and interns.
• Monitor progress and provide feedback. Report enrolments to Finance for SARS rebate.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements.

• Conduct research for identified training initiatives.
• Design and develop course material tailored to organisational requirements.
• Compile facilitator guides, student notes, slides, tutorials, and manuals.
• Measure training material against objectives.
• Regularly review and update materials.

• Complete LMS implementation and technical setup.
• Develop and launch training modules according to plan.
• Ensure employee access and system integration.
• Track activity, completion, and feedback.
• Implement feedback to continuously improve LMS and modules.

• Develop and implement training policies and procedures.
• Facilitate OHS and compliance training.
• Track completion of mandatory training.
• Maintain accurate training records.
• Participate in Employment Equity Committee and interventions.
• Implement wellness programs and report effectiveness.
• Ensure HR data and payroll systems (SAGE People) are accurate.

• University Degree or relevant qualification in ODETDP (Occupationally directed Education, Training & Development)
• 5+ years' experience in the design and implementation of learning and development programs.
• Training facilitation (classroom, virtual, blended)
• Instructional design and content development
• Managing or supporting learnerships and internships
• Working with LMS platforms
• SAGE People - Training Module
• Experience in a multi site or operational environment