There has never been a more exciting time to join the world of mobility! The automotive industry will change fundamentally by 2030: electric drive and fully-networked transportation with autonomous drive will determine how we move around in future. With the Group strategy "NEW AUTO – Mobility for Generations to Come", the Volkswagen Group is a significant driver of this transformation.
Volkswagen Group Ireland (VGIE) is wholly owned by Volkswagen AG, the largest automotive company in the world with many of the most iconic automotive brands. In Ireland, we are the national sales company of six brands - Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, SEAT, CUPRA and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Our combined share of the Irish automotive market is 25%.
Purpose of the Role
The National Learning Centre (NLC) Programme Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for the delivery of all training programmes across the National Learning Centre. The role ensures that all technical, sales, and customer experience programmes align with Volkswagen Group Ireland's learning strategy and business priorities. Acting as the operational lead for the centre, the Programme Manager drives excellence in delegate experience, centre utilisation, and commercial performance, while fostering collaboration across brands and functions.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Strategy, Coordination & Delivery
- Lead the planning, scheduling, and coordination of all training programmes across brands, ensuring alignment with business goals and dealer network needs.
- Develop and maintain an optimised annual training calendar, balancing capacity, demand, and resource efficiency.
- Oversee the end-to-end delegate journey — from enrolment and pre-course communications to attendance, certification, and evaluation.
- Analyse programme outcomes, delegate feedback, and utilisation data to drive continuous improvement.
Centre Operations & Governance
- Act as the senior operational lead for the National Learning Centre, ensuring facilities, equipment, and learning environments are maintained to the highest standard.
- Collaborate with Facilities, IT, and third-party providers to ensure smooth daily operations and quick resolution of issues.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and quality standards, maintaining audit readiness at all times.
- Monitor utilisation and implement strategies to maximise centre performance and ROI.
Stakeholder & Partner Engagement
- Partner with the Head of Technical Service & Training to ensure learning programmes directly support strategic objectives.
- Build strong relationships with brand managers, HR, trainers, and external partners to align content and delivery with evolving needs.
- Collaborate with VWG UK and Group colleagues to leverage shared content, platforms, and best practices.
- Represent the NLC in internal forums, contributing insights and data to support business decision-making.
Commercial Management & Reporting
- Drive operational efficiency through effective scheduling, trainer utilisation, and cost management.
- Support revenue generation through venue hire, external training, and funded initiatives.
- Maintain accurate programme data, attendance records, and evaluation results within the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Produce monthly performance reports for senior leadership, covering utilisation, satisfaction, cost efficiency, and strategic alignment.
Leadership & Team Development
- Provide clear direction and day-to-day leadership to the Training Administrator, ensuring delivery of high-quality administrative support.
- Foster a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Support professional growth within the team through coaching and development opportunities.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Significant experience managing learning operations, training centres, or large-scale programme portfolios in a corporate or educational environment.
- Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and deadlines.
- Proven ability to align learning delivery with strategic business objectives.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills across all levels.
- Proficiency in Learning Management Systems (LMS), data analytics, and reporting tools.
- Commercial acumen with experience in budgeting, cost management, and performance reporting.
Desirable
- Experience within the automotive, technical, or manufacturing training sector.
- Background in vendor or partner management, including negotiation and service level management.
- Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2, PMP) or equivalent experience.
Core Competencies
- Strategic Delivery: Aligns learning programmes and operations with corporate priorities and business outcomes.
- Collaboration: Builds trusted partnerships across brands, departments, and external providers.
- Customer Focus: Ensures a premium delegate experience reflective of Volkswagen Group standards.
- Operational Excellence: Drives efficiency, compliance, and continuous improvement across the centre.
- Leadership: Inspires, supports, and develops team members to achieve high performance.
- Adaptability: Responds proactively and effectively to shifting priorities and emerging needs.
Fair Processing Notice
Where your application relates to a role at Volkswagen Group Ireland Limited ('VGIE'), VGIE will be the data controller in that regard, and your personal data will be processed for the purposes of your job application. Your personal data is processed in line with VGIE's legitimate business interests as a data controller, as the lawful basis. Where you have applied for a role with a dealer, that dealer will be the data controller in respect of your application. Your personal data will only be held for a period of 60 days, once a decision has been made on your application. VGIE is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate against race, gender identity or expression, age, colour, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, and regulations. You have a number of rights as a data subject – to exercise them e-mail privacy@vwgi.ie. For all further information on how your personal data is processed, read our Candidate Privacy Notice.
