Role Overview
The Learning & Development (L&D) Lead for the Operations Excellence team will play a pivotal role in shaping CBRE’s technical talent development strategy across the EMEA region. This role is responsible for designing, building, and delivering a comprehensive Technical Academy that supports technicians, engineers, and workplace experience colleagues.
The L&D Lead will drive capability uplift, enhance operational excellence, and support accounts transitioning to or enhancing Self-Perform (SP) models. They will champion apprenticeship programmes, career pathways, and development initiatives, acting as both a skills advocate and a pastoral support resource. The role will also coordinate high-profile events that elevate awareness of technical talent pipeline challenges while celebrating and promoting technician excellence within CBRE.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Academy Development (EMEA)Design, build, and implement a structured EMEA Technical Academy that supports technician and engineering capability uplift.Develop scalable and repeatable training frameworks tailored to regional regulatory, technical, and business needs.Partner with SMEs, vendors, and account teams to create learning pathways aligned to CBRE’s technical standard, IFM ACADEMY and operational excellence goals.Learning Content DevelopmentCreate engaging technical and workplace experience training content for technicians, coordinators, and other operational colleagues.Oversee digital learning assets, microlearning modules, toolkits, and technical capability assessments.Ensure content aligns with CBRE’s global operational standards, compliance requirements, and customer expectations.Apprenticeship & Early Careers Programme LeadershipManage and continually improve CBRE’s apprenticeship pathways across the region.Partner with HR and Talent Acquisition to attract, support, and retain early-career technical employees.Provide pastoral care and ongoing development guidance to apprentices and early-career colleagues.Support career progression mapping for all technician levels.Capability & Career Path DevelopmentDefine clear, structured career pathways for technical roles within the EMEA.Establish and monitor skills matrices, competency frameworks, and development plans to support long-term career growth.Work closely with managers and account leaders to embed development pathways in workforce planning.Talent Pipeline Awareness & EventsCo-lead events, campaigns, and initiatives designed to raise awareness of talent pipeline challenges in the technical/FM sector.Champion technician recognition and engagement by coordinating events, forums, technical showcases, and learning days.Build CBRE GWS’s employer brand as a leading developer of technical talent.Onboarding & Training DeliveryDeliver onboarding sessions for technicians and operations colleagues, ensuring alignment with CBRE culture, operational processes, HSE standards, and customer service expectations.Support “train-the-trainer” sessions for SMEs and account-based technical leaders.Self-Perform Support (Accounts & Operations)
- Partner with accounts transitioning to or expanding Self-Perform models, ensuring they are equipped with capability development resources.
- Provide technical training guidance, capability assessments, and workforce development planning.
- Advise on training needs to support operational readiness and compliance.
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Collaborate closely with Operations Excellence pillars, Engineering leadership, People, Talent Development, and account teams.
- Build strong external networks with training providers, industry bodies, and accreditation organizations.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
- Proven experience in Learning & Development within technical fields (engineering, FM, manufacturing, or related).
- Strong understanding of technical competencies, engineering principles, or maintenance operations.
- Experience designing and delivering training content, including digital learning.
- Strong communication and facilitation skills, capable of engaging technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to manage multiple stakeholders across a large region.
- Experience with apprenticeships, early-career development, or pastoral support.
- Experience working within Facilities Management or engineering services.
- Accreditation in L&D (e.g., CIPD, LPI) or teaching/training qualifications.
- Familiarity with competency frameworks and skills matrices.
Key Attributes
- Passion for technical talent development and operational excellence.
- Highly collaborative and able to influence across multiple business units.
- Innovative, proactive, and able to build new programmes from the ground up.
- Empathetic and supportive when working with apprentices and early-career colleagues.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to deliver high-impact learning solutions.
Why CBRE
When you join CBRE, you become part of the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment that helps businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared values — respect, integrity, service and excellence — and we value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to chart your own course and realize your potential. We welcome all applicants.
Applicant AI Use Disclosure
We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.
