Respond is one of the largest housing associations in Ireland, providing social housing and homeless services. Our vision is that 'every family and individual in Ireland will have high-quality housing as part of a vibrant and caring community'. We are growing rapidly in response to the housing crisis and are now looking for the right person who has the passion and skills to help us realise our vision.
Respond is committed to equal employment and growing a diverse workforce. If you do not "tick every box" there are likely other valuable attributes and skills that you have, that would make you a great fit for the organisation. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, nationalities, genders and from anyone who has historically faced social exclusion. If you feel this role is for you, then please apply.
Job Title: Senior Learning & Development Specialist
Location: Hybrid with expectation of in person presence in Dublin office
Department: People & Culture
Reporting To: Director of People & Culture
Terms: 39 Hours per week Monday to Friday
Salary Range: €66,615 - €86,208
(Please note that offers are typically made at the beginning to mid-range of the advertised salary based on skills and experience)
Role Purpose
The role is responsible for supporting the design and delivery of key people and workplace experience initiatives that enhance employee engagement, capability, and organisational culture. Working closely with the Director of People & Culture, this role translates strategic priorities into practical learning & development programmes and interventions that enable employees and managers to thrive.
The role plays a key part in delivering a consistent, high-quality employee experience and ensuring that people practices align with organisational goals.
Context
Operating within a small People & Culture team, the role-holder will report to and work closely with the Director of People & Culture to embed a culture of continuous professional development, ensuring that staff at all levels are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to deliver high-quality housing and support services.
This role offers the opportunity to shape and embed a learning culture within a values-driven organisation committed to delivering high-quality housing and community outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Learning Strategy & Planning
- Develop and oversee the implementation of an annual L&D plan aligned to organisational objectives, workforce planning priorities, and regulatory requirements.
- Conduct learning needs analysis (LNA) across departments to identify capability gaps and development priorities.
- Establish competency frameworks aligned to role profiles and organisational values.
- Support succession planning and talent development initiatives.
- Support organisational change initiatives through targeted learning and capability development programmes.
- External Training Provision & Vendor Management
- Identify, procure, and manage external training providers to deliver specialist and accredited programmes.
- Draft training briefs and evaluate provider proposals against quality, cost, and relevance criteria.
- Manage service level agreements (SLAs) and monitor provider performance.
- Coordinate logistics for externally delivered programmes (scheduling, communications, evaluation, certification).
- Manage the annual L&D budget including budgeting, expenditure monitoring, and value for money
- In-House Programme Design & Delivery
- Design and deliver internal training modules in areas such as
- Induction and onboarding
- Leadership and management development
- Performance management processes
- Values-based behaviours and culture
- Mentoring Programmes
Oversee the design, coordination, and evaluation of the organisation's apprenticeship programme in partnership with accredited training bodies.
- Support employees in maintaining relevant professional accreditation and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements where applicable.
- Develop facilitator guides, participant materials, and evaluation tools.
- Deliver workshops using blended learning methodologies (in-person, virtual, self-directed).
- Embed adult learning principles and experiential learning approaches in programme design.
- Ensure learning programmes are inclusive, accessible, and reflective of the organisation's equality, diversity, and inclusion commitments.
- Learning Systems & Reporting
- Manage the Learning Management System (LMS) or equivalent tracking system.
- Develop or source online learning materials, such as short e-learning modules and self-directed learning resources, to support staff development.
- Monitor participation, completion rates, and impact metrics.
- Produce quarterly L&D reports outlining KPIs, return on investment (ROI), and engagement metrics.
- Maintain accurate training records & support audit processes related to workforce training and development.
Work with senior management to link learning initiatives to organisational outcomes such as service quality, employee engagement, and regulatory compliance
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Partner with managers to support performance development conversations and personal development planning.
- Provide guidance and coaching to managers on capability-building, coaching, and supporting employee development within teams. Promote a culture of continuous learning across the organisation.
- Support cross-functional projects within People & Culture as required. Support knowledge sharing and organisational learning by capturing internal best practice, lessons learned, and subject-matter expertise.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Third-level qualification in Human Resource Management, Organisational Development, Learning & Development, or related discipline.
- Minimum 8 years' experience in an L&D or HR role with a strong training focus.
- Demonstrated experience managing external training providers and associated procurement processes.
- Experience designing and delivering in-house training programmes.
- Experience working within a complex or scaling organisation.
Desirable
- Professional membership (e.g., CIPD or equivalent).
- Awareness and working knowledge of adult learning theory and instructional design methodologies.
Key Competencies
- Strategic thinking with operational execution capability
- Strong facilitation and presentation skills
- Project management and organisational skills
- Analytical mindset with data-driven decision-making ability
- Vendor negotiation and contract management capability
- High levels of discretion and professionalism
- Collaborative and stakeholder-focused approach
Closing date for applications: 8th of June 2026.
